Later this spring I will be a part of the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival’s spring showcase. Specifically, The Well, a musical Shabbat for which I am the primary composer and band leader, will be leading a Shabbat service/ concert at a local “cidery.” Having never been to a cidery or had the honor of being on the AJMF playbill, I’m quite excited for both! To help promote the upcoming event, AJMF sent me a few interview questions that they could draw from for some PR materials. They did a great job editing my verbosity, but, in the spirit of documenting my own reflective process, I want to provide the questions and my complete answers here…
- What does Jewish music mean to you?
To me Jewish music is music that has its roots and draws its inspiration from the deep wells of Jewish spirituality. It’s human music that uses Jewish vocabulary. It’s music that’s meant to engage the heart and soul, helping us to uncover, discover, grow, and flourish. Living with joy and gratitude, interconnectedness with all creation, cultivating loving present-moment awareness, dwelling in mystery, and the pursuit of peace and justice—these are just a few of the many themes native to Judaism that inspire my musical creativity.
- Where do you draw your inspiration from for music for The Well?
There’s a Jewish teaching that says, “When we sing, it’s as if we are praying twice.” I interact with Jewish tradition as a musician, which means that I open the prayer book and the Torah looking for the melodies, the harmonies, the dynamics, the rhythms, the music and song of Jewish tradition. In general I think of myself less as a song “writer” and more as a song “finder.” The music comes from silence, it comes from being open to the tradition, and it comes from the profound relevance and power of Judaism. The best moments are when heaven and earth kiss and the sound of that sacred meeting is a song.
- How does Southern preaching culture impact The Well?
The South has a long tradition of impassioned preaching. Good preaching comes from the heart, is socially and personally relevant, and challenges both the preacher and the congregation. With reverence for the pulpit as well as the listener, folks can count on preaching and teaching from The Well to speak directly into their lives.
- Any specific teasers or other thoughts you’d want to share?
Spiritual and religious music is a communal experience. It’s not a concert or a performance. The goal isn’t to entertain or impress, but to connect and transform. The community that comes together to sing and enjoy the music is what completes the song and gives it life. We’ve got an awesomely talented and generous group of musicians coming to bring the music of The Well and promise that all who join us to co-create this experience together will be delighted and inspired. Rather than passively receiving Shabbat, it’ll be a happening.