Interview with Jazz musician Michael Egleton

MuzicNotez Crew: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you Michael, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.

What motivated you to start creating music? What age did you begin?
- Michael Egleton: Music was something placed in my blood. Passed down from my grandfather, Bishop David Egleton, to my mother, Jeanne Egleton-Bell, then to me. So in saying that, I would say my music interest and journey, started from birth. From playing Grit boxes at age 2, to drums by age5, trumpet and guitar age 7, and piano and Hammond Organ by age 19 up until now. I have since passed it on to my daughter who started learning music in grade school band and plays violin and flute. She also at one time was proficient in reading and writing music. I would write a song and she would figure out the notes and write them for me. I, myself, don’t read or write a lick of music. Now I’m seeing the gift develop in my grandkids with their interest in music starting. One on drums the other on keys and both of them singing.

MuzicNotez Crew: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musician you are today? Or helped mold the music that you create?
- Michael Egleton: There are so many great musicians and artists that have deposited their artistry in my life until where do I start! First there’s the quick, nibbled fingered, Art Tatum. Also originally from Ohio, he was so far ahead of his time back in the 40’s and 50’s. The great late Donny Hathaway. He sang so soulful. Like silk. I’ve been told many times I sound just like him. Mr. Michael McDonald. Wow! What a singer and piano player. The growly voice of Joe Cocker. The great Aretha Franklin. When she sings and plays piano she takes you to church! Steely Dan. His chord structure is off the chain. Charlie Wilson. Not only his singing but his life story gives me encouragement when I’m down and ready to give up. The electric Sister Rosie Haynes a gifted saxophonist and singer and her brother, a monster on the Hammond B3 Organ, George Haynes from East St. Louis. The Mystro himself, Mr. Barry White with is string arrangements, Michael Henderson, Jonny Taylor and Jonny Gill. I could go on but those mentioned have affected me in a way that’s not measured.

MuzicNotez Crew: What’s the ultimate goal you want your music to achieve, or for you to achieve in your career as a musician? Any particular message you wish to send?
- Michael Egleton: The ultimate goal of my music is to affect the listener in a positive way. To somehow touch the mind and heart in a way that causes thought and/or change in their situation and life. There is great music that makes you move and dance then there is music that you look to for an answer to what’s affecting you at that moment. Whether it’s to calm down or cool out or help you through a rough relationship situation. I believe music is universal. Goes past language barriers and enters the spirit and soul of a man or woman then transposes outward from their soul and sprit to their mind and heart changing their continence in a way unimaginable. Yes, I would like to have the awards and recognition that comes with making great music but I believe if you first make music that touches, the rest will come. I believe the ultimate reward is to hear your music 20 or 30 years later playing on the radio having the same effect as the day it first came out.