Jazz is a form of music that is truly an appreciated art form. For the most part people don't wake up being jazz fans. The genre of jazz is a form of music that a person has to allow to come into their life for them to really appreciate it and all that it entails. The different instruments and the different inspirations for the jazz pieces are the elements of jazz which make the art form truly beautiful. Donna Mercer is a person that has developed an appreciation for jazz through circumstance. The interest and enthusiasm that she shares for jazz has led her to the development of "Elements of Jazz" an online website which allows a jazz connoisseur to feast upon any and everything pertaining to jazz. From history of jazz to new releases to reading material everything is visible on her site. Her energy has been spear headed into the social networking aspect of society and this is reflective in her legion of supporters world wide via the Internet. The fact that she was chosen as the "Community Blogger For Jazz" at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards is a testament to her hard work. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to speak with Donna in regards to jazz and her thoughts, feeling and outlook on the genre.
Greetings Donna ! I am really grateful for you taking time out of your schedule to speak with me. Could you please introduce yourself to those that may not know you ?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Greetings back to you, David! There's not much to tell. My name is Donna Mercer. I am the webmaster of www.elementsofjazz.com. I'm also the person behind blip.fm/ElementsOfJazz, www.youtube.com/user/EoJmusic and www.twitter.com/elementsofjazz.
What is JAZZ to you?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Jazz offers me a complete musical palette of what life is all about. It beautifully puts into context the challenges and successes of being alive each day.
At what point in your life did you first hear jazz? When did you fully begin to develop an appreciation for Jazz as an art-form?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I first paid attention to Jazz when I was a teenager - a friend of my mother's had a MyCoy Tyner album and was playing it at our house. It wasn't until about four years ago that I began to develop an appreciation for it, though.
Your "Elements Of Jazz" website is an amazing website. Could you tell us how you developed the concept for the website and what is your aim with your website?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Thank you, David! Prior to launching the website 6 months ago, I had kicked around the idea for over a year. I read a lot (online + books) and gleaned insight about how to run a blog/website from Darren Rouse, the webmaster for problogger.net. My aim is to make www.elementsofjazz.com an accessible, down-to-earth place to find out about contemporary and classic jazz.
Who is your favorite Jazz artist of all time?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I don't have a favorite jazz artist of all time. I'm fond of trumpet players, upright bassists, drummers and pianists.
What do you feel is an "Element" of Jazz that separates it from the many other genres of music, yet allows it to be a transcending musical genre.
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Jazz is a genre of music that all people seem to listen to. Its not like its specifically geared towards a particular ethnicity or culture. What do you think makes Jazz music this way ?
This will sound like a cliched response but I think that it's the freedom in jazz. A number of things occur in jazz (improvisation, for example) that aren't really accepted or expected in other music genres.
What other genres of music do you listen to?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I listen to ambient, house, classical, world, down-tempo, dub, reggae, hip-hop, neo-soul, blues and soul. Almost all major genres with the exception of country music.
I notice that you are diligent in your efforts to share your love for music and all that it entails with not only your Twitter Followers (12,575 Followers At This Very Moment) but also with those that visit your "Elements OF Jazz" Website. Can you describe this passion ?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I actually can't describe it. All I can say is that when I decide to commit my attention to something, this is the level that I normally bring to it.
Do you play any musical instruments ?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") No.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") I love travel, hanging out with friends, reading, cooking, giving dinner parties, working out, gardening, being out in nature, biking, needlework, watching my favorite soccer team (Manchester City F.C.) play, learning new things and concepts; that sort of stuff.
What is something that may surprise us about you?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") This question made me laugh. I haven't the slightest idea what would be considered surprising about me, David.
How do you feel music plays a part in the life of a person?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Music can only play a part in a person's life if they invite it in. Some people just have it as background noise and don't really listen to it. It has the ability to motivate, inspire, comfort or enrage. That is subjective for each person, reflective of what is going on in their lives at any given moment.
If you could only listen to 5 songs for the rest of your life everyday all day, what would those songs be?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") That's an agonizing thought. I can't answer that.
Who do you think is the most influential Jazz musician of all time?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz")A lot of people come to mind for various reasons (Louis Armstrong, Art Blakey, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Lady Day, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker and Art Tatum) However, I think that Miles Davis can be considered the most influential jazz musician.
Are there any future projects that we may need to be on the lookout for from you?
I have a couple of projects that are in the developmental stages - They haven't been agreed upon with all of the parties involved but you'll be one of the first people that I tell when things fall into place, David.
If you had to sum up Jazz in one word what would that word be ?
(Donna M, "Elements Of Jazz") Sexy
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