Previous Story
Jazz Instrumentalist LIVINGSTON TAYLOR Discusses His Brand New Album, Safe Home And More!
Posted On 02 Mar 2017
Comment: 0
Chesky Records is a New York based Jazz and Singer-Songwriter label that specializes in high-definition audio recordings. An artist on the label, Livingston Taylor, is set to release a new album titled Safe Home, which pairs deftly clever lyrics with feel-good music, and features world class musicians Shelly Berg (piano), Dave Finck (bass), Bashiri Johnson (percussion), and Chelsea Berry (vocals).
Learn more about Livingston in the following All Access interview:
Q: Thanks for your time! What are some words you would use to describe 2016 for you and your music? What were some of the highlights? What are you most excited about for 2017? Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions?
A: Exploring the details of my craft in depth allowed me, in 2016, to climb to the crystal clarity of the highest hills. Excited in 2017 to see further still. New Year’s resolutions: woke up at first light January 1 committed to fitness through yoga, meditation, and a vegan-based diet. Sadly, got hungry, and ate a cinnabon at 11:30am… oh well.
Q: Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? Could you see yourself doing anything else today?
A: From my earliest days, I knew I had to sing my soul and because of an unbelievably generous universe, have been able to do so. The die is cast, I must pursue musical truth.
Q: Why do you think Chesky Records is the right place for you and your music today? How long have you been with them?
A: I’ve been with Chesky for 25 years. Norman and David Chesky are patient and generous with all of their artists and I bless them for letting me either fly or soar.
Q: You are about to release your album, “Safe Home.” Can you talk about putting this collection together? What was the inspiration behind these songs?
A: The original working title of “Safe Home” was “Songs My Parents Sang Too Loud”. I mined the musical pay dirt of my youth and found pure gold.
Q: How did you go about selecting the world class musicians to work with on this album? What was it like working with them all?
A: One of the great things about getting older is you can call the best players on the planet and they’ll enthusiastically answer.
Q: Do you have plans to tour this album this year?
A: Yes, I’m going to work tirelessly so this record is heard by every set of ears in the known universe.
Q: Who are some of your favorite musicians? What musicians would you love to work with in the future?
A: I’ve taught long enough that my former students are now maturing into world-class players. I’ll be making them a part of future projects.
Q: At the end of the day, what do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope people take away from your songs?
A: I wish my songs to remind people that they are well, that they are beautiful, and above all else, they are deeply loved.
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?
A: Yes, how about those Patriots?!?
