We were lucky to catch up with Joshua Rich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joshua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

For Joshua, he is a self-taught pianist who began playing, singing and composing at the piano at the age of eight. He always knew he wanted to be a professional musician. Kari was playing clarinet and singing with jazz bands on the streets of New Orleans at the age of 9, and throughout her academic career, where she learned piano, composition, voice and how to play all of the instruments in the orchestra and how to conduct, she was likewise drawn to a career as a professional musician and performer.

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

Take Two is a collaboration between vocalist/composer/instructor/business owner Kari Kraakevik and pianist/composer/performer/teacher Joshua Rich. Together they have combined their mutual love for the days of jazz in the vein of Doris Day, Rosemary Clooney, Frank Sinatra and George Gershwin. They also compose original works in the style of that time. They love to bring their love of this incredible American songbook to others who are equally drawn to that time, and represent it with a love and respect that comes from an innate appreciation for that time and that music.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The challenge of staying true to who we are as artists and the music we respect so much, while trying to market ourselves is probably the most rewarding aspect of being creative in this field. When we have an audience that is appreciative and sincerely desiring to be entertained by us in the mode of the 1930’s and 40’s, we feel extremely satisfied and artistically humbled.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

We would like to play whatever small part we can in bringing our love and respect for old-time jazz forward into a new generation of fans. Jazz has always endured the test of time, and to be a pet of that story, and that history, is very satisfying. New generations only know about the past because those of us who are knowledgable of that past are able to pass it on,. Thus, we feel happy and also honored to be a part of passing our love and respect for the American songbook on to a whole new generation of fans!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.take2tunes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take2tunes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/take2tunes/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=take+two+music+under+the+yellow+umbrella

Image Credits
Kari Kraakevik