My music, I hope, helps to make the world a better place. I hope someone can come hear me and feel better when they go home. I like the idea Johnny Griffin has that I read once, “Shoot them bullets of love,” Or the sentiment expressed by Herbie Hancock, “Jazz is about transforming pain into joy.” Shostakovich said once about living under Stalin’s regime, that music is people’s last hope. Those are awful big shoes to try to fill, but how many times in people’s lives would the difference be made for the better if in a moment of vulnerability they listened to something that didn’t make them feel worse and maybe pushed them over the edge? If it can’t ever be about helping someone in those delicate moments, then what’s the point? Yes, I believe there’s an artistic responsibility to help the world by letting the music, a spiritual power, speak through you to others. I just hope mine does that.
I’m not where I thought I’d be in my musical career; I’m where I chose to be. Five years from now? I don’t know, but I’ve got a date with destiny to keep.
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Brent Blount / Blog
A Little about Me and the Music
My music, I hope, helps to make the world a better place. I hope someone can come hear me and feel better when they go home. I like the idea Johnny Griffin has that I read once, “Shoot them bullets of love,” Or the sentiment expressed by Herbie Hancock, “Jazz is about transforming pain into joy.” Shostakovich said once about living under Stalin’s regime, that music is people’s last hope. Those are awful big shoes to try to fill, but how many times in people’s lives would the difference be made for the better if in a moment of vulnerability they listened to something that didn’t make them feel worse and maybe pushed them over the edge? If it can’t ever be about helping someone in those delicate moments, then what’s the point? Yes, I believe there’s an artistic responsibility to help the world by letting the music, a spiritual power, speak through you to others. I just hope mine does that.
I’m not where I thought I’d be in my musical career; I’m where I chose to be. Five years from now? I don’t know, but I’ve got a date with destiny to keep.
Reply
Play on Brother! So nice to hear you swinging.