Brent Wallarab – acclaimed arranger and composer – joins me to discuss walking away from the trombone, making relationships work, rediscovering his self worth, and the expectations we tend to have as musicians that lead to misery.
“If I abandon music completely tomorrow, or it abandons me, I would hope that there is still a good, well-rounded, worthwhile man left over.“
Listen
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Actionable Advice
- In order to make a relationship last it has to be THE priority in your life.
- I am more than a trombone solo. I am more than any arrangement that I write. Who are you outside of music? Are there interests, relationships, or values you aren’t exploring because of music? Might you actually enjoy yourself and your music more if you invested in these areas?
- You have your teachers, and you respect them, and if they like it then there must be something of value. So if I don’t like it there must be something wrong with me. But life is too short to spend your time doing things and listening to things that don’t bring you joy. Personally, I don’t particularly enjoy the majority of the music I hear. But if I keep searching I come across certain records that touch something deep and real inside of me. These days I’m only interested in finding and exploring those sounds that light a spark in me.
- Don’t be so frightened at missing out on the latest trend. Just being confident with who you are, what you want to write, and telling your story, and it’s going to be genuine. Sometimes we hinder ourselves by thinking we aren’t capable of sharing something important, or that our story doesn’t matter. Everyone has an interesting story.
- Success doesn’t mean being famous. I think success is if you’re happy. The history books don’t talk about the countless artists who pursued music We all have the ability to enjoy music, life, or a moment just as deeply as any famous musician.
- I don’t think Jazz has to be a turn-the-music-world-on-it’s-ear kind of experience for it to be good. I think that’s a myth, and I think that puts way too much pressure on students to have to create something brand new for it to be relevant.
Coda Questions
- What’s your go to feel good album? Beethoven’s 7th Symphony (Boston/Bernstein) or anything by Louis Armstrong.
- Who’s a musician in your life living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life, and why do you think that? My top role model was trumpeter Joe Wilder. He’s gone now but is still highly influential in how I want to live as a human being and musician. He was kindness, grace, and humility personified and his music projected these qualities profoundly.
- What one bit of advice would you give to a young musician? It’s a privilege to make music for other people. Respect your audience above all else and be humbled that they have given their time to listen to you.
- What’s some important advice about happiness you’ve received? Happiness comes from within so quit expecting the world or other people to give it to you. A close second: get the hell away from all social media.
- What is your purpose as a musician? Whether as a teacher of music or as a creator of music, the results of my efforts must leave the participants positively enriched. Everything I do or say as a musician has to come from a place of deep gratitude for the privilege of having a career in music.
Also Mentioned
- Brent Wallarab: Buselli-Wallarab Jazz Orchestra, IU Press
- Featured Track: Basically Baker Vol. 2 “The Harlem Pipes“
- David Baker: Tribute, YouTube
- 90s Indie Influence: Portishead, Massive Attack, Blonde Redhead
- Maria Schneider: Website