Joe Barna – The Heights, a Column from Xperience Monthly

Welcome to The Heights. A new monthly forum that attempts to demystify the culture, history and characteristics existing within the American art form known as jazz. I’m Joe Barna. I will be presenting interviews, topics pertaining to the music, and introducing those who may be unfamiliar with the idiom to the beautiful qualities inherent within jazz and the artists who bring the music to life.

In this first installment I’d like to highlight a new live recording I’ll be producing with saxophonist Stacy Dillard, pianist Davis Whitfield and world renown bassist Tarik Shah. But first I’d like to lend my perspective to the question that has been looming in the ether for what seems like an eternity…

“What Is Jazz?”

In my opinion there isn’t a definitive, or rather singular, answer to the question. Whether musician or non-musician we each come to view artforms through our own unique lens. There are no right or wrong ways to consume or digest art. The way an individual interprets a painting, a song or a sculpture is up to them and the moment. What I’d like to do is share my thoughts on how I view jazz as music and a way of life. Please come along and let me entertain your mind.

Having been involved with jazz for nearly 35 years, from high school till present day, my perspective has grown with each experience and relationship. The way I see and feel jazz is much different today than in my infancy or even last week. However, some feelings never change. How I’m moved by the shifting tones, the harmonic richness and that timeless swing feel, if executed right, still resonates with me today the way it always has. Let me offer a more colorful landscape on how I see things today.

Jazz, through my lens, is a nonverbal form of communication shared with the listener from the hands, feet, mind, and body of those creating soundscapes in the moment. It attempts, if not triumphs, in fusing multiple styles into one voice that leads its audience on a sonic journey through music history and into the future. It takes the best of the blues, Latin, funk, country, pop, classical and beyond, melting musical Picassos into a singular art that is both inclusive and captivating. It defies restraint and unchains the artist from the shackles that attempt to bind the soul, imagination, and potential waiting up ahead. This is not to say that jazz is an elite form of music. It is not. Simply put, jazz is just another way of expressing oneself utilizing melody, harmony and rhythm.

We are fortunate living in upstate New York, in that we have access to some of the greatest musical minds currently performing in the world today. Both in our own community and the surrounding areas. With NYC, Boston, Syracuse, Portsmouth, Rochester, and many other strong arts scenes 3 hours or less from the Capital Region, it’s a blessing to be afforded such a luxury. One of the greatest luxuries right here in the heart of Troy, NY is a brand-new performance space called Alias Coffee Roasters. Owned and operated by master roaster/barista, Hernan Lopez, this intimate space is turning heads and raising the bar for what the potential can be in our community. Let me explain.

It’s a rare occurrence to have a room with the sound and layout present in the back of this industrial style building. The lighting, energy, ambience, mood, and tonal qualities are among the best I have ever been associated with. The level of talent performing is of the highest order, with each presentation offering its own special take on jazz. It’s a true gem hidden in the rear of this timeless old building. Not to mention the coffee, as stated by many, is among the best they have ever enjoyed.

Onto the show…

Coming on Tuesday, April 11th and Wednesday, April 12th will be an exciting live recording experience with Sketches Of Influence. I will be leading my quartet featuring Stacy Dillard, Davis Whitfield and Tarik Shah. This will be the 3rd and final installment in a series of 3 live albums. The Grind (2021) The Purpose (2022) and now The Heights (2023). This will conclude the trilogy and highlight some compositions written in tribute to my daughter Savina Jewel and partner Deana Clapp. Other compositions included will capture the image of my time spent while residing in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.

We invite you to take a musical journey with us. Come as we explore sonic possibilities and share our stories with you at upstate New York’s newest home for live performances, Alias Coffee Roasters, 219 4th street, Troy, NY.

Warmest Regards,

Joe