Julian Priester: Reflections in Positivity

AAJ: Classical music and jazz share almost an identical market share in terms of record sales and press identity, yet symphonies live in lavish buildings financed by both private and public funds, while we as a community are swinging away in clubs, non-profits, all of which are in a constant state of financial struggle. Jazz is America's only original art form, whereas modern symphonies tend to eschew modern American composers in favor of European classical and romantic composers. When these institutions were originally formed and financed, clearly European music was prioritized as opposed to our own cultural heritage, which is firmly rooted in the experience of African Americans. Clearly we struggle with our own cultural identity here, as opposed to many other cultures that maintain and embellish their identifiable cultural traditions. How do you see this?

JP: I blame capitalism for that too. It's bent on turning it over, it has to have a new product. When sales start to drop off, forget that, let's go over here now. Consequently, everything is lost with that revolving psyche. What's value, who is valuable? It's here today, gone tomorrow, no matter what it is. That's not right. I'm concerned, I'm really concerned because we're on the precipice, if something doesn't happen to save us, it's going to get lost. How many people actually sit down and listen to music these days?

AAJ: Throughout your entire career, regardless of who you are playing with, or what style, or form your are engaging, in terms of your playing, you have remained true to yourself. Many musicians have told me that at the end of the day, it's about expressing yourself truthfully on the bandstand in the moment, having your peers accept what you are playing. To me, and many others, you exemplify this. Truth?

JP: That's the truth, yes. When I was working with Duke, I had to adapt, and that was one of the things that bothered me, because I wasn't really speaking from my own voice, I was speaking from Duke Ellington's voice. It was touch and go. All these great stylists in the band, each and every one of them as individuals had their own voice.

AAJ: And you certainly have yours my friend. Thank you so much Julian.

JP: My pleasure Paul.

Photo Credit: Daniel Sheehan / Earshot Jazz