1) In a live performance, it's a collaboration with the audience; you ride the ebb and flow of the crowd's energy. On television, you don't have that.
Imagine being on stage performing in front of a lively audience. You feel their energy and it affects your performance. But on TV, it's different. There's no immediate response from the viewers, and you miss out on that interactive experience with the crowd.
2) With so many ways to communicate at our disposal, we must not forget the transformative power of a live music experience and genuine human exchange.
In today's world, we have lots of ways to communicate, like texting and social media. But it's important to remember that nothing can replace the amazing feeling of experiencing live music and connecting with others face-to-face. It's a special and transformative experience that brings people together.
3) I was raised in the Catholic Church, and for me, the thought in the Bible and Christianity, and the spirit within that, is one of the guiding principles in my life.
Growing up in the Catholic Church, the teachings of the Bible and the principles of Christianity have played a significant role in shaping my life. The thoughts and spirit within them have become important guiding principles that help me make choices and navigate life's challenges.
4) Music is a tool that brings people together.
Imagine a magical tool called music. It has the power to unite people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. With its beautiful melodies and rhythms, music creates a universal language that transcends barriers and brings us all closer together.
5) I think it's important for people to stay human and remember that genuine human connection is more fulfilling than anything that technology has to offer. We all have it within us, and music is something that can bring that out of us.
In a world filled with technology, it's crucial to stay connected as humans. Real, meaningful connections are more satisfying than anything technology provides. We all can connect, and music is a powerful way to bring out our humanity.
6) I played with Prince in 2010... the America tour. The one with Misty Copeland dancing on top of the piano! But Prince played the piano on that song. But I played two dates with him on that tour. When we played the gig, every couple of songs, Prince would change his clothes
In 2010, I had the amazing opportunity to perform with Prince during his America tour. I remember one particular moment when the talented Misty Copeland danced on top of the piano while Prince played it. During the tour, Prince would change his clothes between songs, which added to the excitement of the performances. I was fortunate to be part of this incredible experience and play two dates with such a legendary artist.
7) The beauty of jazz is that it can accommodate all styles. You can take jazz and put a rock in it, and it's still jazz.
Jazz is a unique music genre because it can adapt to different styles. You can mix it with rock or other genres, and it still keeps its jazz essence. It's like giving jazz a fun twist!
8) The subway in New York is a great social experiment; there are so many races and ways of life sitting together in each car.
The New York subway is like a fascinating social experiment. In each subway car, you can see people from different races and backgrounds sitting together, showcasing the diversity and variety of lives in one place.
9) We played Carnegie Hall, and that was one time where I felt... Carnegie Hall as a legendary, very venerable place to perform. I'd never heard of anyone going into the Hall and kind of standing on the seats and playing throughout the aisles and having the audience stand on the seats. So when we did that in 2013, even for me it was a shock.
Imagine a famous musician or band performing at Carnegie Hall, which is known for its historical and prestigious reputation. One day, a band decided to do something unexpected and unique. They not only played on the stage but also went into the aisles, stood on the seats and had the audience do the same. This unconventional performance shocked even the band members themselves. It was a memorable and extraordinary experience because it challenged the traditional norms of how concerts are usually held at Carnegie Hall.
10) You can't hate the person next to you when you're laughing and dancing together.
Laughter and dancing have a special power. When we're engaged in these joyful activities, it's hard to hold onto negative feelings toward the person next to us. The shared happiness brings us closer and helps dissolve any animosity or hatred.
11) The music is really about sharing an experience. That's why we call it Stay Human. It's like we're sharing this genuine human exchange.
Music is a powerful way to connect with others. When we play or listen to music, we're sharing an experience that brings us closer together. That's why the band calls themselves "Stay Human" - it represents the genuine exchange of emotions and connections we feel through music.
12) I still consider myself to be introverted, but everyone has a side of themselves that is amplified. Performers have to learn to tap into that, even if it's not natural.
Being introverted means feeling more comfortable in quieter, more solitary settings. But even introverts have moments when they shine. Performers, for instance, tap into a different side of themselves, embracing the spotlight and putting on a show, even if it's not their usual nature.
13) As far as music, Louis Armstrong is one of my heroes.
Louis Armstrong was an incredible musician and singer who played a big role in shaping jazz music. He had a unique and powerful voice, and his trumpet playing was legendary. Many people admire him as a hero and find inspiration in his talent and contributions to music.
14) My Earliest musical memory is probably being scared stiff with my family's band as a youngster on stage playing the conga drums.
One of my earliest musical memories is when I was a little kid and got to play the conga drums on stage with my family's band. I was scared but excited at the same time!
15) Jazz has a tradition that has enriched the culture in America. The intellectualism of it does nothing but make you think on a higher level and make you a better person if you engage in the music and let it do what it does when it is played at its highest level.
Jazz is a special kind of music that has made a big impact on American culture. It's not just about the sound, but also about the ideas and thoughts it brings. When you listen to jazz and truly connect with it, it can make you think deeper and become a better person. It's like a magical experience that happens when the music reaches its peak.
16) There's a tradition - in New Orleans, it still exists - where people play in the street. People play outside of the venues. Food, music, and that cultural exchange happen anywhere.
In New Orleans, there's a cool tradition where people play and have fun on the streets. They don't just stay inside venues. You can find delicious food, amazing music, and a mix of different cultures happening all around the city. It's a lively and vibrant experience!
17) I'm from Kenner, Louisiana, where music is played for every occasion in life. There's music for being born, and there's music for dying... It's just natural. Families get really good because they play a lot together.
Kenner, Louisiana is a special place where music is a big part of life. From the moment you're born to the moment you pass away, there's music for every occasion. Families there become amazing at music because they play together a lot. It's just a natural and beautiful thing.
18) Jazz can accommodate so many things. Jazz is like the universe: it's been expanding since its creation, and it's connected to everything.
Jazz is a music genre that can fit in with many different styles and influences. It's like the universe because it keeps growing and evolving, and it has connections to various elements of music and culture.
19) In the process of them developing this instrument, I've been playing the melodica in the style I would like the harmoniboard to be played, which is a mix between a harmonica and keyboard. I play with trumpet-style techniques. I really like the mobility of being able to step off the piano and bring the music to the audience.
While creating the harmoniboard, the person has been using the melodica to practice the style they want. It's a blend of harmonica and keyboard, played with trumpet-like techniques. They enjoy the freedom of stepping away from the piano and sharing their music directly with the audience.
20) The Batiste family is a large musical family in Louisiana, out in New Orleans. People go to New Orleans, and if they go to any club, four days out of the week I guarantee you that you will find a Batiste playing in the ensemble.
In New Orleans, there's a big musical family called the Batistes. They are known for their talent and passion for music. If you visit New Orleans and go to a club, it's highly likely that you'll find a Batiste family member performing with the musical group almost every day of the week. They are a popular and talented musical presence in the city.
21) In such a globally connected world, musicians now have the unique opportunity to express all of the cultural 'mash-ups' we are experiencing these days. Akin to the blend of cultures that occurred in early 20th-century New Orleans that led to the birth of jazz, I believe that the world has reached a similar cultural turning point.
In today's world, musicians can create music that combines different cultures, just like a mix of flavors in food. It's similar to how jazz was born when cultures mixed in New Orleans long ago. We're now at a similar cultural turning point globally.
22) When the Beatles wrote 'Paperback Writer,' it couldn't have been the same old thing. You can hear so many influences in it, from the blues to Bach, and it's not just verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge chorus. They start off singing a cappella, almost like a Bach chorale, and the song goes into this bluesy guitar riff.
When the Beatles created 'Paperback Writer,' they brought a fresh approach to songwriting. It combines various musical influences, from blues to Bach, and breaks the traditional song structure. They begin with a captivating cappella section reminiscent of a Bach chorale, then transition into a bluesy guitar riff.
Imagine growing up in a place where music is deeply rooted in your culture for generations. It's like living in a world where half of your time is spent creating beautiful melodies. No wonder you'd likely have many talented musicians in your family as well!
24) I'm from New Orleans, which is all about direct engagement out in the street with all the parades and Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals. I'm trying to take that and put it into my generation, a group that doesn't have enough joy and celebration in their lives.
As a New Orleans native, I bring the vibrant spirit of our city to my generation. Inspired by lively parades, Mardi Gras Indians, and jazz funerals, I aim to infuse joy and celebration into the lives of those who may be missing out.
25) I have seven uncles, and my dad played bass, they had a band together, and that was the family band. And of course, as the cousins got older, including myself, we joined a family band. All the cousins played. That's my heritage.
You come from a musical family with seven uncles and a dad who played bass. They formed a band, which became the family band. As you grew older, you and your cousins joined in, continuing the tradition and making music together. It's a special part of your family heritage.
26) Whatever I do with music, I try to make it align deeply with the values and principles of who I am and what I believe the purpose of my life is.
In my musical journey, I strive to create music that truly reflects who I am and what I stand for. I want it to resonate with my core values and beliefs, giving purpose and meaning to my life.
27) Early American music and early folk music before the record became popular and before there were pop stars and before there were venues made to present music where people bought tickets, people played music in the community, and it was much more part of a fabric of everyday life. I call that music 'root music.'
Before records and pop stars, early American and folk music thrived as a vital part of everyday life. People gathered in communities to play music, creating a rich tapestry of melodies. This authentic, community-driven music is often referred to as "root music."
28) Technology is something you have to embrace because technology is part of our generation. Digital natives, for instance, are people who grew up in a world that always had the Internet and who always had smartphones. Millennials aren't too far behind: my generation of people, who were in the mix of the Internet when it first came out.
Technology is like a buddy we should welcome because it's a big part of our lives. Digital natives, born into the internet era, and millennials, who witnessed its birth, both understand its importance. So let's embrace it and ride the tech wave!
29) There were so many people after that first 'Colbert Report' interview that were impressed by the synergy we had during the interview. People everywhere we'd go would say, 'You should be the bandleader; it would be great for jazz. It would be great for the music.' But I was completely against it.
After the first 'Colbert Report' interview, many were amazed by the chemistry between us. People suggested I become the bandleader, thinking it would elevate jazz and music. Surprisingly, I strongly opposed the idea, going against popular opinion.
30) It's not like the old competition that you had between Leno and Letterman. It's a friendly competition between Fallon and Stephen.
Unlike the past rivalry between Leno and Letterman, the friendly competition between Fallon and Stephen is a lighthearted one. Both hosts bring their own unique style to late-night TV, creating an entertaining and enjoyable atmosphere for viewers.
31) My whole way of looking at entertainment and audience engagement - and my ability to go from one genre to another - comes from my experience in New Orleans.
Growing up in New Orleans shaped my entire perspective on entertainment and connecting with audiences. The vibrant culture and diverse music scene allowed me to embrace different genres and adapt to different styles, making me versatile in my approach.
32) On the road, you can't really develop a personal life.
When you're constantly traveling, it's hard to build meaningful connections and have a stable personal life. The unpredictable nature of life on the road can be exciting, but it can also make it challenging to establish deep relationships and routines.
33) My sense of style is influenced by how I feel. I want to express myself because they see you before they hear you. You want to come on stage, and what you look like should represent the song you are playing or the set you are about to play, or the message in your music.
Your personal style reflects your emotions and helps you communicate even before you speak. When you perform, your appearance should match the vibe of your music, conveying the message and setting the stage for an impactful experience.
34) The thing about Spike Lee... that's a profound experience to work with someone who is that intense and knows their vision that well. The character I play in 'Red Hook Summer' is super country and super loud. He is some version of myself.
Working with Spike Lee is a powerful and transformative experience. He is intense and has a clear vision. In 'Red Hook Summer,' my character is loud and from the countryside, reflecting a part of myself.
35) Claude Debussy's 'Children's Corner' is a suite with six movements just for piano. Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Alfred Cartot's versions are amazing, but my favorite is Menininha Lobo's. Her version was done when she was an old lady - and you can hear it.
Claude Debussy's 'Children's Corner' is a beautiful piano suite with six parts. Different pianists have performed it brilliantly, like Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli and Alfred Cartot, but Menininha Lobo's rendition stands out. Her version, recorded in her old age, carries a unique emotional depth that can be heard in every note.
36) I'm always about trying to fill a need with what I do in my artistry. There is definitely a need in the performing arts world for a movement to come along that seriously connects with a next-generation audience while still maintaining the timeless artistic objectives present throughout the history of the American music tradition.
In my artistry, I aim to fulfill a need by creating work that resonates with a new generation while staying true to the artistic goals rooted in American music history. It's important to bridge the gap and connect deeply with audiences while honoring timeless traditions.
37) We are in a technological age, and 'Social Music' aims to reflect that spirit of advancement, collaboration, and connectivity while still remaining 'human.' And Stay Human, then, is a reminder of what connects us all. It's our mantra.
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