BWW Interviews: Brian Culbertson Appearing at THE 4TH ANNUAL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE JAZZ FEST

THE 4TH ANNUAL UPTOWN CHARLOTTE JAZZ FEST (UCJF) produced by E2 Shows, featuring Jazz/R&B musician and instrumentalist, Brian Culbertson is coming to the Time Warner Cable Arena, Friday and Saturday, June 21 & 22. Tickets and VIP tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com. For more information contact: www.uptownjazzfest.com.

Having worked with an array of stellar R&B artists such as Faith Evans, Ledisi, Brian McKnight, Kenny Lattimore, and Avant on his past albums, Brian Culbertson has continued the intensity on his latest album, DREAMS, inspired by the musical interpretation of hazy, foggy, vibrant illusions of slumber. The result is a stunning collection of 10 mesmerizing tunes, With DREAMS, as with his previous efforts, Brian proceeds to keep the genre of jazz alive and viable by consistently injecting a fresh approach into his own unique sensibility.

Brian was relaxing and enjoying the Los Angeles morning when we spoke. He sounded as if he didn't have a care in the world.

LAW: Where are you now?

BC: I'm here in L.A. relaxing.

LAW: Tell me about your childhood.

BC: I grew up in Decatur, Illinois. It's in the middle, between Chicago and St. Louis. My dad was a band director in high school and he would also have other gigs. I would go along on his band trips.

LAW: What did you start playing?

BC: Music was always in my life, but I started studying classical piano at age 8. And then I started beating on drums. Classical wasn't my thing. Then the first Mac computers came out with software, which exploded in the late 80's and I was excited by the new technology. I had a paper route and I saved to get it.

LAW: Do you have a favorite instrument?

BC: The grand piano. It's a great instrument. The overtones,... there's something about it.

LAW: What was your first professional job?

BC: As a musician, playing trombone in the pit orchestra of the local music theater for the play "South Pacific". I then went on to playing in wedding bands, gigging. Everyone knew me as a trombone player, but I was a closet writer and keyboard player.

LAW: What was your most memorable experience in your profession?

BC: Memorable... There have been so many exciting moments. Hmmm... Lots of great stuff, especially being on stage with the band gelling, there's an energy in the room and it happens a lot, having a great time with the audience. It's hard to describe; euphoric with adrenalin.

LAW: What has been your worst experience being on the road?

BC: I don't know if I have one, but my most embarrassing moment was in high school having a trombone solo with a packed audience and the composer of the song was sitting in the audience. I got so nervous, my mouth dried up. You can't play a horn with a dry mouth. I botched the entire song.

LAW: Tell me about Dreams- What inspired you?

BC: It has a funk up-tempo. It's late night romantic. It stemmed from vivid dreams. I'd wake up remembering the feeling and foggy images.

LAW: How do you know which musicians and vocalists you want to use on your albums?

BC: It's like casting a movie. When you produce your own records, you're the director. I know the final sound I want before I know what dictates each musician. I choose them for their style-and vibe.

LAW: What album are you working on now?

BC: I'm taking this year to think about it before I start, but I'm working hard on the Napa Valley Jazz Getaway. People come from all over the world for it. It's a great event.

LAW: Wow, that's an undertaking starting your own jazz festival, what inspired you?

BC: The music and the wine..... It's an undertaking, but one I truly enjoy. And it's enjoyable for the winery owners and the fans are excited to be there.

LAW: Did you appear in the Uptown Charlotte Jazz Fest last year?

BC: No, this is my first year with Jazz Fest. I'm playing the first night of the festival. Jazz fans will be coming from all over the southeast. I'm looking forward to it.

LAW: Have you been to Charlotte before?

BC: Yes. It's going to be good to be back playing in the Queen City.