Lisa Hilton is an American pianist whose music draws on classic American jazz greats such as Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver, and Count Basie, as well as blues heroes Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson. She is a prolific composer who records and performs with many of today’s jazz luminaries, including Rudy Royston and Luques Curtis. Lisa lives in Southern California with her husband, and their children are now adults.
UKJazz News: What is the best advice you received about balancing/juggling motherhood and career?
Lisa Hilton: I never received any advice, but as a musician I always listen to my intuition. I didn’t know if having a mother as a jazz musician would have a positive impact or not on the family at the time, but now that they are grown I realize it was really a great example for them. They saw me as “a struggling jazz musician” (my son’s words), and now they see the success that came from a steady work ethic. They shared my joys and the doubter days, and I feel it contributes to their own foundation. They saw what commitment and work achieves.
UKJN: What information or advice do you wish you’d received but didn’t (and had to learn through trial and error or on the go)?
LH: Maybe the assurance that a career in music was not just ok for a family, but GOOD for the family. For a parent to work in a creative field does not take away from family life, it adds to it.
UKJN: Your top tip(s) for other mothers in jazz:
LH: I think everyone should do what is right for them, and for their family. For me, having a family was always really important to me, so I did not wait until I was more established in my field before having children. It did mean that my career had a later start, but that really doesn’t matter in the big picture. It did mean that there were times the kids would come and bang on the piano while I practiced to get my attention though! I have a son who plays beautiful classical piano as well as a great cool sax and a daughter who plays bass. How great that feels to me! Playing an instrument is a good thing for anyone, and a parent playing an instrument becomes a good role model. Too bad my hubby never did pick up his flute that he started in college!
UKJN: Baby/child gear tips for travel/touring/gigging:
LH: Make sure there’s the right kind of food for your kids handy. Everyone’s happy with pasta!
UKJN: Best general travel/gigging/tour-with-child advice:
LH: Originally, I liked to be with my kids backstage for a bit and have my meal with them, but now I realize that’s a bit distracting. I’m better if I eat a quieter meal while not taking care of anyone else. That said, I don’t always have a choice, but that’s the goal.
UKJN: What has surprised you about becoming a parent and remaining engaged with your professional activities and ambitions?
LH: Being pleasantly surprised that their friends follow me and want to come to our shows. My son’s friend mentioned my new album coming out last year to him after he saw the album mentioned on Apple Music. My daughter brought 12 friends to one show! You realize that your “kids” enjoy what you do and are proud of you – what a gift that is.
UKJN: What boundaries have you set for yourself as a mother in jazz (could be related to travel/touring, riders, personal parameters, child care decisions, etc.)?
LH: When I tour, the band is first, and family time is after the show. I really need to be focused on the music, and being ready for the stage. I’m not someone who wants to rush to get ready and just jump into a program.
Lisa is touring with bassist Luques Curtis, drummer Rudy Royston and trumpeter Igmar Thomas in support of her new album “Coincidental Moment”. Her tour dates are as follows:
3/12/24 7:00pm, Jazz Showcase Chicago, IL
3/13/24 7:30pm, Weinberg Center for the Arts Frederick MD
3/14//24 8pm, Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall NYC, NY
3/15/24 7:30pm Jazz Upstairs at Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown PA
Mothers in Jazz was started by vocalist Nicky Schrire. The initiative aims to create an online resource for working jazz musicians with children, those contemplating parenthood, and jazz industry figures who work with and hire musicians who are parents. The insight of the musicians interviewed for this series provides valuable emotional, philosophical and logistical information and support that is easily accessible to all. “Mothers In Jazz” shines a light on the very specific role of being both a mother and a performing jazz musician.
