Jenny Robson

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Music
Interview : Jenny Robson

When and how did you decide to become a musician?
I have always known that I would become a musician but to become a jazzmusician hit me in college when I heard some jazz recordings. Then I knew that jazz is my music and that voice would be my main instrument.

What musicians or artists did have a major influence in your life / work?
There are so many, but to mention few: Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Keith Jarret, Wayne Shorter, Miles Davis, Carmen McRae, Chick Corea, Cannonball Adderley, Nancy Wilson.

What are the positive and negative aspects of being a musician in Finland?
There aren't that many jazz clubs to play in. But then again because the scene is pretty small, if you're active you get gigs quite easily.

How could you qualify your style of music?
This is always a difficult question but it's a mixture of jazz and funk and soul music.

During the years how has your musical style evolved?
In the beginning I tried to compose more mainstream-like jazz but now I feel that the funkier touch is more me. I like to try different polyrhythmic ideas..I need to feel the strong rhythm inside. I think that also my knolidge in harmony has gone futher. But I'm always looking for some new ideas and maybe after a year my music might sound totally different. I have written some compositions that won't be possible to play with my own band (Jenny Robson Band) because they are stylistically totally different..but maybe some day with another project..
I hope I will never get stuck in one thing only. I hope when I'm 75 and still grooving I will be energetic and open to new ideas and new styles.

How do explain these changes?
Well I have studied jazz for 7 years in Sibelius academia jazz department so that has something to do with my knolidge of jazz music but also It's part of growing up I guess :) Now I'm more aware of my own likes and dislikes and I can really stand behind what I do...

Have you ever considered the possibilty to change totally your style of music? If so, what style of music would you choose?
I have an a cappella jazz group where I sing and that music is totally different. The group is called JimJamMurMur and it is a group of four top finnish jazz singers and our main thing is vocal improvisation. It has more ethereal sounds and free-improvisational parts too. It is the total opposite of my own bands music. I like all kinds of styles and music and if I get an idea of something new I just do a new project with new musicians and see where it goes. That's the fun part of being a musician.

What are stories/topics you tell/treat in your songs?
Of course it's mainly about my own experiences in life and relationships. I think earlier I wrote more sad songs but now I want to write more happier songs.

What is your favorite song in your repertoire and why?
Mystical Ride (a new composition). It is a funky bossa and the refrain goes in 7/4. I really enjoy the groove that my band gets when we play it and the lyrics are encouraging "...enjoy life's mystical ride.."

Do you tour regularly?
No.

Do you actually prefer performing your music live or in a studio?
Definitely LIVE. I love the instant feed back and that kicks me even futher when performing live. It is really difficult to get the same energy in the studio. Maybe next album could be a live recording...

During the process of making an album or a song, what is the moment that you prefer?
Actually the best moment is when I take my new song to the band rehearsals and I get to hear how it sounds with whole band. It always sounds better because the musicians are so good. Then I feel that I've done something. It is really awarding.

What kind of music / What artists do you currently listen?
Carmen McRae (jazz), Me'Shell Ndegeocello (groovy pop), Erykah Badu, Betty Carter (jazz), Miles Davis (jazz), Bill Evans (jazz pianist)...and many many more. There are several different artists each day that I want to listen to.

A stupid question but... what is among all the songs you've been listening in your life the BEST song?
This is really impossible to answer. I love many songs because of many reasons.. Some songs have great lyrics and some songs have great melodies and harmonies...so I can't say one particular.

What is your opinion, as a musician, regarding internet?
Internet is one of the best ways to get in touch with the audience and I have had a lot of good experience from it. But I do wish that people would have stronger sence of conscience in these copyright issues.

What are your actual and future projects?
At the moment I am composing for our a cappella jazz group JimJamMurMur and after that I'm focusing on my own band. So I'm more focusing in composing new material and perhaps planning the next album...
In the spring 2005 I'm going to Paris for three months and let's see what happens there...
Interview by Vincent Lefrançois - 2004