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2019 Big Sam
001-2019-020
44:10 Master Camera files on Hard Drive, Mp4
Thu May 02 2019
Interviewer - Jennifer Odell
00:55 Sam Williams describes his Jazz Fest schedule; he confirms a second volume companion to his latest album 02:21 Williams lists some of his influences, combatting the misconception that New Orleans musicians come up exclusively on New Orleans music; he describes the evolution between his last two albums, and how he’d been straddling funk and rock 04:45 Williams gives some detail on how studio and performance mentalities differ; he extols Kidd Jordan, one of his teachers 09:21 Williams reflects on the confluence and synthesis of his influences 10:47 Williams explains some turnover in his band, the result of expanding opportunities, and celebrates having studied with a bunch of his bandmates, a not uncommon phenomenon in the city 14:33 Recording, “Hot” 16:57 Williams gives some background on “Hot”; he explains how songs come to him in a variety of ways 19:31 Williams speaks to the encouragement and motivation of group dynamics, and how playing with his band differs from guesting in others’ 21:37 Williams explains how the Dirty Dozen Brass Band inspired him to want to start his own band, and his beginnings with the trombone. He speaks to the cycle of trombonist bandleaders emerging and inspiring others 24:09 Williams shares some of his wisdom gained from the Dirty Dozen; he reflects on creative risk 26:35 Recording, “Apple Pie” 29:16 Williams gets deeper into why he viewed slowing down “Apple Pie” as risky 30:35 Williams teases about his next album; he discusses not considering himself a singer; he reflects on his room to improve, and the ironic lack of practice time that comes with being a grown professional 36:27 Williams describes how he’s felt perpetually ready for the stage, and how facing big crowds gets easier each time; he explains how he wound up at NOCCA, despite his late start (for New Orleans) in music 40:37 Williams describes the determination it takes to make it in music, if you’re moved by what you’re listening to; he reveals that he listens to all kinds of music, including while recording 42:30 Williams speaks to the importance of music education incorporating the business side 44:11 Interview ends
video recording
Public Access is available in the Archive due to copyright restrictions. Copyrights are retained by the participants. The video is available for viewing at the archive.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Archive