Review Fix chats with violinist Chelsey Green, who discusses The Green Project and more.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Chelsey Green: Music was my passion before I even knew it. Born into a family of musicians and real music lovers, I was 4 years old when my mother had the foresight to ask a random woman copying sheet music and carrying a violin case in Kinko’s if she would teach me private violin lessons. Not usually accepting of a student so young, the woman looked at me, said yes and ended up changing my life in that moment.
I began falling in love with my instrument very young because it was fun for me as a young child. I would literally leave a classical violin lesson and come home to jam with my father on a tune by Herbie Hancock, Chicago, Stevie or Marvin Gaye. Then, I’d wake up on Sunday morning and stand before my Church family and nervously play my way through Amazing Grace. It was a transformative experience. Violin became an extension of me. It, too, was and still is my voice.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Green: Song and lyric ideas can pop into my head at any moment during the day; or even in my sleep sometimes! I’ll think of a musical motive or a chord/rhythmic pattern and immediately record it into my voice memos or email it to myself. It’s usually super random when I’m alone. With the band, so many ideas come to us when we’re rehearsing a show or doing a soundcheck. It’s about capturing the idea and building on it.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Green: There are many angles to my inspiration. Musically, I’d first have to say my ancestors, how jazz itself came to be, the paths paved that allow me to even make music. Iconic musicians like my father and the musicians in my family inspire me. Stevie Wonder, Regina Carter, Noel Pointer, Herbie Hancock, Harold Land, Coltrane, Go-Go music, George Clinton and the Funkadelics, D’Angelo, Brandy, Jazmin Sullivan, Anita Baker, Toni Braxton, Chaka Khan, Saba, The Foreign Exchange, Whitney… honestly, I could go on forever! And finally, the desire to continue the legacy for those that come after me. To continue to better myself and better my art to open the minds, hearts and ideas of our young musicians coming after us.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Green: To me, music means freedom. Personalized artistic expression. Music means life; old, new and the rebirth. It is a soundtrack of the true essence of improvisation. Jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, funk, blues and more… this is music of my culture, borne out of the dichotomy of despair and joy. Music is the story of our ancestors for whom improvisation was the only way to survive.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Green: One genre descriptive never really fits when I’m asked to describe my sound. It’s a blend of jazz, R&B, soul, gospel, classical and more. I usually lean towards Contemporary Jazz.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Green: Our studio work is concentrated. Mapped and planned. It’s neat and organized. Our live shows can be a full body workout! Ha! While we certainly plan and rehearse the set in advance, we surely leave room for creative expression and impulsive musical improvisation. We laugh, some may shed tears, we tell stories, we clap, dance, sing, interact with our audience… my wig may or may not stay on my head…LOL. We just have fun in the name of music.
Review Fix: What inspired your latest EP?
Green: I really feel that this latest EP is the soundtrack of my current life. I’ve gone through some pivotal life changes recently that changed my lens on life. Really, in the best way possible to be honest. It forced me to ReEnvision next steps. Reformulate plans and make adjustments to be able to cherish life in the now. We can’t wait. We must live to the fullest in this moment.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?
Green: My first goal is definitely to get the other half of the ReEnvisioned project complete to release the LP as soon as possible. It’s almost there, but I’m waiting on some special features to complete their portion of a few tunes. I’d also love to collaborate with some more artists live and in the studio. Can’t wait to get back on the road and start performing again live, of course once it’s safe to do so. And finally, I need to meet and start dating my husband this year. Hefty To-Do list, but with faith, anything is possible!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Green: More music, more love! Please #StayTuned @ www.chelseygreen.com
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Green: Thanks so much for reading this! Hope you enjoy the music! Please follow me on social media platforms and all streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, Tidal, etc). On Facebook, find me at Chelsey Green and The Green Project and on Instagram and Twitter, I’m @greenviolinist
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