“Mothers In Jazz” reached its hundredth interview in early July. The 100th was with Dee Dee Bridgewater, the 99th was with Norma Winstone, and the 98th was with the creator of the series, Nicky Schrire.
The series returns from a Summer vacation next Monday 2 September 2024. It is going to be the same but different…It will be renamed “Parents In Jazz”. The format and goal of the series remains intact but the conversation will be bigger than before, bringing fathers into the fray.
“Mothers In Jazz” was started by vocalist Nicky Schrire in August 2022. The initiative aimed to create an online resource for jazz industry professionals with children, those contemplating parenthood, and jazz industry figures who work with and hire musicians who are parents. This goal was met and then exceeded thanks to interviews with 100 mothers hailing from across the globe-from Dee Dee Bridgewater and Sheila Jordan (the most-read of the series), to Norma Winstone, Linda May Han Oh, Andrea Motis (the second most-read) and many more.
Next Monday, 2 September 2024, the series will return as “Parents In Jazz”. Schrire says:
“It was time to grow the discussion and hear from both fathers in the community as well as parents who are jazz industry experts-presenters, agents, publicists, and the likes. The questions remain the same because that is part of what fascinates. The set questions illuminate just how many different ways there are to parent while remaining engaged with one’s work life.
“It is also precious to hear from the partners of many of the women who have already participated in “Mothers In Jazz”. Getting to compare and contrast a dad’s experience with that of a mum, when both are working jazz musicians, is invaluable. It’s also insight to which one is not usually privy. So I cannot emphasise how generous and honest all the interviewees have been. This series simply does not exist without these mothers and fathers.”
Early “Parents In Jazz” interviewees will include Fabian Almazan, John Clayton, and Liam Noble, to name a few. The series continues to shine a light on the very specific role of being both a parent and a performing jazz musician or jazz arts professional. The insight of the musicians and administrators interviewed for “Parents In Jazz” provides valuable emotional, philosophical and logistical information and support that is easily accessible to all.
