John Egizi is a Berklee alum who will be touring Europe this summer. He is being sponsored by the International Programs department, you can read other blogs related to the international initiatives at Berklee here.
I’m about to hop on a plane to Spain for my band’s first tour, and the adrenaline is kicking in. First and foremost, none of this would be possible without the support of Berklee College of Music. Having recently graduated from Berklee with a dual degree in Performance / Electronic Production & Design, I find it tremendously exciting to be representing my school abroad. Now I have a very serious message to share.
I am not a jazz musician! I am so much more than that. You are not a jazz audience! You are so much more than that. My music is about sacred geometry, but music is only part of it… I am interested in the inter-connectivity of things. It feels so amazing to have an open mind! The only problem with having an open mind is that some people will try to close it. Critics will do their worst. They say that you must define yourself! In order to sell a product you must define it! They don’t understand that in doing so, you are closing the doors to creativity. I prefer to keep my doors open! That is not to say that I am undisciplined. It is in fact quite the contrary. The path I have chosen is rigid, like that of a soldier. Musicians are soldiers of the highest order. “When music hits you, you feel no pain” – Bob Marley
I recognize space time as an object and I predict that this object is moving in a certain direction. My crosshairs are focused on the horizon of this object’s inertia. Classical music is on a collision course with EDM. You can call it yin and yang. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of reggae, footwork, salsa and afro-cuban music, while the current focal point of my practice is in physical exercise, rapping, singing, beat boxing and all other forms of body percussion.
My band mates for this tour are Jonathan Pinson on the drums and Ruben Carles on the bass (both Berklee grads). Jonathan is a lifelong friend and recent graduate of the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. Recently he’s been playing gigs with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, so keep an eye out for him. Ruben is another dear friend of mine who happens to be an amazing Spanish bassist. This tour would not be possible without his connections. We will also be featuring saxophonists Ariel Bringuez and Perico Sambeat. Spanish audiences are in for a treat!
Be sure to check out my website for the complete tour schedule. I am so very excited for this!
Namaste,
John Egizi
- Friday Night Classical ft. Berklee Indian Ensemble - October 16, 2019
- Performing with Shreya Ghoshal: Truly a Night to Remember - February 19, 2018
- Working with Shreya Ghoshal Changed My Perspective on Singing - February 9, 2018
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