Terence Blanchard Interview Page 4

Smitty: Glad that there’s progress.

TB: The citizens, they are very determined because we love the city and this is our home and they’re gonna make sure that we’re gonna build it, re-build it as best we can. There are a lot of obstacles in our way that have nothing to do with our desire to build the city.  It has everything to do with politics and bureaucracy which is very unfortunate.

Smitty:  Yes. Well, you are blessed in a lot of ways and one in particular is that you’re here, you’re still here, and….

TB:  Well, yeah, exactly, and that’s the thing.  I mean, you start to really realize that when you look at what other people have gone through.  I’m constantly hearing stories about friends of mine who have passed on.

Smitty:  Yeah.

TB:  You know, a couple of guys that I know passed on trying to save people.

Smitty:  That’s so tragic.

TB:  It’s an interesting thing because you just never know when it’s gonna end.

Smitty:  Yeah, exactly, and I’m just happy that you’ve made it through and your family’s okay and those other material things, they’re so secondary when it comes to life itself, and the city will come back and I know there’s a lot of efforts by a lot of musicians to help in that regard and that’s a beautiful thing when the whole camaraderie of musicians….I know I’ve seen some ads from Wynton Marsalis, the work of Marilyn Scott and The Prana Foundation, and many others, and so it’s beautiful when there’s an effort there that will make the city even stronger when it does come back, and I think that strength is building right now.

TB:  Oh, yeah, everybody’s doing whatever they can and that’s the beautiful thing about it because when the tragedy first happened, man, I didn’t see where red or blue states across this country, I’m here to tell you.  I saw one nation unified to helping people in need and that was a beautiful thing.

Smitty:  Yes.

TB:  So how interesting is to see that whole situation politicized, you know, by these political groups on either side of the isle, doesn’t really matter to me.

Smitty:  Right.

TB: So that’s kind of unfortunate. That’s one of the things about New Orleans that’s really been evident.

Smitty:  Yes, absolutely.  Well, I tell you, Terence, it’s been a pleasure talking with you.  I love this record….

TB:  Thank you.

Smitty:  You are so welcome.  It’s on the Blue Note label, it’s called Flow, and it’s great to hear your voice and that you’re strong and you’ve got the vibe and that just gives you a chill right there.

TB:  Oh, thank you.  Thank you, Smitty.  I appreciate you for doing this feature and I’m happy that you enjoyed the record. For us it’s one of those things we had a great time making it and you just hope people have just as great a time or even more listening to it.

Smitty:  Yes indeed. Now, you have a Web site?

TB:  Yes.  Yes, the Web site is just www.terenceblanchard.com.

Smitty:  All right, so people can go there and they can not only learn more about Flow and also Bounce and all the other great CD’s.

TB:  Man, everything. (Both laughing.)

Smitty:  Yes indeed. I hope we’ll get to see you out on the road and playing some of this great music live. I want to experience what the guy in Seattle experienced, you know?

TB:  (Both laughing.)  Okay, okay, definitely.

Smitty:  Yes indeed.  Well, listen, keep doing your thing, man.  Keep making great music.  My congratulations to you and the entire band and everyone associated with this record because it was a great team effort and it really shows what great musicians you truly are.

TB:  Thank you.  Thank you, Smitty. I appreciate that.

Baldwin “Smitty” Smith

For More Information Visit www.terenceblanchard.com and www.bluenote.com.