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| An Insider's Passport Exclusive: Jim Brickman brings his music to Newport News and Richmond, VA |
| Tuesday, 10 November 2009 12:06 |
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Jim Brickman is coming to the Virginia area for a few shows that begin and end the holiday season. We had the great opportunity to talk with him and see what this prolific and very popular artist has been up to and learn a little about his upcoming tour.
What was your biggest influence as a musician? I had a great teacher as a teenager who helped to send me in the right direction. I found a great supporter who influenced me and helped me to evolve. In pop music, singer songwriters influenced me more than piano players so groups like The Beatles, The Carpenters, Fleetwood Mac, The Eagles, singer - songwriters like John Denver, Joni Mitchell, Carol King, James Taylor. What types of music do you gravitate to today? What's on your playlist? It's pretty eclectic. I still love the standards by great composers like Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney, but I also like what's popular today, some country, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas. When did you start writing music your own music? When I was about 17 years old. As a composer you start out imitating because it's a great way to compose because when you imitate what you like and you learn that style it helps you create on your own. I would play what I like and then develop my own ideas from those. How is your songwriting process now? Now it's more natural to me. It has evolved obviously so it tends to come more from within than from outside influences because I'm a composer now so I know where to reach for the inspiration. Tell us about your new album. The new album takes most of its creative influences from my travels around the world. Musically, it's more influenced by the music from all the places where I've gotten the chance to tour. There are subtle influences in this album. It's not a world music album but rather my music with Latin, European and Asian influences. What has been your most memorable experience as a musician in your travels? Getting to play with people who you can't communicate with verbally but you can play music together. I just came back from Korea and a female vocalist joined us for a concert and we couldn't communicate but we could perform together. We were speaking a universal language - music. What can people expect from the current tour? This year's tour is the Beautiful World Tour and so it's largely new music from Beautiful World but it's also holiday themed. Our concerts in Virginia are at the beginning and end of the holiday season. So lots of holiday music but always the hits which people want to hear! So, what's next for you, Jim? I've always wanted to do theatre and write for theatre so there might be a Broadway show in my future. I also want to start touring more internationally. I really find it a fascinating experience to tour in different places and be influenced by other people and countries. Any advice to younger artists out there who look up to you and who want to pursue their musical dreams? It's important to always play and perform any where you can! Don't wait to be discovered. When it comes down to it the joy is in sharing your music. It doesn't matter where you play whether in a bar, a subway. Be who you are and be authentic with what you have to say. Don't worry about what you think you're supposed to be or what other people expect you to be. There is a lot of excitement about you coming to Virginia so we're sure both shows will be fantastic. Thanks for taking the time with us! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JIM AND TO DOWNLOAD A FREE SONG FROM HIS NEW ALBUM.
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 November 2009 08:37 |
cents and tell us all about it.
How would you describe and explain your music? I do something that is considered not really mainstream. I play solo piano music - music that is romantic, emotional, pop music - music that you can chill-out with, to celebrate with, to relax, de-stress and enjoy.
UPCOMING SHOW INFORMATION: 