595 – Jonathan Barber: Carving Your Own Path
Jonathan Barber has the unique ability to keep one eye on the past and one eye on the future as he continues to shape what modern Jazz sounds and looks like. While remaining a constant learner, his keen sense of thinking outside the box and always looking for opportunity has put him in a position to succeed, even in troubled times like COVID-19.
Barber is not only a drummer but he’s also a bandleader, composer, and the main songwriter for his band Vision Ahead, who recently released their live record from the Jazz Standard – the last release recorded at the Standard before it’s closure. This record will no doubt land itself in the annals of jazz history, but for Barber, it’s all part of his bigger plan to leave his mark on the Jazz world and do what’s never been done, while honoring those who came before him.
Jonathan Barber talks about:
- Growing up in church and with a musical father
- The job that ignited his passion for jazz
- His musical influences
- What gives a musician a unique sound
- His songwriting process
- Thinking outside the box on how to work during the pandemic
- What he’s working on now