I’ve been a fan of your work since it began. I appreciate all of the important videos you’ve produced and presented, and it’s always been obvious that there is passion and love embedded in what you do…for the music, and the people who make it.
It’s hard to reconcile life as an artist, especially if it’s so difficult to simply survive. I have worked hard all of my life making music and working to support it. I feel free of the desperation now at 62 years old, with a great partner in life - a wife who also has her own business and supports my music addiction.
When I started out it seemed the business was more tangible. Young artists have to be more creative than ever in today’s world. I believe the overlords have made it confusing and difficult on purpose, like everything else in our current world.
I will keep making music until I can’t anymore, because I must. It’s such a huge part of who I am and the act of making it far exceeds any other rewards that follow (or don’t). The upside is that my art has gotten better and more authentic to me since I’m no longer chasing the brass ring. I’m perfectly happy to share my music here on Substack and Bandcamp with no gatekeepers or restrictions, but that’s cold comfort to young artists (many of whom with big college loans to pay back) who need to find their way. All I can say is, the world is a better place with art in it, so I hope we keep finding a way.
Well done, Bret. I constantly reference your musician interviews. You have provided a service that will live, in the immortal words of Sammy Cahn, for a long, long time!
Happy 20th birthday! I'm 69 years young and still working as a pianist and online piano instructor - starting a new business while staring at 70. I love/need to be around intelligent, creative people and and recently discovered you on Facebook. You're a wonderful writer with a fascinating story. Appreciate you.
Happy Anniversary and congratulations, Brett. In a bit of irony, your complete interview with Maynard Ferguson popped up in my YouTube algorithm just this morning! It’s all that good karma you put out there.
I could have never imagined when I was thirteen and loving Maynard's Big Band, that would grow up to write the booklet for the Mosaic release of those Roulette recordings, or actually interview him on his 70th birthday. I still LOVE that music and Maynard was a very unique person.
Agreed he was a special person with special abilities and energies. He spawned generations of trumpet players. He was a great source of inspiration for me and people around the globe. Living in Chicago enabled me to see him 2 or 3 times a year. I miss that.
I've been to your site many a time and as I run a fiscally sponsored jazz nonprofit (with a YouTube Channel) , I know about the love of putting stuff out into the ethers to see how others take it in. You've done very well, Bret.
You’ve earned respect by representing those you respect with respect. You never have ceased to thrill and amaze me. Keep on keepin on. I’ll be listening, watching and reading. And I thank you for it.
Ten thousand Mazeltovs, Bret. You are a proud creator!. Your contribution is unique. Jazz is not mass entertainment (i hopefully postulate), it is high art of the most profound degree.
All I can do is to thank you and realize I am fortunate to be a recipient of your dedicated work. God bless you, Jazz Video Guy!
I’ve been a fan of your work since it began. I appreciate all of the important videos you’ve produced and presented, and it’s always been obvious that there is passion and love embedded in what you do…for the music, and the people who make it.
It’s hard to reconcile life as an artist, especially if it’s so difficult to simply survive. I have worked hard all of my life making music and working to support it. I feel free of the desperation now at 62 years old, with a great partner in life - a wife who also has her own business and supports my music addiction.
When I started out it seemed the business was more tangible. Young artists have to be more creative than ever in today’s world. I believe the overlords have made it confusing and difficult on purpose, like everything else in our current world.
I will keep making music until I can’t anymore, because I must. It’s such a huge part of who I am and the act of making it far exceeds any other rewards that follow (or don’t). The upside is that my art has gotten better and more authentic to me since I’m no longer chasing the brass ring. I’m perfectly happy to share my music here on Substack and Bandcamp with no gatekeepers or restrictions, but that’s cold comfort to young artists (many of whom with big college loans to pay back) who need to find their way. All I can say is, the world is a better place with art in it, so I hope we keep finding a way.
Thanks again for what you do, Bret!
Well done, Bret. I constantly reference your musician interviews. You have provided a service that will live, in the immortal words of Sammy Cahn, for a long, long time!
Happy 20th birthday! I'm 69 years young and still working as a pianist and online piano instructor - starting a new business while staring at 70. I love/need to be around intelligent, creative people and and recently discovered you on Facebook. You're a wonderful writer with a fascinating story. Appreciate you.
Happy Anniversary and congratulations, Brett. In a bit of irony, your complete interview with Maynard Ferguson popped up in my YouTube algorithm just this morning! It’s all that good karma you put out there.
I could have never imagined when I was thirteen and loving Maynard's Big Band, that would grow up to write the booklet for the Mosaic release of those Roulette recordings, or actually interview him on his 70th birthday. I still LOVE that music and Maynard was a very unique person.
Agreed he was a special person with special abilities and energies. He spawned generations of trumpet players. He was a great source of inspiration for me and people around the globe. Living in Chicago enabled me to see him 2 or 3 times a year. I miss that.
I've been to your site many a time and as I run a fiscally sponsored jazz nonprofit (with a YouTube Channel) , I know about the love of putting stuff out into the ethers to see how others take it in. You've done very well, Bret.
You’ve earned respect by representing those you respect with respect. You never have ceased to thrill and amaze me. Keep on keepin on. I’ll be listening, watching and reading. And I thank you for it.
Ten thousand Mazeltovs, Bret. You are a proud creator!. Your contribution is unique. Jazz is not mass entertainment (i hopefully postulate), it is high art of the most profound degree.
What a remarkable career! Not many people can maintain the ethical and moral principles the way you have. From your hometown West Hartford, CT.