Encore Entertainment Management

All music has a wonderful way of captivating the mind, but in my opinion Jazz has a marvelous way of captivating the mind, body and soul to such a degree that once it speaks to you, you are forever changed. The music is magical, it has a way of getting real personal too. It touches your heart, speaks to your spirit, it can creep in without notice and before you realize it, you're enraptured. Consequently, it causes the brain waves to float, or at least that's what it feels like to me, it's when you can just lay back and enjoy the ride. I grew up in a home of great music appreciation, so I know music's magic. But floating was new to me, I'd witnessed it but hadn't experienced it personally. Moreover, as a child I enjoyed music, but I wasn't enthralled in the same way as my parents and guardians were. As a result, for me the awakening came at a later time in my life. It came when I was receptive and open to understanding the 'voice' of Jazz, or should I say, sound of Jazz; and that happened for me around the age of twenty-three. I attended a jazz festival, and I sat down to chat with a friend while concurrently listening to the musicians. I found myself drifting away from the conversation with my friend while lending and ear to the band. I thought, oh my God, the saxophone is talking to the base player and the base player is jamming along with the piano and the guitarist is saying something to the drummer, so the band is telling us something. Yes, I had an epiphany! My spirit was becoming receptive, it was like I understood something special all of a sudden. I was made privy to a unique musical language... I was both honored and shocked. Then I felt a sense of sadness as I was upset that I hadn't had such a wonderful experience earlier in my life. But then, my friend looked at me and said, well it's all about 'timing'. Well overall I felt blessed to have been givin' such an enriching and uniquely expressive experience that day. After the enchantment was over, I walked up to the band and said something like, "Thank you, that was great, I felt something, what was that? Your horn was talking, I mean, it was really saying something..." They all laughed some, and the sax player said, "Well honey, I think that's what it's all about, that's Jazz. If you didn't feel anything then we didn't get the job done, so we're pleased, so keep listening it gets deeper than what you've experienced here today, that was just a taste, stay open and receptive." I was elated that day and as you can see I haven't forgot it. I finally understood what my relatives were experiencing, I mean, I really got-it in a spiritual sense. So that's why I love Jazz, because it first loved me. I appreciate all genres of music, but Jazz has a special place in my musical experience repertoire. Jazz touches your shoulder, kisses you on the cheek, whispers in your ear, creates butterflies in your stomach and tickles your heart.