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August 2002
Justin is Creative Director of VoiceImage Productions, the Orlando, Florida-based creative services agency that provides voice talent and complete production services to the broadcasting media. He has over 25 years of broadcast and related industry experience. Justin and VoiceImage Productions are multiple award winners for their efforts in creative imaging, voiceover, and production techniques.
Metro D.C. audiences know Justin as their Afternoon Drive Air-Talent on Smooth Jazz-WJZW 105.9, Washington, DC-ABC Radio and host of Smooth Jazz Concerts and Events, including the Capital Jazz Fest from 1998-2001.
"Smooth Notes and News" feels Justin’s exceptional talents and creativity will bring light to the creative processes in the Smooth Jazz genre, broadcasting and multimedia.
www.VoiceImage.com
"Play It Again, Sam"
You know what I mean by that? It’s that familiar tune. I’m talking about the kind of melody that stays in your head all those years. The kind that makes you say: “I remember that song!”
The subject here today is the remake of a great old song. A Smooth Jazz version of a song you loved in High School or even College. But not just any remake of a great old song … but a “new” version of a great song. The melody is the same but the song … completely different.
Much great music has been written through the years. Think about it. Then think about what it would sound like without the lyrics. Take away the story and the words that made it so recognizable. What you would end up with is a whole new song that still has meaning in your mind. A melody that got stuck there so long ago, that now has a whole new perspective. One that involves the imagination, fantasy, and maturity.
Once in a while, you hear a “new” song that you know you’ve heard before. Its tough to put your finger on it and it might be on the tip of your sax, but when you do figure it out … you’ll find that you love both the original and the remake, but for different reasons. This is the ultimate tune. Its like getting two cars for the price of one … and you love them both! Two cups of coffee, two vacations, and even two hearts. The song that you were listening to when you decided to get married and have kids is now the same song you just celebrated your 20th anniversary listening to in the jazz club … only different.
Smooth Jazz has allowed artists to bring originality to a relatively new field of music, and at the same time, re-experience some music that made us all feel good about where we were and what we were doing. These players are the best in the world, and when they bend a note … its bent in the right direction. Its more than just music and more than just a lifestyle. It’s a groove … a feeling … a state of mind. It is a state of mind that allows you to experience the present, future, and past … all at the same time. How very cool is that?
Instrumental dominance was always a part of the charts, and always popular. This is just the next level. Just think back to Boots Randolf, Jr. Walker & The All Stars, Wes Montgomery, The Ventures, and how about those theme songs like Hawaii Five-O, Dueling Banjos, and Rocky? Are ya with me on this one?
I say “Play It Again, Sam”. Lets rack it up and let it rip. In with the old and in with the new … I’m up for some feel good music anytime I can get it!
-JT
Send your questions and comments to:
justin@smoothnotesandnews.com
© August 2002 – Smooth Notes and News
