Just in time to jazz up your weekend . . . the Ruly Mix! Download for free a great track to give you the boost of energy you need to accomplish something difficult or keep you in a positive mood! This month’s featured artist is Jamie Smith from Edinburgh, Scotland.
When I was choosing the song for this month, Jamie’s sample came on and my little ones instantly started dancing all over the place. When the sample was over, I heard the sweetest little chorus, “Play it again! Play it again!” That was the only test I needed to know that Jamie belonged in the Ruly Mix.
The other thing that is simply delightful to me about Jamie’s music is that it is completely unexpected. While you might be thinking we are going to be treated to a bagpipe solo or something akin to Celtic music, you are going to be a bit surprised to hear some totally groovy jazz! Yes, Scottish jazz! Who knew?
How long have you been playing/composing music and how did you get into jazz?
I’ve been playing and writing music since I was about 6 or 7. Like last month’s composer Rajiv, I started out on a Casio keyboard and shortly thereafter graduated to a battered old upright piano, much to the annoyance of neighbors. I studied classical music for a good few years before switching to jazz. I’d always been familiar with the Great American Songbook, and that material was my introduction to jazz and improvisation. Various family members play and sing, and there were lead sheets and songbooks around the house that I would play through and improvise on. I eventually got around to really studying how jazz harmony worked and how to go about improvising properly (I’m still working on it!). There’s actually quite a vibrant jazz scene here in Scotland, with annual festivals in all the major cities. Jam sessions are well attended and one of the music colleges has recently began running the country’s first full-time jazz degree.
What instruments do you play?
I play jazz and funk keyboards, ranging from acoustic and electric piano to Clavinet and organ. I did used to play flugelhorn, which is a brass instrument, but sadly don’t have the time to dedicate to that anymore.
What inspires you when you are writing music?
On one level it’s the creative challenge that inspires me. I always like to try out new things, whether it’s expanding my harmonic knowledge or writing in a new style. Inspiration also comes from the hope that people might enjoy listening to what you’ve created. If someone, after a hard day, listens to a bit of your music to relax and feel better, then you’ve done your job.
What were you thinking about when you composed this mix for beruly.com?
I really just tried to write something that Ruly readers would find catchy, lively and entertaining. I hope they enjoy it (my fingers are crossed)! It also amused me to think what my fellow jazzers would make of the bass and drum solos.
What goals have you set for yourself for 2010?
My main goal for 2010 is to work hard and continue making music – all the while trying to be more sociable and get out from in front of the piano now and again. The year’s got off to a great start with the chance to create something for Ruly. It’s been fun – thanks for the opportunity!
Intrigued? Can’t wait to hear the song? Wait no longer! Click the picture below to play or right-click to download. (If the picture is not working for you, you can also download by clicking here.)
If you like what you hear, please feel free to share the song with others. To respect the rights of the musician, please comply with the simple Ruly License terms below.
Ruly License: You may download and play any Ruly Mix song for your own personal use so long as you keep the voiceover tags intact indicating the name of the artist and that the song came from beruly.com. Businesses may also download this song to play as background music in their establishments so long as the voiceover tags remain intact. Any other uses of the song (such as in videos, etc.) must be pre-approved by the musician. Questions about license permissions can be addressed to info@beruly.com.
If you love Jamie’s music, please post a comment and share this link with others! Please know that all the Ruly Mix musicians love to get feedback on the songs. Even a quick comment like “Cool!” or “Love it!” is tremendously appreciated. Plus, this month anyone posting a comment can get a Ruly thank you note if you email your address to me at info@beruly.com.
