Holly Channell - Not Just a Standard (2024)

This is a very special project for me. I chose to do my debut album with arranged jazz standards because that’s how I learned to play and appreciate this music. Black American music is sacred music to me. It cuts deeper, and I am grateful to be a guest within this art form. I became enchanted by this music in January 2017 in a Jazz History class taught by Dr Ryan Nielsen.

It was in this class that my life changed. He wasn’t afraid to teach the real meaning of this music, where it really came from, and the realities of the real history of the United States and where we are with those realities today. In this class I learned about Billie Holiday, Louis Arstrong and many other incredible human beings who used their gifts in music to fight for their basic human rights and tell their stories. I knew right there and then that I wanted to be on that side of history.

Since that class I dedicated myself to the craft, and not just with playing but with striving to understand and respect the seat that I am now sitting in and who sat before me. I will always strive to acknowledge and accept that. I have a debt of gratitude to Dr. Ryan Nielsen for his bravery, courage and willingness to teach the truth in a place where that’s not always accepted.

I want to thank Lewis Nash, and his unwavering support for me and my dreams and encouragements during my time studying with him. His positivity and constant encouragement and support on my behalf helped give me the confidence to make this album and continue on my musical journey.

Thank you to Mike Kocour, director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State for taking me on, and wanting to be a part of this project. For also playing duo with me in his office, and always seeing the possibilities of who I could become. That was a huge part of my musical development.

And a thanks to Ben Hedquist, current Director of Jazz and Popular Music at GCC for being always willing and down to play with me, and being a constant steady pulse whenever we would. Jason Palmer, your guidance has been crucial in my confidence, and success. Thank you for the continued mentorship, guidance and being the absolutely amazing person, musician and family man you are.

Thanks to Clark Rigsby for his time and talents at Tempest Recordings! Your support and encouragement and excitement for this project is amazing. You made my drums sound way better than I am. And thanks toNathan at Vault Mastering for taking this project and putting the cherry on top.

Lastly, to my parents, wonderful husband and daughter for their encouragement and unwavering support. This album wouldn’t happen without you and everything you have and continue to give me. And Thanks, of course, to Jordi Pujol and Fresh Sound for taking a chance on me and putting out this record!

I hope everyone that listens to this record dances a little.

With Love,
—Holly Channell