Music, Love, & Life
An exclusive chat with James & Jean Spaulding
An exclusive chat with James & Jean Spaulding
James Spaulding has been part of the jazz scene for quite some time.
Sharing the stage with the likes of Randy Weston, Freddie Hubbard,
Sun Ra, & Max Roach, to name a few. His emotion driven expressions
have graced some of the classic recordings of Blue Note records
during the 60's. Equally as impressive is the talented woman who
has shared her love with him, all of these years: his wife, Jean. For
the first time, both have been gracious enough to do a dual
iNNERViEW & the 3rd Power Report at MLCaldwell.com has the
exclusive!
Sharing the stage with the likes of Randy Weston, Freddie Hubbard,
Sun Ra, & Max Roach, to name a few. His emotion driven expressions
have graced some of the classic recordings of Blue Note records
during the 60's. Equally as impressive is the talented woman who
has shared her love with him, all of these years: his wife, Jean. For
the first time, both have been gracious enough to do a dual
iNNERViEW & the 3rd Power Report at MLCaldwell.com has the
exclusive!
3PR: First of all, thank you both for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. We would like
to start off by asking James to run down a bit of his musical history. Tell us, when did you start playing &
what instruments do you play?
James: I was strongly influenced by my father but it was because of the recordings he brought home for
me to listen to: Charlie Parker, Illinois Jacquet, and Dizzy Gillespie, and I wanted to play like Bird.
Unfortunately, my dad's music career was interrupted by his responsibilities of supporting a family. I was
the third sibling of seven children. I remember his selling insurance to pay the bills, but he also often
played his guitar, while I listened. By the time I was born in 1937, my dad no longer traveled with his
band. You could probably say that I was given a bugle to play by my dad at five years of age and from
that first encounter, I knew that I would play a musical instrument. It was like a fish takes to water.
Most of my training is self-taught. I continued to play the bugle, added the trumpet, tonette, alto
saxophon, & clarinet. The clarinet was due strictly to the music instructor's need for more clarinet
players for the Crispus Attucks Marching Band. As a sophomore, I played the clarinet, led the marching
band and played in the senior band, and the woodwind quintet and jazz combo. I also taught myself to
play the flute. Fortunately, during that time students were able to check out instruments and take them
home to practice.
2
to start off by asking James to run down a bit of his musical history. Tell us, when did you start playing &
what instruments do you play?
James: I was strongly influenced by my father but it was because of the recordings he brought home for
me to listen to: Charlie Parker, Illinois Jacquet, and Dizzy Gillespie, and I wanted to play like Bird.
Unfortunately, my dad's music career was interrupted by his responsibilities of supporting a family. I was
the third sibling of seven children. I remember his selling insurance to pay the bills, but he also often
played his guitar, while I listened. By the time I was born in 1937, my dad no longer traveled with his
band. You could probably say that I was given a bugle to play by my dad at five years of age and from
that first encounter, I knew that I would play a musical instrument. It was like a fish takes to water.
Most of my training is self-taught. I continued to play the bugle, added the trumpet, tonette, alto
saxophon, & clarinet. The clarinet was due strictly to the music instructor's need for more clarinet
players for the Crispus Attucks Marching Band. As a sophomore, I played the clarinet, led the marching
band and played in the senior band, and the woodwind quintet and jazz combo. I also taught myself to
play the flute. Fortunately, during that time students were able to check out instruments and take them
home to practice.
2
3PR: How did you meet Jean? Jean, was it love at first sight?
James: Jean and I met in the laundry mat (sp). We both lived on Willoughby Avenue in Brooklyn, and I would see her walking
down the street with her daughter, Gemma. I think I fell in love with her “great” looking legs at first. I would be standing in
front of the house where my friend Lou and I both rented a room, and every time I saw her pass by, I would remark to Lou
about her fine legs.
3PR: How long have you two been married? Children?
James: We have been married for 45 years this year, 2008, and we have added 2 daughters to our family, making it a total of
three. Gemma, Gina, and Yvonne.
3PR: James, how has knowing & loving this wonderful woman affected you creatively?
James: Who is the poet that said: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning just about sums
it up for me). We’ve had our ups and downs but we stuck it out and the children only cemented the blocks that held us together.
3PR: This next question is for Jean: What is it like being married to an artist with a legacy as rich as your husband’s?
Jean: Well, thanks for making me a part of this interview – it’s a first. I’m very proud of James because he’s able to create and
to touch emotions deep inside. Where does the music come from? To me, music is the rhythm of life it moves us in many ways
and speaks a language we can all respond to from the inner depths of our beings. Before I finally got used to James’ traveling
out of town, I wrote a poem for him, which I’m going to share with you:
“Untitled”
This night passed again unchallenged - no whispered impassioned pleas
My nakedness uncovered - Languid by the unfamiliar sound
Of only one heart beat.
Across the room – Space becomes an intruder
Shadowing ghostly aberrations
That dare the daybreak.
3PR: That was beautiful! James is so fortunate to have someone who loves him like you do. I am sure that goes both ways.
Switching gears a bit, James, as an artist, what do you think about the modern music scene?
James: I think that there is always going to be a generational beat, just as it was in my youth. I did all of the modern dance
steps of my era and I enjoyed the rhythms. I think that the musicians of today might be a little more savvy about the business
aspect, but that each generation will walk to a different beat. It’s not like the music commonly called “Jazz,” which is our 20th
century classical music – and which some black musicians describe as “music of the spirit.” This music (jazz) developed from
the roots of a people’s life experiences is already historically inscribed as one of the 20th century’s greatest cultural art forms. I
hope I’m still here to experience the next youth’s rhythmic developments.
3PR: Herbie Hancock won album of the year at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Being that a jazz musician in this day & time can win
such an award, what does this mean for jazz, & for music in general?
James: Hopefully, more musicians will receive their accolades while they are still relatively young enough to enjoy the acclaim.
3PR: ML speaks very highly of you & Jean. Yet, he is extremely humbled by the fact that you two have befriended him. How did
you two become acquainted with ML?
James: My wife, Jean was looking for other ways for me to share my music with others and to have an outlet besides my
website. She saw “My Space” on another musician’s website and made inquiry as to how to have a page for me. Crystal Rooney
introduced Jean to a fellow who also is a musician (I think his name is Jeff) and he set up the page. Marcus sent an “add” and
wrote a very thoughtful comment about the music on the page. I also like his soulful sound.
3PR: What do you think about ML’s music in general?
James: I think of his music as procreating the roots of the music that came out of the rhythm and blues and soul sounds of its
originators. Just as I am the continuum of Bird and Dizzy, and Sonny Thompson, Sun Ra, etc.
Jean: When I listen to ML's groove, I can hear the music of my youth, and into our contemporary sound of today. The name
(genre) may be modernized to fit into the 21st century, but its distinctive sound holds no doubts about it's origin. When I listen
to his music, I feel the swaying of the hips and the movement of the feet that takes me back to Muddy Waters, the Dominoes,
Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, etc. I think its reminiscent of what Quincy Jones says: We are all here based
upon standing on the shoulders of someone else. We should take the music higher - let me take you higher, remember that
one? The roots remain the same but the names will often change. One of the most difficult challenges is semantics - there are
always so many meanings for the words. James was very much influenced by Charlie Parker, but he too, sounds uniquely his
own, but first after imitation and experimenting with those very same notes that we call today, Modern jazz.
3PR: Some lesser accomplished musical entities have sought to send veiled attacks at ML & his music. Though he remains pretty
much unaffected by their uninformed rhetoric, it means a great deal to him that you made such a wonderful comment about his
music. Drummer for the MLC3, Mr. Leon Daniel, was extremely excited when he learned of your interaction with ML via email.
How do you feel collaborations in your respective sounds will be received by both your listeners & ML's?
James: I once did a performance at Livingston College, Rutgers University where I gave the connectedness in the evolution of
the music by using Swing (instrumental) and rhythm and blues (singers). It was very well received.
3PR: I see, a connection of your sounds, bridging the gap, if you will. Sounds like fun to me! Final question, & it’s for both of
you: Everybody is talking about change. What one thing would you change if you could?
James: I think Jean and I both agree that this country needs a change because it is morally and spiritually bankrupt. We would
like to believe that Senator Obama could bring some respectability and trust to us as a people and a world leader. I would like
the young people to have the promise that it isn’t necessary to have to become a robber baron or corporate thief in order to
amass a comfortable standard of living. Where is the love?
Jean: Racism is only a tool to subjugate the people – “no one is born a slave, it’s a name forced upon him/her, by the laws of
man.” Color simply describes one’s appearance – it does not tell the content of character. If I had my druthers, we would live by
the creed: “All human’s are created equal.”
3PR: Any parting words for aspiring musicians? Aspiring couples?
James: Thanks for asking: the life of a musician is not easy – the places where musicians work usually doesn’t last long
enough for a musician to get medical insurance or get unemployment insurance. It’s hard to pay the rent and sometimes you
don’t eat a balanced diet. But with all of this said, music has made my heart soar and given me the opportunity to travel and
meet folks from many different parts of the universe.
Aspiring couples .. WOW!!!! My wife Jean is a retired school teacher, I don’t really have any advise, except love must be one of
the key elements and then it’s still difficult because the money is mostly steady from the salary of the one who works the 9 to 5.
3PR: Thank you for your time. We love you both!
James/Jean: You’re very welcome. Peace & blessings.
visit James Spaulding online @ www.speetones.com
James: Jean and I met in the laundry mat (sp). We both lived on Willoughby Avenue in Brooklyn, and I would see her walking
down the street with her daughter, Gemma. I think I fell in love with her “great” looking legs at first. I would be standing in
front of the house where my friend Lou and I both rented a room, and every time I saw her pass by, I would remark to Lou
about her fine legs.
3PR: How long have you two been married? Children?
James: We have been married for 45 years this year, 2008, and we have added 2 daughters to our family, making it a total of
three. Gemma, Gina, and Yvonne.
3PR: James, how has knowing & loving this wonderful woman affected you creatively?
James: Who is the poet that said: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...” (Elizabeth Barrett Browning just about sums
it up for me). We’ve had our ups and downs but we stuck it out and the children only cemented the blocks that held us together.
3PR: This next question is for Jean: What is it like being married to an artist with a legacy as rich as your husband’s?
Jean: Well, thanks for making me a part of this interview – it’s a first. I’m very proud of James because he’s able to create and
to touch emotions deep inside. Where does the music come from? To me, music is the rhythm of life it moves us in many ways
and speaks a language we can all respond to from the inner depths of our beings. Before I finally got used to James’ traveling
out of town, I wrote a poem for him, which I’m going to share with you:
“Untitled”
This night passed again unchallenged - no whispered impassioned pleas
My nakedness uncovered - Languid by the unfamiliar sound
Of only one heart beat.
Across the room – Space becomes an intruder
Shadowing ghostly aberrations
That dare the daybreak.
3PR: That was beautiful! James is so fortunate to have someone who loves him like you do. I am sure that goes both ways.
Switching gears a bit, James, as an artist, what do you think about the modern music scene?
James: I think that there is always going to be a generational beat, just as it was in my youth. I did all of the modern dance
steps of my era and I enjoyed the rhythms. I think that the musicians of today might be a little more savvy about the business
aspect, but that each generation will walk to a different beat. It’s not like the music commonly called “Jazz,” which is our 20th
century classical music – and which some black musicians describe as “music of the spirit.” This music (jazz) developed from
the roots of a people’s life experiences is already historically inscribed as one of the 20th century’s greatest cultural art forms. I
hope I’m still here to experience the next youth’s rhythmic developments.
3PR: Herbie Hancock won album of the year at the 2008 Grammy Awards. Being that a jazz musician in this day & time can win
such an award, what does this mean for jazz, & for music in general?
James: Hopefully, more musicians will receive their accolades while they are still relatively young enough to enjoy the acclaim.
3PR: ML speaks very highly of you & Jean. Yet, he is extremely humbled by the fact that you two have befriended him. How did
you two become acquainted with ML?
James: My wife, Jean was looking for other ways for me to share my music with others and to have an outlet besides my
website. She saw “My Space” on another musician’s website and made inquiry as to how to have a page for me. Crystal Rooney
introduced Jean to a fellow who also is a musician (I think his name is Jeff) and he set up the page. Marcus sent an “add” and
wrote a very thoughtful comment about the music on the page. I also like his soulful sound.
3PR: What do you think about ML’s music in general?
James: I think of his music as procreating the roots of the music that came out of the rhythm and blues and soul sounds of its
originators. Just as I am the continuum of Bird and Dizzy, and Sonny Thompson, Sun Ra, etc.
Jean: When I listen to ML's groove, I can hear the music of my youth, and into our contemporary sound of today. The name
(genre) may be modernized to fit into the 21st century, but its distinctive sound holds no doubts about it's origin. When I listen
to his music, I feel the swaying of the hips and the movement of the feet that takes me back to Muddy Waters, the Dominoes,
Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, etc. I think its reminiscent of what Quincy Jones says: We are all here based
upon standing on the shoulders of someone else. We should take the music higher - let me take you higher, remember that
one? The roots remain the same but the names will often change. One of the most difficult challenges is semantics - there are
always so many meanings for the words. James was very much influenced by Charlie Parker, but he too, sounds uniquely his
own, but first after imitation and experimenting with those very same notes that we call today, Modern jazz.
3PR: Some lesser accomplished musical entities have sought to send veiled attacks at ML & his music. Though he remains pretty
much unaffected by their uninformed rhetoric, it means a great deal to him that you made such a wonderful comment about his
music. Drummer for the MLC3, Mr. Leon Daniel, was extremely excited when he learned of your interaction with ML via email.
How do you feel collaborations in your respective sounds will be received by both your listeners & ML's?
James: I once did a performance at Livingston College, Rutgers University where I gave the connectedness in the evolution of
the music by using Swing (instrumental) and rhythm and blues (singers). It was very well received.
3PR: I see, a connection of your sounds, bridging the gap, if you will. Sounds like fun to me! Final question, & it’s for both of
you: Everybody is talking about change. What one thing would you change if you could?
James: I think Jean and I both agree that this country needs a change because it is morally and spiritually bankrupt. We would
like to believe that Senator Obama could bring some respectability and trust to us as a people and a world leader. I would like
the young people to have the promise that it isn’t necessary to have to become a robber baron or corporate thief in order to
amass a comfortable standard of living. Where is the love?
Jean: Racism is only a tool to subjugate the people – “no one is born a slave, it’s a name forced upon him/her, by the laws of
man.” Color simply describes one’s appearance – it does not tell the content of character. If I had my druthers, we would live by
the creed: “All human’s are created equal.”
3PR: Any parting words for aspiring musicians? Aspiring couples?
James: Thanks for asking: the life of a musician is not easy – the places where musicians work usually doesn’t last long
enough for a musician to get medical insurance or get unemployment insurance. It’s hard to pay the rent and sometimes you
don’t eat a balanced diet. But with all of this said, music has made my heart soar and given me the opportunity to travel and
meet folks from many different parts of the universe.
Aspiring couples .. WOW!!!! My wife Jean is a retired school teacher, I don’t really have any advise, except love must be one of
the key elements and then it’s still difficult because the money is mostly steady from the salary of the one who works the 9 to 5.
3PR: Thank you for your time. We love you both!
James/Jean: You’re very welcome. Peace & blessings.
visit James Spaulding online @ www.speetones.com
