De Souza Music

Great to be part of our Singapore jazz family since the late 70s. Nice to see many young enthusiasts as well. Keep jazz alive 🎶🥂🎊

"Imitation may be the highest form of flattery" but as a jazz musician it may be the basest form of the art - After all is said and done, "Jazz" is all about improvisation and having your own voice. Allow me to elaborate...

As a young musician the learning process may include imitating and perhaps regurgitating the work of one's favourite artistes.
The upside of this, you get familiar with the jazz improv process. The danger of this process being that you may stick to this easy path as your skill grows, as it is always a crowd pleaser.
However as you hone and develop your skills the final goal should be to have your own voice and you can do it only with original interpretations and compositions.
My interest in improvisation began as a young musician (in the 70s) by trying to emulate my jazz heroes but as I grew in ability and confidence my own voice developed and I no longer wanted to play exactly like my musical heroes.
This is something that not only applies to jazz but to any form of music or any art form for that matter.
Although this is easier said than done, one driving factor would be the audience.
There is only a small percentage of discerning audiences, as most only want to hear what is familiar and so it is an uphill task developing your own audience and following.
My attempt at releasing 2 albums in the 1990s with original arrangements of familiar tunes and some originals had good reviews from music critics, who were of course discerning listeners, but met with limited success in the public domain.
"Live shows" were more successful though, as we could connect to the audience who could feel the new vibes and excitement emanating from the original arrangements and material.

And so I began on that long path to "musical nirvana" which is where you finally reach and connect to a wider audience and gain recognition.

At this point in time I still feel that constant draw to create and voice my own work to reflect who I am and what I continue to develop and that to me is quite satisfying. ❤️🎶✨

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Which would you aspire to - Creator or Replicator ?
Most would choose the former but can you be a creator if your processes are all based on imitation and replication ?
At “De Souza Music” our pedagogy guides you through processes that teach you “creative independence” ie: the skills to give you the technical and creative ability on your instrument to the point that you are no longer “teacher dependent“.
In January we have a special on “trial lessons” call 8533 0318 for more info:
The proof as they say is in the pudding. 🤗
Available from 8 Jan 2025❤️🎶 www.desouzamusic.org

Thank you Brian Richmond for the wonderful introduction you gave us. Here's your special request we dedicate this song to you - ❤️ 🎶 De Souza Trés & Friends Boni de Souza & Friends

CARAVAN (Duke Ellington)feat De Souza Trés & Friends led by Boni de Souza(c)2024 All rights reserved Down Memory Lane Gala Dinner 2024 was organised by the Catholic Family Life centre in Singapore. The organising committee was led by Mark Lim with Brian Rich...