We recently connected with The Jazz Witnesses and have shared our conversation below.

Hi The Jazz Witnesses, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Originally, we all were in high school jazz band. We learned the basics of swing and big band jazz but it was only when Xander (21, Upright Bass, Trombone, Piano, Banjo) introduced the idea of the New Orleans style that we all came together to learn it. Surely our learning process would be accelerated if curriculums in school focused on the traditional jazz style but unfortunately it is commonly overlooked. The most essential skill in a jazz band is to improvise and listen. Like a conversation, you must listen and respond to other by way of an instrument. We could not be so in tune until we managed to improvise and understand each others’ patterns.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

We all got into a proper band after Xander asked Gabby if she wanted to play music by the Fringe Festival in Orlando. It was hard to find other musicians. Coincidentally, Xander ran into Joanna at her old job and from that moment she became the third member. We played in Winter Park to practice and after having so much fun after a couple weeks we decided to go official with it. For many months, we mainly busked in the city of Winter Park until we set our sights on something bigger, playing gigs. Now we provide performance services for hire at either private events, restaurants, or other venues. We create an atmosphere that will put anyone in a good mood, whether they are chill dinner jazz songs or upbeat parade and party songs. We are set apart by our unique music style that not many people play or listen to anymore.
Some of our proudest moments are when strangers ask us for requests we can fulfill or dance/sing along to our music in public. They are mainly jazz songs from the 20s and 30s where the people who recognize them have probably known the songs for a long time or associate it with nostalgia. But of course we can also play modern songs with a personal twist.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

What is most rewarding to experience is when individuals approach us with a compliment. It is flattering to know they feel so touched to come up and tell us about it. Sometimes they will give a compliment in words, dance/sing the song we play, or tell us a story about how they relate to us. It is incredibly fulfilling to be given support on such a personal level. That is when you know what you are doing is important.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Music can create a local culture that spreads and expands. Though Orlando has a large capacity for numerous creative works and acts, the musical experience is not very strong. We are among a handful of musicians that play in a certain area of Winter Park. The majority of strangers will tell us they enjoy having us and the atmosphere we create. Unfortunately every now and then city officials will call us disruptive and it is a shame. Other cities will have live music part of their culture and it really gives character. If Orlando could make a difference it could really bring life to the streets. Gladly, the citizens feel the same way we do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thejazzwitnesses?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCUFFLIm25vFYFi4tvp-RZKg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejazzwitnesses?_t=8UmINYzxv3O&_r=1