"Everyone in the whole planet knows that the structure of the jazz harmony is the philosophy and the use of the Modes Scales. Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian. The seven ancient Greek scales... In Greece, in our traditional folk music, we use these scales but from different perspectives. So, the spot of the connection is the same "language" but with different uses in every different genre in Greek music…

"I think music is a great way of helping people be a part of their group’s place in the world, and also understand the place of other groups as well. Creating bonds between nations is a wonderful ability of music and I wish it were more widespread."

John McLean & Charles Barkatz:

The Beauty of…

"I would like the music styles to be less segregated, more mixed up. Radio stations, music programs should play a wider variety of music, not be so specialized to one narrowly defined genre."

Nils Jiptner: Caught In The Groove

Guitar virtuoso Nils (Jiptner) has been one of the most successful forces in the Contemporary Jazz genre.…

"We know it’s impacted world culture in many ways. So much music is inspired by jazz even if it doesn’t sound like jazz and because it was born from the African-American experience which was couched in racism and civil unrest, it will always carry with it a deep concern for diplomacy and human dignity. With instrumental music it’s not as easy to convey a message but I hope listeners feel something emotional and real when hearing my…

"Racism is one of the most dangerous things in our society. Germany´s history as we all have seen, was breaking basic rules of civilization. We also see how racists are working anywhere I the world today. I would say that everybody is a brother of mine, the only difference is that this brother is born by another mother."

Leslie Mándoki: The Philosophy of Music…

"I know through my music, I would like to tear down walls and remove mental barriers that are based on the unfounded fear of truth. Create an open dialogue founded on empathy and respect. Only through acknowledgement and understanding can we move forward and grow together."

Will Boyd: Freedom, Soul, Jazz, & Sax

Multi-reed instrumentalist,…

"Music, as a universal language, has so much power and I hope that my music will touch a lot of people because this is the best gift for me as an artist."

Melina Paxinos: Modern Jazz, Greek Roots

Melina Paxinos is a young saxophonist and composer who combines modern jazz with her Greek roots in her pieces. Born in Hamburg and living in Berlin for…

"Blues and jazz is a bit outside the commercial realm so it is relatively fad free and will be with us a long time, and folks keep hiring us so we will keep plugging away."

Dave Post: Swingadelic “Little Big Band”

Swingadelic is a jazz/blues ensemble founded in 1998 in Hoboken, New Jersey by bassist Dave Post. Initially, the group played jump…

"Music for a listener is a vehicle to let emotions come out and run free."

Michael Kaeshammer:

Boogie On The Blues Highway

Born and bred in Germany, Michael Kaeshammer began performing club, theatre, and festival stages throughout Europe in his early teens and continued on that…

"To me, Jazz is music, and music is a language of the heart. And I think that helps people in so many ways."

Mike Stern: The Sound of Jazz Heart

One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Mike Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven…

"I think music is often a reflection of the time it was written, and what was going on then politically and socially. Jazz and R&B are both American forms of music, that managed to cross racial lines at a time when these lines were rarely crossed."

Ed Roth: Journey To The Music Palette

Keyboardist Ed Roth’s feel, spirit, and touch have made…

"Music can heal the world. The over used phrase, music is universal is so very true and has made the best friends I have. It can raise a culture, it can take away loneliness, It can cure disease , it has power that used in the right hands is like a message from GOD."

Jamie Glaser: The Universe Of Music

Jamie Glaser is an American guitarist best…

"I know that many things in our society have improved over the last 100 years for women, as they have for people of color and the LBGT community. I also know that not nearly enough has changed. I am stunned and heartbroken by the way-too-many examples of how women, as well as black/Jewish/Asian/LGBT/Native American/disabled/immigrant people… are preyed upon and abused every day."

Susannah B: Girl…

"Music has always had a power to change lives and even to change society. Music is a powerful social force. I think it always gives strength to people in difficult situations, much like we are experiencing now. Music gives us hope, it gives our soul relief from the struggles of the world and can be a motivator of change. I want my music to be a touchstone through which people can feel the unity of humanity and the beauty of the…

"Music highlights the beauty and the magic of each culture and it’s a way for people to connect emotionally to different kinds of societies."

Adam Ben Ezra: Crossroads Freedom

Double-Bass phenomenon, multi-instrumentalist and YouTube sensation Adam Ben Ezra; a man seemingly on a mission to bring his instrument from its status as a background note…

"Technology had made making music much easier than in the past. The bad part of that is ANYBODY can do it! You don't need any instrumental proficiency, just an idea and some buttons!  I'm looking forward to the return of the days when actually PLAYING an instrument is cool. Then music will have a "soul" again."

Greg Boyer: Soul Cool Music

Greg…

"Throughout history, music always reflects what is happening in society at that time."

Eddie Henderson: Dr. Jazzman

Eddie Henderson is one of today's top and most original jazz trumpet players. Henderson was born in NYC in 1940. His father sang with the Charioteers, and his mother danced as one of the Brown twins at the Cotton club. Louis…

"Jazz doesn't go along well with separatism, nationalism and dictatorship. Of course, there is only so much you can do as an individual. Yet, we as musicians, have the job to stay true to our art and thus send a signal."…

"Musicians have the power and responsibility to educate, encourage change and inspire. With our words and out voice, we have an opportunity to make a difference. Music can make change and changes peoples ideas and mind. It’s so powerful."

Robin McKelle: The Lady & Her Music

A savvy songwriter and a powerhouse vocalist, Robin McKelle has long…

"I’m sure music will stay. Music can’t die. Because, what is music? Music is sound, vibration, energy, speed, waves, the combination of things and people, so even if mankind is gone one day, there will still be sound in the Universe. And if the Universe is gone, something or someone will still be left making a noise."

Botticelli Baby: Let The Good Times Roll…