The Jazz Community Connects in New and Meaningful Ways

Screenshot of illustration by Micah Thomas, part of his pre-recording for the Jazz Gallery’s 23rd Lockdown Sessions [Credit: Adriana Teresa Letorney]

(NEW YORK) — During the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown, The Jazz Gallery in New York City turned to the internet to connect its international community of musicians and composers with listeners and new audiences worldwide. 

In the first week of April, soon after venues began closing all over the U.S., The Jazz Gallery launched the Lockdown Sessions. This series of private Zoom webinars features four guest musicians who prepare a pre-recorded, 10-minute video of their choice. During the live event, listeners watch interactive videos and engage with the artists by posting comments and questions in the chat to better understand the musician’s musical and visual influences. 

Rio Sakairi [Credit: Simone Eccleston]

“It’s important for musicians to understand how to present oneself on the internet, especially during these times,” she said. Through these sessions, “there are new dimensions to how we get to know you [the musician] as a listener.”

On Saturday, October 17, The Jazz Gallery presented its 23rd Lockdown Session featuring renowned musicians Jason Lindner, Adam Rogers, Justin Brown, and emerging talent Micah Thomas. 

Pianist Micah Thomas shared a video in which he added interactive drawings to his musical improvisations. Drummer Justin Brown shared a video of himself playing music he recorded from his mother’s house using software that creates professional recordings as if they were in a studio. In his first video, he played drums over a music video by Salami Rose Joe titled “Octagonal Room,” which originally features no drum tracks. Guitarist Adam Rogers accompanied his music with two films by his partner Soomi Kim. 

Screenshot of Jason Lindner’s pre-recording during the Lockdown Session, 2020 [Credit: Adriana Teresa Letorney]

“The meaning [of the Lockdown Sessions] is simply keeping the community connected and the ability for The Jazz Gallery to still present artists and promote creativity without the option of live, in-person performances in their space,” said Lindner. He added that the sessions serve as a platform for artists to share their own creations with viewers and listeners. 

Screenshot of Justin Brown’s pre-recording during the Lockdown Session, 2020 [Credit: Adriana Teresa Letorney]

During the pandemic, The Jazz Gallery’s physical space is closed and many musicians have left the city. Sokairi, one of the most influential people in New York’s jazz scene and beyond, concluded that the Lockdown Sessions allows musicians who want to remain tied to the community to “present themselves in a more meaningful way.” For the audience, these sessions represent a unique opportunity to interact with artists, listen to music, and connect.