"Music can inspire people to change their lives for the better - it can even provide blueprints for that. And of course, it can also ease the pain of existence and provide hope and allow people to think more clearly. I hope that my work can provide insights and clarity, open new pathways not just for hearing but for reflection not just about music and art but about the nature of our existence (and not in a didactic or preachy way, just opening some…

"Soul and Jazz has, over the years, been the driving force in music that continues to conquer the world. Listeners and concert goers all want to hear the groove above all else. So when I couple the rhythms and swing of jazz with the hipness of soul music, I can feel my audience opening their hearts and minds to whatever I present to them from the stage."

Allan Harris: The Seductive Soul of…

"I think jazz has made its impact through its flexibility and inclusivity, along with its democratic underpinnings. I don’t just mean this in the abstract. If you look at the instrumentation, you’ll see that any and all instruments and styles can be adapted to its improvisational format."

Jonathan Toscano: Talking With The Jazz

Jonathan Toscano is…

"I miss the great grooves, chord changes, smart heartfelt lyrics and feeling of what happened in the 50-70’s - especially in black America. I’m not sure if music will really be that important again. Also, the middle 8’s and the virtuosos - where have they gone? (!)"

Dylan Howe: A Cultured Drummer

Born in London in 1969,…

"My hope for the future of Jazz is to reignite interest among younger generations, to bring them back into contact with this rich musical tradition. There's an incredible depth and innovation in Jazz that I believe can resonate with contemporary audiences."

Marta Sánchez: Reflection of the Universe

Born and raised in Madrid, Spain, pianist and…

"Jazz is a universal language and the greatest way to exchange ideas with musicians from different parts of the world. I have played with people from almost every nation. Meeting and collaborating with musicians from different cultures and backgrounds is definitely the biggest journey ever."

Costas Baltazanis: The Odyssey of Jazz …

"I would like the teaching of music in a more meaningful way in secondary schools. I would also very much like to see a link between music and various other fields of study."

Pantelis Gertsos: MUSICFOR(ce) for All

Athens, Greece-based electric guitarist, tutor/teacher and director of Musicfor (who runs guitarfor) Pantelis Gertsos is…

"My music is the aura of where I am at physically, emotionally and what makes me happy and satisfied. It’s enjoyable and intoxicating to create. The ultimate creation can be relaxing or energizing, enlightening, enriching, an awakening and always rewarding. That’s the main meaning and goal of my life in music."

Sam Morrison: Whatever... Jazz Sutra…

"The presence of high art shapes and regenerates the social group in which it develops. The universal language of Jazz is High Art. I believe that life becomes meaningful when our daily life is filled with the pursuit of the maximum enjoyment of the five senses and the possibility of spiritual expression. All this within a framework of peace, love, culture and possibly with Music as a compass for those who choose it. Clearly there are many other options…

"Poetry can have the same subversive power as music. Although it is much more solitary both in creation and appreciation, it can open minds, unite them. Poetry is a door. It can open galaxies of space. It is infinite. In fact it is not much different that music and where music and poetry join, magic can result."

Omonoia Circus: Sappho's Little Boat…

"My fear Is how kids are exposed to some much vain music now and giving that this artist become rich and they become the definition of what a successful artist is, now that’s a big problem. I think ices not a coincidence though!"

Adedeji Adetayo: Yoruba Odyssey

Adedeji Adetayo is a prolific singer, guitarist and…

"Spirit, god, meaning of life and other intangible concepts are always there when we cannot describe something with words. To reach that point and communicate with other people by spirit is something magical and maybe not so understandable. But the first good step to reach that point is love. Love what you do and with whom. Expect nothing with no second thoughts. Just love."

Alex Dante: Beyond From…

"I have an idea that music is a way of collectively experiencing time. It is a subjective passage of time, but the structure of the music allows us to experience time together. Subdivisions, strong beats, weak beats, melody - they’re all a guide to telling us where we are inside a unit of time, which is a song, or a piece of music. Obviously, music is much more than that. It has its emotional journey, but the thing that hooks us is the sense of being within…

"Music teaches people how to express their feelings when words are not enough. My musical path and career have taught me and is still teaching me how to interact and deal with other musicians and other people in life. The most important lesson that I’ve earned from my experience in music though is to stay true in what I want to be."

Dennis Pol: Guitarology…

"Music is truly the Universal Language of the heart. The timeless themes of Love, & Being loved, embodies every song ever written. Jazz ushers in a world of fantasy…Blues the agony of defeat, but both the delight of laughter! I feel music opened my eyes to see we are all the same…no matter the Country, Nationality or age for that matter.  I am more connected as a human being, than ever before."…

"I feel so lucky to be supported by incredible women and men in music. There are incredible women who have paved the way and now I truly believe we are in a time where women are just killing the game. Sheila E. has been one of my heroes since I was a little girl and now she supports me and other incredible women in music. "…

"The impact of music and arts in general I think is very strong. They are part of everyday life for everyone. It has always been like that. There are no communities that survived without their art. Music has the advantage that it is letting you create your images. To dream by yourself."

Nikos Papavranoussis: A Music Landscape

Nikos…

"Music can be so influential in all levels cultural, social, spiritual and make people realize that changes can be made for the betterment of the world and also personally. A song with a positive message can reach all over the world simultaneously now with the social media times."

L. Shankar: Seasons Greetings…

"As much as I’m enjoying the current state of music, I do miss a few things. I miss vocal performances without pitch correction, timeless melodies, and clear enunciation like you hear from singers such as Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald. I would like to mix traditional jazz with the current trends in music, like artists such as Robert Glasper and Chris Dave. Sometimes I fear that I’ll sound a bit similar to those early singers, but I try to incorporate…