Podcast

PAR Meet the Artist - Zoe Mazah

In this insightful interview, Zoe Mazah, an artist originally from Liberia and now based in Munich, Germany, shares her music journey, her latest single *"A Better Place"*, and the upcoming ...album *"Till Then"*.

**1. "A Better Place"**: Inspired by a protest in Munich against right-wing movements, this song expresses Zoe's gratitude for those who stand up for democracy and justice. Although she couldn't attend, she was deeply moved by the 150,000 people marching for a better world, and the song reflects her belief that every individual action counts in making the world a better place.

**2. "Till Then"**: The album’s title reflects Zoe’s unwavering belief in perseverance through life's struggles. The song *Till Then* represents her hope for a brighter future, symbolizing her ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.

**3. Music Fusion**: Blending reggae, roots, soul, and dub, Zoe draws on her classical piano background and diverse musical influences. She likens composing music to cooking, combining various genres and emotions to create something unique, spontaneous, and meaningful.

**4. Transition from Classical to Reggae**: Trained in classical music, Zoe found her true musical freedom in reggae, a genre deeply rooted in African rhythms. Her connection to her African heritage grew stronger after visiting Jamaica, where she felt deeply moved by the culture and music.

**5. Collaborations**: Zoe has collaborated with artists like Ky -Mani Marley and Alborosie. She values these experiences, noting that working with different songwriters and musicians has expanded her creative process and musical knowledge.

**6. Learning from Producers**: Zoe highlights one of her most significant lessons—learning to listen. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music, viewing it as a collective effort, and learning from those around her.

In addition to discussing her creative process, Zoe also shared insights into her stage performance rituals, where she emphasizes mental and physical preparation despite a hectic touring schedule. She described her music as a nurturing "Ital stew"—something soulful, comforting, and full of love, aiming to leave listeners feeling cared for and inspired.

With her album set to release on November 8th, 2024, and a busy schedule including a 2025 tour and upcoming performances, Zoe continues to pour her heart and soul into her music.

Stay updated on Zoe’s journey and music through her official website (Zoemazah.com) and follow her on Instagram (@ZoeMazahMusic), Facebook, and YouTube for more.

**Listen, reflect, and discover Zoe Mazah’s world through her music!**
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PAR Real Talk with Michael Persico – Classic Jazz Visions

In this episode, we sat down with trombonist, bandleader, and author **Michael Persico**, the visionary behind **Classic Jazz Visions**. Michael shares the story of how he turned the legendary photographer ...**Jack Bradley’s** rare jazz archive into a stunning book, *Classic Jazz Visions: The Photography of Jack Bradley*.

From his work with the **Classic Jazz & Swing Orchestra** to preserving the spirit of Louis Armstrong and the golden age of jazz, Michael opens up about:
✨ How Jack Bradley captured intimate, unseen moments of jazz legends
✨ The challenge of curating 30,000 photos into a 100-image book
✨ His multimedia project combining live big band swing with rare jazz photography
✨ Why jazz history still matters — and inspires future generations

Stay tuned until the end for a **quick-fire round**, where Michael reveals his jazz heroes, favorite clubs, and one word to sum up Bradley’s work.

📖 *Classic Jazz Visions: The Photography of Jack Bradley* – Available now (2nd edition printing coming soon!)
🎶 Learn more: https://classicjazzvisions.org

👉 Don’t forget to **like, comment, and subscribe** for more inspiring conversations with artists, creators, and visionaries on *P.A.R. Real Talk*.

#jazz #louisarmstrong #MichaelPersico #ClassicJazzVisions #BigBandJazz #JackBradley #parrealtalk
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