Jazz musicians can be the best storytellers when given the opportunity. Because they travel extensively and perform in so many venues, they interact with other musicians, booking agents, hotel staff, recording studios and agents. They may also have come from a different musical background--rock, pop or classical, and many jazz musicians are well versed in musical genres. You are sure to get an article that is extremely interesting when you choose this a jazz musician as the subject of your interview.
Instructions
Interview a Jazz Musician
1. Do your homework about the musician you'll interview before you sit down. That means reading about him, listening to his recordings and even watching performance clips online. You should have a firm grasp on the musician's background, including where he grew up, early musical influences, where he studied, if he grew up in a musical family, recent tours, recordings, and any awards received. You should also read reviews of performances and recordings.
2. Have your questions ready. You may have little time so use every moment wisely. You may want to start with a question that references something she's doing at present--recording a CD, touring, composing, or arranging. You can then work backward, and frame your questions in reference to past activities. If you haven't previously mentioned that you'd like to tape record the interview, ask if it's alright before doing so. Also, ask if there's any topic off limits. Some people, not just musicians, being interviewed may want to steer away from personal topics. You want to gain their trust, and be sure to demonstrate mutual respect.
3. Tailor your questions to the person that the musician truly is as an individual. Your list of questions will partially depend on who the musician is and whether or not she's an instrumentalist or vocalist. Here are some suggested questions after you've asked about a current project that will undoubtedly provide insight into her approach to jazz and provide readers with insight into her creative process. Ask what her process is for interpreting a non-jazz piece as a jazz piece. Ask if she works with the same group of musicians or if they rotate, depending on the project. Ask what it's like working with new musicians and whether it's a your natural process or if it takes time to develop that kind of dialog. Ask about favorite performance venues, and seek a story when a performance didn't go as planned. Ask how she decides on which tunes to record or include in performances and tours. If she comes from a classical or pop background, ask how that training has influenced her interpretation of jazz works.
4. Inquire about interests other than music to bring out another side of the musician's personality. Ask about family background, where he was raised, his first experience with music, musical heroes, influences, and mentors. Ask when he first knew he wanted to pursue a career in music and if he had other jobs. Ask if there's something else he'd like to do some day.
5. Ask for stories. Jazz musicians will have many. They'll have "on-the-road" stories. They'll have stories about food, getting sick on a tour, fighting with other musicians, falling in love, and performing with jazz giants. If you've done your homework, you may have found information about interests other than music, such as learning a foreign language, being a gourmet cook, knitting, or pottery. Remember, jazz is an important part of their lives, but they have other interests as well.
