Episode 64
Making Progress and Not Perfection with Carol Albert
In this episode, Carol Albert, an Atlanta-based pianist and composer, is our special guest. Her new single, "Paradigm Shift," from her latest album, Magic Mirror, is at the top of all smooth jazz charts right now. She and Carl discuss how this particular song captures the profound change in consciousness that has taken hold of society in response to the pandemic.
Carol talks about the different genres of music that have influenced her music and what it was like working with the best of the best. She says she gets inspiration for her music from a variety of sources, including travel and life experiences. According to her, it is very important to surround yourself with individuals who are gifted because they bring more to the table.
During the conversation with Carl, she answers what she would do if she weren't a musician, shares what it was like traveling the world playing while on tour, mentions the receptiveness of the different audiences that listen to her songs, how long she practices, and how she spends her time if she's not making music. Listen to Carol and Carl also talk about chasing perfection and the Seabreeze Jazz Festival when you tune in.
Episode Highlights
06:57 - In the beginning of a project, I just kind of start one song at a time. If I feel like if I get bogged down with that kind of stuff, I never will get anywhere. I don't really think about that. I think about how can I be an artist? How can I really make this song the best it can be? And a lot of our songs are like that.
23:35 - I found European audiences very, very receptive. They were very receptive, especially to all kinds of music and very full of gratitude or appreciative. And they would still play stuff that would blow my mind. Like they would ask for, "Hey, do you know any Elvis or do you know any Beatles?" That was so long ago, but they still play just music that is timeless. For the United States, it's always the latest, greatest, and what's new.
28:22 - But I would say it's okay to not put so much pressure, that it's all about progress, and felt like I had to be perfect. And of course, none of us are perfect. So, striving for perfection really can – it's just – you're never going to win because it's not perfection. And I think that's the biggest lesson is to put yourself in a position where you can keep making progress, you can keep learning, and you can keep growing.
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