Spotlight On: Amanda Gardier
Saxophonist Amanda Gardier will be performing at Rudy’s Jazz Room on January 20th at 5:30 PM (tickets are available for purchase here). Ahead of her performance, she answered a few questions for Nashville Women in Jazz.
For more info, visit Amanda’s website: https://www.agardier.com/
NWIJ: Tell us a little bit about your musical background. Were there specific experiences, role models, albums, etc that cemented your love for music?
AG: I grew up in St. Charles, IL, which had a great band program. I was lucky to start playing saxophone in 5th grade and had the opportunity out to start playing in jazz band in 6th grade. My teachers exposed me to great recordings early on (Boss Tenors: Straight Ahead From Chicago - Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt; Boss Tenors In Orbit - Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt; Live at the Sands (Before Frank) - Count Basie; Life on Planet Groove - Maceo Parker, Cannonball Adderley Quintet in San Francisco), which really helped to develop my interest in the music.
NWIJ: Who were the most notable teachers who inspired or influenced you?
AG: I’ve been fortunate to have a number of influential teachers in my life. Doug Stone was my first and longtime saxophone teacher growing up. I was very thankful that he had me transcribing right away and wasn’t afraid to challenge me from a young age. I was also fortunate to have Chicago saxophonist John Wojciechowski as one of my band directors in high school. In college, I was also lucky to study with great saxophonists Tom Walsh and Walter Smith III.
NWIJ: What does jazz mean to you, and/or how does it factor into the music you write or perform?
AG: I really love that Jazz has always been a melting pot of musical and cultural influences. Over time, the music continues to evolve and grow and younger musicians bring in new, contemporary influences. As a composer, I try not to force ideas/styles and attempt to create music organically that is influenced by the music, art, and people that I’ve been exposed to.
NWIJ: Who are some of your saxophone heroes or influences?
AG: Some of my favorite alto saxophonists include Miguel Zenon, Kenny Garrett, Sonny Stitt, and Cannonball Adderley. I’ve definitely listened to and transcribed those four saxophonists the most out of everyone I listen to.
NWIJ: How do you approach practice?
AG: I play doubles regularly in my position with the Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble, so I divide my time between saxophone, flute, clarinet, and piccolo. I devote the majority of my time to fundamentals on each instrument (long tones, articulation exercises, scale/intervalic shapes, etc). The rest of the time is spent learning and/or reviewing standards and improvising (often with a specific goal in mind - idea development, integrating a new lick or intervalic shape into my playing, working on a particular chord substitution, etc).
NWIJ: How do you approach performance?
AG: I don’t normally approach performances with a particular goal in mind (aside from playing well ). Luckily, I’ve never really had issues with “stage fright,” so I’m usually just excited to perform and looking forward to connecting with the other musicians and creating a meaningful experience for the audience.
NWIJ: Can you describe your approach to composition?
AG: My approach to composition varies. I’m often inspired by people and characters from TV/film. Sometimes, I’m able to just sit down and organically write out the music that comes to me (usually on piano, but occasionally on saxophone). Sometimes, my approach is a little more structured. For example, I’ll write a short motif, then write it out in retrograde, retrograde inversion, etc., then combine the results in a variety of ways until I like the way the song has turned out.
NWIJ: How do you deal with disappointment, “failure”, or setbacks as a musician?
AG: Generally, I try to make the choice to be positive and optimistic in both music and life. I just try to put in the work, be kind, and look ahead to the next opportunity if things don’t work out.
NWIJ: What are some unique gig experiences you’ve had?
AG: I have been fortunate to perform in Disneyland as a member of the Disneyland All-American College Band and I’ve gotten to travel and perform in a lot of unique places with the Navy Band Commodores.
NWIJ: What advice would you give to a young person who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
AG: I personally recommend that young musicians focus on developing a diverse skill set if they are interested in pursuing music professionally. It is difficult to survive with a niche skill set nowadays (not only in music, but in most career fields). Learning to be flexible and developing a broad, yet thorough skill set will help young musicians get a lot of opportunities. Being capable of playing a variety of styles, playing doubles (as applicable), writing music, arranging music, etc. allows musicians to qualify for more opportunities and develop and successful and fulfilling career.
