Nova Scotia Super Soul Review
“Unstoppable”,
“intoxicating” and “magical” are just a few of the words used to describe musical
collective the Nova Scotia Super Soul Review, who share the stage with legendary
vocalist Bette LaVette tomorrow night at the Halifax Jazz Festival. Recently we
spoke with Jessie Brown of the band.
What inspired you to take up
music?
I had
always had an obsession with my parents record collection when I was very
little. I remember thinking that dancing meant running around my coffee table
and singing along until I was sick. I also started taking piano lessons by the
age of 6. My piano teacher, and her family, were a huge influence. All of the
daughters were musical, and the house was always full of music. They owned a
blues/jazz bar in Tantallon, and would also house young international
musicians, so I was exposed to some very amazing music very early.
Are they the same reasons you do it today?
I don’t
think the love ever really goes away. Anyone who spends any time in a vehicle
with me knows its virtually impossible for me not to belt along, even when they
don’t want me to. I still run around my apartment singing along to everything I
can find. I've even acquired a large part of my parents record
collection, and I became a voice/piano coach. I want my students to have as
much fun as I did learning. I also am addicted to performing, no matter how
nervous I may be beforehand.
What are the challenges of the
vocation?
I think
the obvious cliche is a musician supporting themselves. It’s cliche for a
reason. I’m constantly juggling between teaching, session work, finding work as
a backup singer, and trying to promote my own project while keeping my bills
paid. It’s all work I enjoy so it makes the hours much more manageable. I also
have extremely supportive family and friends that make all the work worth
it.
What are the rewards?
There’s
no better feeling than performing. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some
really amazing artists, learn from them, and create some really great friendships.
It’s amazing to have that sense of community and be able to support each other.
I’ve been fortunate enough to keep in close contact with a lot of mentors and I
am so grateful to them. Then there is that amazing feeling of connecting
with an audience. Feeling the energy exchange can be exhilarating, and hearing
about their experience of your show afterwards is always rewarding.
What have been some career highlights?
I think
the biggest highlight thus far has been the opportunity I, and my guitarist Adrian
Dunn, had in November (2013) traveling to Nashville, TN. to record our
sophomore album. Once again, an opportunity we were able to take advantage of
because of a strong friendship built with a mentor, and the support of so many
amazing friends, family, and fans. It was a lot of work to make sure we could
make the dream happen, but was an unbelievable experience I will never
forget. I think another highlight was having a well established writer
from the 1960’s find me through social media after finding our version of one
of her hits. I guess it goes to show how connected we really are these
days.
Why are festivals like this one
so important for artists?
I think
these festivals are an amazing opportunity to present yourself to an open and
diverse blend of listeners. The audience for festivals, especially Jazz based
festivals, usually are attending many sub genres throughout the week. Being
able to open for such a legend also puts you in front of so many people that
you may never connect with otherwise.
What can audiences expect at your show?
For this
show; a lot of variety. There will be six very different vocalists all coming
together to put on a variety of styles within the R&B/Soul genre. We all
have our own strengths and I can’t wait to see how that translates on
stage.
What are your thoughts on the state of music in Canada today?
I can’t
comment on the music scene nationally, but what I do experience from the East
Coast and up to Ontario is how many amazing bands are out touring that so many
people haven’t heard. With more and more venues closing, it’s harder to reach
out. Yet, because it’s a business of perseverance, everyone keeps at it. I
think it shows how dedicated some musicians really are to their craft and their
fan base.
What's next on your musical
agenda?
My band
and I are just wrapping up a string of shows from an album release tour, that
we were very pleased with. Next will be getting back to writing in the late
summer for the next album. We’re also doing a lot of performances over the
summer opening for some larger acts we love, and doing some festivals - such as
the Harmony Bazaar Festival in July. After summer, more touring. More and more
touring!
Nova Scotia Super Soul
Review
(with
Bette LaVette)
Wednesday,
July 9, 8pm
Festival
Tent, Halifax Waterfront
