The Jazz in Me

The "J" Word

2009-06-06T00:28:00.001-07:00

You know, people just get plain scared of the "J" word.

They see it and automatically form an opinion. It's usually either "I Love it!", or "I don't really like that!"

Yes, the term "Jazz" can scare the beans out of people.

If they hear a song that is described as jazz, they instantly react, mostly saying "this isn't the kind of thing I'm used to", or hear the word jazz and say "oh, I don't like that".

But I see Jazz as less of a music "style" and more of a description of my creative self.

The song "The Jazz in Me", which is also the title of my newest CD, does talk about how I'm more like Miles (Davis) than (John) Coltrane. But the comparisons aren't really about music.

Miles Davis is very well known as a Jazz icon. But if you study his life (or just take a listen to him playing), it wasn't his stellar playing that made him stand out and be revered as a giant of Jazz. It was his ability to put together the right people for the right job. It was unique style that didn't always require the killer, fast riffs (like Coltrane) to impress. It was his ability to be in the right place at the right time, and his staying power, even among players who were really better than he was.

I feel that's much more my strength: to put together great talent, find (or write) great songs, and then share that with the world. And it's what I plan to do pretty much the rest of my days.

In the second verse, I relate more to Thelonius Monk than Dizzy Gillespie. Certainly not because I'm able to play like Monk (dude was a freak), but I am much more messy and like him, more about the feel than the notes. The groove, passion, and attitude probably hit me more than being able to play cleanly and clearly. I loved Monk's laid back attitude.

In an earlier version of the song, I used basketball references for the second verse, saying I was more "Bird" than "Jordan". Now, anyone who knows me knows I am a gigantic Jordan and Bulls fan having lived in Chicago for a few years. But I'm certainly more of a Bird on the court than MJ, mainly because I'm just a big goofy white guy. But also because I rely more on smart shots, passing, and rebounds/defense (not that MJ wasn't good at all that..) I certainly use "the jazz in me" on the court though. I NEVER do the same move twice...much like my arranging.

But when I think of the "J" word, another word comes to mind: Jesus. Not to get over-religious, because that's definitely not my style, but when the word Jesus comes about, people definitely get uncomfortable.

As a guy who mixes jazz with spiritual ideas, it's funny to see the way people react differently to the word "gospel" which just usually means "black" to most white folks, and the word "Christian" which scares the "beJesus" out of some folks.

You can talk all day about the church, God, religion, etc, but the minute the words Jesus or Christ enter the conversation, people instantly get a bit unnerved. Isn't it funny that 2009 years later, Jesus still has that effect on people?

To be honest, I'd rather be more Jesus that Miles, Monk, or anyone, but that's easier said than done...and probably a whole other blog.

So, if you're still with me, here's your reward: a free download of "The Jazz in Me". Enjoy, share with friends.

But whatever you do, I implore you to celebrate the Jazz in you, whatever that may be. For me it's originality, creativity, positivity, musicality, and Jesus.

So what's the Jazz in YOU?

Thanks for reading! Find your free download at http://www.EricCopelandMusic.com/free.html

EC
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Eric Copeland is a producer, jazz artist, and all around creative prophet. He takes his creative message out across the country each year and his company "Creative Soul" works with jazz and gospel musicians from around the world.

Want to get some free email lists for monthly inspiration? Join up here! http://www.ericcopelandmusic.com/contact.html

My Steps Are Ordered

2009-01-01T11:56:00.000-08:00

Thoughts From a Creative Soul > My Steps Are Ordered
by Eric Copeland

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happening at the same time." - Tom Hanks, "Forrest Gump"

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way" (Ps 37:23).

I was raised in a Christian home. My Mom was the organist at our church, and so we were there whenever the doors opened.

To me, God and Jesus were just who I grew up with. I was always "in the presence", and really, have never felt away from it.

I can't really describe it, but I've always felt somewhat like a character from a movie like "Forrest Gump". My daddy always told me life is like a note on a trombone. You never know what you're gonna get!

But seriously, I always felt like God just had a purpose for me and that I was just this lucky guy that God steered down each road. Like he let people systematically come into my life EXACTLY when I needed them. Things unfolded and happened around me almost magically.

I'm not saying my life has been a breeze and nothing bad or hard ever happened, but it has been a wonderful, interesting, amazing ride.

In many ways I do feel like Forrest Gump in that it seemed I always and still do just seem to come upon life as it is happening. See things so miraculous and wondrous that just seem to happen around me. Like God is running this whole show and ordering every step for His purpose, but my eternal gain.

And like Forrest, I gladly just take what comes. God is a loving and faithful God. And I am happy for each moment and will gladly walk in the steps He has for me.

I think this is the real meaning behind my song "My Steps are Ordered" from my new CD "The Jazz in Me".

I hope you enjoy it.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5)

Hear "My Steps are Ordered" at http://www.EricCopelandMusic.com or buy it now at http://www.cdbaby.com/copeland3

On Facebook or Myspace? Find Eric Copeland Jazz and become a friend!

The Jazz in Me hits the streets!

2008-12-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

Well, it's official folks!

My newest CD in 8 years is now available!

I'm so excited about the songs, the players that gave wonderful performances, and the feeling you will get by having one of your very own.

Perfect for your car, iPod, or just playing while you're relaxing.

I'm so excited that I can finally share the finished CD with you and your friends that I'm extending the Christmas 'buy one get one free' special.

Buy a CD for a friend and get a FREE one for yourself!

Either go directly to http://www.cdbaby.com/copeland3 or listen to complete clips and info at http://www.EricCopelandMusic.com

Thanks!

EC

The First Podcast

2008-11-15T23:24:00.000-08:00

Here you go, the first podcast featuring the new songs from my new CD "The Jazz in Me".

Features "My Steps are Ordered", "Softly and Tenderly", and "The Jazz in Me"

Click on the title above to get the podcast, or find it on iTunes!!

Have fun!

EC

The Waiting...

2008-11-09T21:19:00.000-08:00

Well the final Master is done for the new Eric Copeland CD, "The Jazz in Me", the first release by new label Creative Soul Jazz. Everything is at the duplicator and CDs are baking...

Now the waiting for the CDs begins!

If you're excited to get one and want one of the FIRST SIGNED COPIES, you can go to the totally revamped EricCopelandMusic.com and download the Order Form, send it in, and when the CDs roll in you will be shipped one immediately.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

To make your Christmas shopping even easier, I'm offering two immediate deals just for my blog and newsletter readers that involve the new CD.

OFFER 1: Order 1 CD of "The Jazz in Me" and get one FREE to give away as a gift to that jazz lover friend. Only one FREE CD per customer please. Any CDs ordered through the mail with THIS Blog attached will get this deal and get both CD signed by Eric. Shipping is $4.

OFFER 2: Order any 3 CDs for $30, 4 CDs for $40, or 5 CDs for $50. Again, this must have a copy of THIS blog sent in with the Order form and check/money order. ALL CDs will be signed by the artist. Shipping starts at $3 and add $1 per extra CD.

GOTTA GET THE WORD OUT:

We've started advance promotion to radio and webcast for the first Gospel Jazz single "My Steps are Ordered".

Currently working on some publicity leads to get to magazines and send out media releases about Creative Soul Jazz and this first release.

BOOKING THE 2009 COFFEEHOUSE TOUR

Imagine turning your church into a live music center for coffee, pastries, and some smooth sounds for a night. It's a great event to host for your church family and community, and gives parents a wonderful relaxing option of entertainment. A perfect compliment to a dinner out, or just a time out. We can bring our band (or play with jazz artists from your church family) and play familiar hymns, worship tunes, and originals in a smooth jazzy style that your folks will love.

If you think this would be great for your church or event, please go to EricCopelandMusic.com for more information and to contact us!

THE NEXT BLOG

Next time you hear from me the CD will be available online to buy and get downloads. Talk to you soon!

EC

Back to the Jazz in Me

2008-08-06T06:47:00.000-07:00

After much thought, prayer, and just because I want to, I've decided to change my new CD's title to "The Jazz in Me". After seeing how it's turned out, along with my current fascination with the world, history, and figures of jazz, it makes the most sense.

Jazz has always been a part of who I am. Improvisation, imagination, composition...these have been a part of me since I remember. And much of this is a very personal album.

I think when an album's songs mostly center and talk about the artist, it's a sign of immaturity. And I can honestly say, I am still just at the beginning of being at artist. But that's OK. It just gives you something to look forward to.

I think I've actually matured alot just working on the this CD. But the future is very exciting, as I have just TONs of ideas to explore that I've been sitting on for years.

As a matter of fact, right on the heels of this CD I'm releasing the first CD in the Quiet Soul Solo Piano series, as well a CD consisting of a bunch of homemade demos that sound pretty good called "Notes from the Laboratory".

But for now, it's time to resume what I started years ago when I put out a few CDs, was known as jazz artist, and regularly played with my jazz group, Wherever He Leads.

Producing hasn't been a mistake, wrong road taken, or anything like that. But the jazz side of me is ready to come back out and play.

Hope you like what you hear.

The new CD drops Sept 12.

EC

Getting Closer....

2008-03-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

Hey folks,

As we thaw out from another mild winter down here in Nashville, I'm getting ever closer to getting the new CD done.

If you have liked anything you have heard from me ever, you are going to be in heaven with this one. Ive been getting back some of the parts from the great musicians down here, and it's pretty amazing.

A few things that might hold you over...

If you don't have either of my CDs, Cooler or Stolen Moments, I'm offering a special until the new CD comes out: $20 for both CDs, and I'll throw in Creative Soul, the EP I put out last year with the jazzy versions of "Have Thine Own Way", "Breathe", and "Heart of Worship" for free! To get this deal, make sure youa re signed up on our mailing list, then email me!

I WILL be posting a rough mix soon of one of the new songs.

Also, if you like my jazzy production style, check out another Creative Soul Jazz artist I produce, arrange, and write for, Jessie Laine Powell. You can now buy her CD at CDBaby and her downloads at iTunes! We're working on a new record for her as well!

Keep standing by true believers...the new stuff is HOT!

EC

The Jazz in me

2007-11-22T22:27:00.001-08:00

Lately, there's been a real deep urge in me to get more into the jazz side of me. I've started a pretty intense study of the history of Jazz.

I've read jazz artists that say, before you can play jazz you need to know its history. I'm starting to understand what that means.

There's such a rich history that we just don't think about, especially those of us who discovered jazz later and have grown up in the contemporary and pop eras.

To many current folks on the street, Kenny G is jazz. Or Michael Buble.

Both of these guys certainly do good work and have made a career for themselves. But when you look back to the beginnings, with Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, King Oliver, and Duke Ellington, who were all sharpening against each other in the early 20s, it's easy to feel like you are in the wrong place at the wrong time as a jazz musician.

Boy, the 20s were ROCKIN for jazz listeners.

And it gets better from there as swing came in, then bebop, and cool jazz. All those guys you've heard about in the periphery like Stan Getz, John Coltrane, and of course Miles Davis, were all playing together and apart for years, and we missed it all!

So, I feel there is almost an unmistakable pull, maybe even by God, to enter into study of jazz past, so that I can become better at what I feel is the future of what I'm supposed to do here.

To grow past what I am now, which has been great and most people are perfectly happy with. To further figure out the jazz in me.

Still Kickin...

2007-10-13T21:59:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone...just a quick note to let you know I still am down here in Nashville working on stuff.

For all you who have signed up recently, I am sending out a new EP called "Creative Soul" which I had made up for a recent gig in Kansas City. So watch your mailboxes (and YES there will be a CD in it! Many of you are smirking I know... ;)

NEWS

I'm still working on my new full, contemporary jazz CD "On the Side". I promise it will be worth waiting for and at a special discount for each and every one of you!

THE NEW LABEL

Creative Soul Jazz is going to be kicking off this month with a FREE sampler. You'll be seeing this as well very soon in ALL your mailboxes (as long as I have your Zip Code!)

Our hope for 2008 is to get touring to kick off this new label. I'll be opening with my band Wherever He Leads, and then we'll be presenting the high priestess of Gospel Jazz, Ms. Jessie Laine Powell. More to come on her soon, but you 'll get a taste of her style on the Creative Soul Jazz sampler.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We're looking to add dates to our 2008 tour. If your church or group would like to have a jazz night or service, we'd love to talk with you. We'd welcome local gospel-jazzy folks in your area or church to be part of things.

Please contact us at booking@creativesouljazz.com with any thoughts, or questions.

Well, that's all for now. A few new things will be popping upon my online player in the next week so keep an eye on ericcopelandmusic.com, as well as my Shoutlife.com/ericcopeland and Myspace pages.

Thanks again for your support!

EC

High on Writing

2007-06-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm all rested and refreshed from vacation, and ready to dive in with both feet (do you dive with feet?) into writing and working on new stuff.

My new CD is coming along, with bass and drum tracks coming in. Next up is some guitar work. I've decided to update a few tunes I wrote in years past. Both were on Sienna's CD back in 04. Come to Me is a song I wrote with my friend Andy Rasmussen, and I plan to just play a little piano solo, and use some BGVs. "My Steps are Ordered" was one of the big hits for Sienna, and we've funked it out with some bass, and might have a sax lead on this.

And I got a wild hair tonight and wrote a new song called "High on Life". Not sure it will go on the CD or not, but I posted it on my Shoutlife and Myspace for your listening enjoyment. Just 2-3 hours of me noodling, but I like the way it turned out.

Also wrote a new song with Andy recently called "In Between Dreams". Talks about achieving one dream (like I have with Creative Soul), and trying to figure where to go from here. Should be fun, and it is a vocal tune.

Other songs for the new CD (at least right now) are "When She Returns" a little ditty I wrote about my wife, "Rewind" a retro funky thing, and the current title cut, "On the Side", my take on smooth jazz.

I'm not sure what will actually go on the final CD, but these are some of the tunes that I'm working on. We'll see.

An artist told me today, "See, now you know what we go through!" She doesn't know I've been doing this for 30 years. I knew it already!

EC

The Creative Power of Vacations!

2007-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well we leave this weekend for our annual Disney pilgrimage and I am beyond ready.

It has been a wild few months as we have opened the doors on our new production and label facilities, and I need some downtime.

What I love about Disney, is that for a few days I can just quit being creative and absorb what they are doing. It's a great relief.

But the more interesting thing that happens, is about 4 days in. I begin to have ideas. Big ideas. I come back raring to go and do great things.

Also, with the business having the success it has, I see very few barriers to accomplishing any dream, no matter how large.

I've approached my favorite producer about working on my album, and he has said he will listen. I have built my production business in Nashville to way past what I thought possible. My clients have achieved success at every turn.

So, I just don't put limits on what God can do anymore.

He's even started to show me some new horizons that I thought were just mirages. But they are now within my grasp.

Watch out for me when I am back from Disney this year folks.

It might be dangerous...

EC

Not the Producer

2007-06-02T18:18:00.000-07:00

I'm currently in a writing frenzy. Ever get in one of those? It's not pretty...Naw, it is!

After writing 3-4 albums already this year for some of my production clients (with some songs really being as strong as I've written in a while), I've also been coming up with some interesting instrumental and jazzy things that I'm rounding into this new release.

At this writing, I'm looking for (gasp!) a producer for my new record. That's right, having taken a cue from some of my heavier influences, I've decided to work with someone else to get my own album done. It's kind of exciting, having someone else bring ideas to the table, get you out of your ruts, and spur you to new heights. But of course, I guess my clients already know that.

Besides what I've been writing, there's so many choices of older songs that I've written in years past that can be brought to new life with some of the musicians I work with now here in Nashville. You'll understand when you hear this new release as well as some of the other Creative Soul Jazz releases coming out this year.

So stay tuned. I'm going to be uploading some new stuff weekly to my player for your listening enjoyment. Some of it might be older, demo stuff, but it's time to get these things out there.

Thanks for reading and please sign up for my mailing list so I can know how to let you know about new music, blogs, etc.

By the way, the new song this week on the player is the contemporary jazz version of the Carpenter's Close to You that I did back on the Stolen Moments CD. Cheryl McKenney is the other voice, and many of you know her as one of my key background vocal partners. We're hoping to do a CD of her this year as well.

EC

If You Can't Beat Em...

2007-05-09T22:43:00.000-07:00

OK, so I may have been a little tough on artists through the years.

As a producer, I have to hear alot of war stories, excuses, and complaints about the trials and troubles of being a music artist.

But as an artist, I share in these same issues.

"How do I get my product produced? Who do I get to help? What songs do I put on it?"

Recently, with the new office and studio, I can leave work behind a bit and come home to actually work on some of my own stuff (imagine that!). And for some odd reason, there is activity with sales of my albums right now.

I've produced a few things in the past years that people are interested in buying, so I'm looking at the idea of putting a new record together (or two!)

I've decided to try and document the experience. Maybe as an artist, I can be of some inspiration to even the artists I serve. And perhaps show them that even a producer can struggle with the creative process, and the aggravation that goes with it!

The first issue is what kind of CD to put out. My Cds in the past have been a combination of vocal jazz-pop and instrumental, and this CD looks to be no different. We are preparing to begin a new jazz label, and along with Jessie Laine Powell and a few secret weapon artists, the new EC record will be on it as well.

Also, we've been quietly recording a new CD featuring the players that we use here in Nashville. It's called Player A, and will be mostly instrumental.

So that's the plan in a nutshell. I'm planning some tracking soon...stay tuned.

EC

Yes, he makes his own music too...

2007-04-19T20:55:00.000-07:00

Growing your business has some perks too. With a new office, new employees, and new processes, hopefully will come a little creative freedom.

There wasn't much time to play at night when I am answering emails, creating tracks, and doing art/web til 3 in the morning!

But, starting this month, I try to leave most of the work, at work. (No thanks, I gave at the office....)

I've been working on several pet projects (or at least thinking about working on them).

"Player A" is a cool fun project based around the great players here in Nashville. I write the stuff, but really make them the star instead of a singer.

"Jessie Laine Powell" is a longtime client and soul sista/gospel jazz diva that I've worked with for years. We are writing songs now and watch out, cause it will be a hot combo of simmering Latin grooves, smooth jazz, and funky stuff.

Many of my clients know "Cheryl McKenney" as a background vocalist, but we are planning a new CD featuring her on some new songs.

I'm also working on some new Eric Copeland Jazz stuff.

So stay tuned, and hopefully, so will I.

The brother-in-law and the banjo...

2007-03-18T22:52:00.000-07:00

I almost hesitate to tell people what I do anymore.

I'll meet a stranger and we're exchanging pleasantries when the subject comes up.

"So what do you do in Nashville?"

Even though I certainly do work mainly as a music producer, of course every person that hears that seems to think they then need to tell me about the family member they know that is very talented.

"A music producer huh? Well our family is very musical. As a matter of fact, my brother-in-law plays the banjo like nobody's business!"

I know it is just small talk, and that they are just trying to relate and make conversation, but it's funny to see the same reaction from everyone. And tiring.

This particular exchange happened on a short vacation with my family. I was just trying to clear my head.

And it's really not that being a producer is a burden or anything. I even wonder if the burden is then on the farmer, salesman, or business person asking me what I do. The term producer is just beyond what they are prepared for. Like if I said "Oh, I'm an astronaut", or "I'm an international spy. Please don't ask me any questions."

I actually have thought about saying I am a web designer, which is true.

I could even use fireman or counselor, since those are part of what I do as a producer.

Like creative burnout, getting tired of music, and dealing with multiple personalities, this is just an occupational hazard.

Although, on the other hand, I do need a banjo player for a project coming up...