Interview

 

PA ~ When did you take up your artistry and how long have you been involved with it?
 
I have been a musician ever since I was in the 4th grade in Memphis, TN. I continued through high school then college as a music major at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, FL. I've been a high school band director then entered the music field as a songwriter, band leader, and record producer.
 
PA ~ Musically, how would you describe your sound/genre?
 
The sound/genre of my music is now under the format of Nu Jazz. It's not in the regular smooth jazz format that most stations play. My music is an easy-listening, jazz-influenced art that you can pat your foot to and let it feel and sound good to your audio vibes.
 
PA ~ What gravitated you toward your artistic work ?
 
I knew there was a market for my type of music. It would bring about a change in the regular smooth jazz format that you hear. I wanted to put more of a jazz sound with true jazz embellishments within my artistic creations.
 
PA ~ Who are your influenced by?
 
I'm influenced by John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Sonny Stitt, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Thad Jones, Billy Childs, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, Mervyn Warren, George Duke, Gerald Albright, Pepper Adams, and many, many others.
 
PA ~ I understand you have a CD called "It's All About Love", what is the listener in store for?
 
My first CD is entitled It's All About Love. It is an engaging piece of artistry that most everyone can relate to even if they're not total jazz fans. It sounds good. It feels good. The artistry of the songs and creative designs from the greatest musicians on the planet help to make this CD a real winner. In fact, this CD has won several smooth jazz awards from radio stations and also the City of San Diego.
PA ~ How is the CD being received?
 
As an independent artist, my CD was well received. It has been one of the best selling jazz CD's at a local record chain here in the LA area. Listeners everywhere, including the Internet, rave over the new artistry that is expressed and musically conveyed to the listening audience.
 
PA ~ Do you have a favorite composition on the CD?
 
 It's hard to choose any one song as a favorite since I wrote all of the songs. I tend to favor the instrumental version of the title track, "It's All About Love", then "Real Chocklett (Acoustic)", followed by "Ebonically Correct (Synth)".
 
PA ~ Will you be touring to promote "It's All About Love"?
 
I hope to be touring soon, but probably not until after the summer season.
 
PA ~ Any other projects or follow ups in the works presently?
 
My newest CD, "Love Prevails", will be available to the public during mid-summer. It also offers a semblance of Nu Jazz with peaceful, artistic, nuances that any jazz audiophile would love. It'll be good.
 
PA ~ Do you perform solo or normally with a group?
 
I always perform with my group. I am the leader of the group and also the drummer. I love my people working with me in the group. They're the best musicians on the planet. I could hold them up against anyone in the musical universe.
 
PA ~ What would someone expect attending one of your shows?
 
Any attendee of my show would hear the best Nu Jazz in the available arena. Satisfaction guaranteed. Nu Jazz doesn't get much better than what we offer.
 
PA ~ Do you perform outside of your hometown?
 
We will perform outside of the LA area provided all of the circumstances are right. That includes, finances and professional services for the musicians and staff.
PA ~ During your artistic journey so far, any interesting (funny, bizarre, highlight, nightmare etc...) stories come to mind you'd like to share with us?
 
I would like to say to any and all artists "Beware of the snakes". There are people out there that play on your career only to take advantage of you and your money. They'll only cause you heartbreak. Do business with only qualified, legitimate people. Always get referrals from other artists that had good service from people working to help you succeed with your career. The "fly by nighters" that promise you the world, run away from them. Don't walk. Run!
 
PA ~ Give us your thoughts on the indie music scene good and not so good.
 
The indie scene seems to be growing. It almost has to grow. Record companies are not signing as many artists, and some major artists are even being dropped from record labels. The technology is there to help you do your own thing as much as you can afford. You still need help from the various arenas in the music industry, but as an indie, your can learn the business of music. Once that's known, you can have more control of you career and your money.
 
PA ~ How is the artistic scene in LA evolving?
 
Living in LA can be great. It's one of the places many people come to while wanting to be a star. There's a lot of competition, and it's not easy. If it were easy, everybody would be a sensation overnight. Dues must be paid, and you need to have the fortitude to stick it out. Good things can happen in LA. You have to get to know the right people. It also helps to have a great product too.
 
PA ~ What has the highlight of your career been?
 
The highlight of my career has been performing at Carnegie Hall and producing my own CD as a first.
PA ~ What are some goals you hope to accomplish in the future?
 
My goals are to get the Nu Jazz format spread to the radio stations, organize Nu Jazz concerts and make people aware that really great music exists out there that regular commercial radio does not play. We're here to make a noise--a lot of noise.
 
PA ~ What are your other interests outside of music?
 
I'm a big Laker fan, and I like the Raiders in football.
PA ~ What was the best piece of advice you ever heard that motivates you in pursuit of your artistry?
 
The best piece of advice I've heard is to always be on top of your game. There's always someone out there with which you can compete, but give it your best so you can stay in the game. That'll keep you from watching from the outside wishing you could get on the inside.
 
PA ~ Where can someone find out more about Ronald Turner And The Fashion Statement ?
 
My website is at www.pocketslam.com.
 
Stay strong. Be good at what you do. Don't let anyone destroy your dreams. ~ RT