Podcast Summary: Speaking Soundly – Episode Featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant

Released on February 4, 2025 | Hosted by Artful Narratives Media

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Speaking Soundly, hosted by David Krause of Artful Narratives Media, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with jazz luminary Cécile McLorin Salvant. Celebrated as a multiple Grammy Award winner and MacArthur Fellow, Salvant shares her rich musical journey, creative processes, and personal insights that have shaped her into one of modern jazz's most compelling voices.

Early Musical Beginnings

Cécile McLorin Salvant's foray into music began unexpectedly during her teenage years. Reflecting on her early aspirations, she reminisces:

"I must have been 17. I wanted to be a classical singer. I was learning arias that were for a 40-year-old woman... my aunt was so shocked that she started to laugh uncontrollably... eventually she was like, you have a pretty voice."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [01:55]

Salvant's initial passion for classical singing was met with both surprise and encouragement from her family, laying the foundation for her future in music.

Transition from Classical to Jazz

After high school, Salvant moved to France to study law—a path vastly different from her musical ambitions. It was during this period abroad that her true calling towards jazz began to crystallize, thanks in part to her saxophone teacher, Jean Francois Bonnell. Despite her reservations about a career in music, Bonnell's encouragement propelled her towards jazz:

"Just go for it... If you really tried this, you could actually be good."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [19:10]

This pivotal mentorship encouraged Salvant to explore jazz, ultimately leading her to embrace the genre wholeheartedly.

Artistic Challenges and Growth

Navigating the shift from classical to jazz was not without its challenges. Salvant was determined to maintain a distinct separation between her classical training and her jazz performances:

"I needed to make sure that I didn't sound like a classical singer singing jazz... So, I really, in my mind, started to think of them as totally different things."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [20:34]

This commitment to authenticity sometimes left her grappling with self-doubt and the fear of her voice not fitting neatly into either genre. However, Salvant's perseverance led to a unique vocal style that blends the precision of classical training with the expressive freedom of jazz.

Collaboration with Wynton Marsalis

A memorable moment in Salvant's career was her interaction with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. Recalling their collaboration, she shares:

"We went through a chorale together for, like, an hour. And it's, to me, the most insane thing that I've experienced with Wynton."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [23:50]

This experience underscored the depth of her musical understanding and her ability to engage deeply with complex compositions.

Visual Art and Its Influence on Music

Beyond her vocal talents, Salvant is also an accomplished visual artist. She explains how her art complements her music:

"My visual art is what influences. It's definitely in that direction. Making things with my hands reminds me of a mind state that I think is super necessary in music making..."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [25:28]

Her intuitive and playful approach to visual art echoes the creative spontaneity she strives for in her musical performances, fostering a holistic artistic expression.

Upcoming Performances and Artistic Vision

As one of Carnegie Hall's Perspectives Artists for the season, Salvant is gearing up for a series of performances that showcase her versatility:

"I'm the most excited for that because I'm going to treat Carnegie Hall as if it was a jazz club... we'll see if it works."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [28:11]

Her upcoming projects include Ogress, a murder ballad opera, and intimate trio performances, reflecting her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and engaging audiences in novel ways.

Personal Anecdotes and Conclusion

The episode concludes with lighthearted exchanges, including Salvant sharing a recurring nightmare and expressing her enthusiasm for future collaborations:

"Mine is I'm backstage, the lead soprano is dead... I need to fill in."
—Cécile McLorin Salvant [29:51]

David Krause extends an invitation for future opera experiences, highlighting the warm rapport between host and guest.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Musical Foundations: Salvant's classical training and transition to jazz have cultivated a unique vocal style that blends technical precision with emotional depth.

• Overcoming Challenges: Her journey underscores the importance of mentorship, self-acceptance, and the courage to pursue one's true artistic passions despite obstacles.

• Multifaceted Artistry: Salvant's engagement with visual arts enhances her musical creativity, allowing for a more comprehensive and intuitive artistic expression.

• Innovative Performances: Her upcoming projects at Carnegie Hall exemplify her dedication to reinventing traditional venues and formats, offering audiences fresh and immersive experiences.

Notable Quotes

• "Anytime you want to talk about music, whatever, you let me know."
  —Cécile McLorin Salvant [23:50]

• "Making things with my hands reminds me of a mind state that I think is super necessary in music making and actually in life."
  —Cécile McLorin Salvant [25:28]

• "I think my voice taps into the best of both worlds... sometimes it's clear as a bell, and other times diffuse and airy in the best way."
  —Cécile McLorin Salvant [21:50]

Cécile McLorin Salvant's episode on Speaking Soundly offers an inspiring glimpse into the life of a musician dedicated to artistic integrity, continual growth, and the seamless blending of diverse creative expressions.