We caught up with the brilliant and insightful BILL HART a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, BILL thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I always think about what it would be like to have a 9 to 5 job. And I have tried to do that over the years. I’ve played professionally as a musician for 40 years. Naturally that has crossed my mind more than once. My whole life I’ve hung out with nothing but musicians. I have learned that this is a common trait we all share. I don’t believe it is a choice to be a musician/artist It’s not what I do, it’s who I am. Something about being a musician/artist is in the soul not the mind. I can’t really explain what is deep in one’s soul. I have just learned to accept it and accept whatever comes with it. If it was a financial decision and that was the motivating factor, it would be a very discouraging, unhappy, sad life. I would be doing music for the wrong reason. I believe it to be spiritual it’s deeper than money. Not denying the fact that we all need money to live. We are the only species to have to pay to live on this planet. It’s human nature. The strange thing is over the years one will find plenty of people telling them what they need to be playing or what style they should do or who they should add to their band, yet they cannot play an instrument and have no idea what it’s like to be a musician. I could probably write a book just on this one topic alone. I think the key is believe in yourself and persevere.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Bill Hart International Jazz/Fusion Band

Inspired by the likes of icons of Jazz and Fusion music, such as Miles Davis and Jimi Hendrix, Bill Hart and the Bill Hart Band are a stirring force in the riveting and dynamic realm of Jazz, Funk, and Fusion music. An internationally recognized and diverse act, the talented group of musicians that is part of the Bill Hart Band. They are driven to captivate and enliven audiences with their rich and unique musical compositions, melding together genres and culture with ease. The group is also looking forward to continuing their musical voyage around the world, enthralling listeners with their individual musical styles and tastes.

Biography
Rising guitarist, educator, and composer Bill Hart is a true icon and sensation when it comes to the Funk, Jazz, and World musical genres. Having fortified himself as a formidable guitarist, composer, recording artist, and educator, the multi-talented artist boasts a string of stunning singles to his name. Having released six memorable CDs being at the helm of the famed Bill Hart Band, Bill Hart has continued to flourish as a guitar composer. His music book, ‘Solo Jazz Guitar: The Complete Chord Melody Method’, issued by Hal Leonard in 1999 and reissued in 2007, is part of his stirring musical legacy, forming a tutorial for aspiring guitarists.
Born in Niagara Falls, Canada on January 13th, 1964, the seasoned musician moved with his family to Jacksonville, Florida early on, and pursued Music Studies at Jacksonville University. Apart from dispensing key lessons to rising musical prodigies, Bill Hart has also put out six critically acclaimed instrumental jazz-fusion albums, imbuing listeners with a strong and stirring vibe. The band released a live concert DVD in 2005, titled ‘Think About It’, which showcases the sheer brilliance of Bill Hart’s guitar and song writing. He is complemented by other talented band members, such as veteran percussionist Ahsa Ahla, drummer, Yakou N’GUESSAN from Ivory Coast Africa, bass player Andre Manga from Cameroon Africa, and Randy Hoexter who plays the piano for the Bill Hart Band. On his independent album titled ‘Subject to Change’, Bill Hart recorded two singles, with his iconic mentor of 35 years- Mike Stern, the formidable guitarist for the Miles Davis’ band.
An authentic and professional force in the musicscape, the Bill Hart Band has continued to soar as a world class touring act, with members from Canada, Africa, and South America. Describing themselves as more “Funk Fusion” and less “Jazz”, Bill Hart believes the band’s music offers a refreshing and eclectic mix for listeners. Currently, already working to release their seventh CD, the group is psyched and ready to meld and marry Rock, Funk, Blues, African and Latin styles, harmonies of Jazz, fully encapsulating each member’s unique characteristics.
The Bill Hart Band hopes to continue work on their seventh studio album aptly titled ‘Seven Seas’, while also looking forward to performing on tours and live shows on the road, recording original and independent musical compositions, and continuing their inspiring musical journey.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I don’t think the journey’s ever over. It’s like putting together a puzzle that never ends. I’ve always been deep into music. I was drawn to guitar at a very young age for whatever reason. I’ve had to learn to change with the times, the music is still music but with the digital era the business side has changed drastically. There are pros and cons, but the bottom line is I had to adapt to the times. It seems like the industry is constantly changing, the only thing that is consonant is the music. I believe Music has been the history of our civilization since the beginning of time. For music in the elevator to grocery stores to ambulance sirens and the wind blowing through the trees. It’s just there. I also believe it influences our personality or mood. I feel like there’s something deeper and more profound in music and I’ve only hit the surface.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me one of the most rewarding moments in my career is when someone recognizes you work and the effort it takes to produce it. The work it takes for one to finish the CD can be extremely draining. You focus all your energy and time on writing the music. You are up till wee hours of the night, for months on end. Trying to create different parts or a certain sound, nylon string guitar or electric guitar, different instrumentation, parts for different players. How to start the song or finish the song, what the solos are going to be and what breaks are going to happen, and the list is endless. You spent so many days, months and even years in that mind set. But when you finally finish the most rewarding thing is when somebody recognizes your work, and they complement you. That is the paycheck for me as a musician/artist. That keeps me going and helps me to persevere.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.billhartmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BillHartMusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/billhartmusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/BillHartMusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp95irtVvOyS4o21EOE3hQg