The whole interview is great, but if time is short, make sure you check out 7:40-12:50. I love what he says about communicating through music—both with an audience and with band members—and his (lack of?) process when it comes to composing.
Notice Josh does not mention anything about wanting to play a certain number of “out” licks, or be able to navigate Coltrane changes like a god. Nope. Honesty, purity and creativity of expression…in the moment. That’s the goal.
And about the composing part…he mentions what other composers say (you need to write every day) and I agree. I just have never been able to muster the self-discipline to do it. But I LOVE studying process. I’m a process fanatic. I’m obsessed with learning how prolific people produce their work. And to that end I want to hip you to one of my all-time favorite, desert-island, must-read-at-least-twice-a-year books: Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art. Go get this book. Today.
Seriously.
Got it yet? Great! Your life is about to improve.
Great words of wisdom regarding being in the present moment!
Love to hear a person speak so honestly and honorably, great advice for any jazz musician.
He seems to have a very astute perception of the whole process, very refreshing.
Loved it. ¨Treat the music with the respect, awe, and humility it requires and deserves.¨ He certainly does, and so do you. Another good post, thank you!!
Very good. Shows what rare talent he has. Also kind of funny to know how smart he is. I often wonder how “IQ”has to do with creativity. I myself have been playing for years and can never internalize anything even after playing it over and over 1 million times. And I know I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. But Joshua seems very intelligent and also I hope one day if I get to meet him he is also very open like the great jazz musicians I’ve met so far my lifetime. Thank you very much Bob.
Joshua, you give us musician inspiration!
Thanks,
Marijke ( Middelburg)