Atención Music Spotlight: Jack Joshua, Where the Groove Leads, the Music Follows

By Felecia Ford

What I’ve noticed about Jack Joshua on stage is that he is humble, incredibly present, and an absolute master on bass! He is the musical director and bass player for his Grammy Award-winning wife, singer Lauren Mitchell, whom we featured in last month’s Music Spotlight. After getting to know Lauren and her story, it only seemed right to turn the spotlight toward the man beside her onstage and in life. This month, we get to know Jack Joshua up close and personal as the accomplished musician and man behind the bass.

FF: Thank you so much for this interview. It is an absolute honor to spend time with you and your wife getting to know you through the interview process. I’m curious how you were you first exposed to playing music? 

JJ: I was first exposed to playing music by my Grandfather, Lawrence Dudley. He was a singer & guitarist who sang everything from folk songs, to classical music & African American Spirituals. He would visit us in California, from Alabama, when I was a child. He performed professionally, including two appearances at Carnegie Hall. 

FF: That’s incredible. What first attracted you to the bass? 

JJ: Even as a child, before I was played music, I always liked the sound of the low notes. I always enjoyed the bass sound. I realized as a teen that I really wanted to make playing music something important in my life.  

FF: You’ve made music in some incredible venues, from the House of Blues in California and Tipitina’s in New Orleans to the old-school jazz club La Trinquette in France—and now here in San Miguel de Allende. What brought you here, and is there anything you would love to create while living here?  

JJ: I was brought here through some California friends who visited me & my wife, Lauren, in New Orleans and told us about San Miguel. I've been surprised by the level of talent & expertise here, in such a small city. I'm presently working on an album with my wife, Lauren Mitchell at Myles Wakeham's Troubled Clef Studio. I am excited to finish this project & to create more original music here.  

FF: Anyone who has watched you perform notices how present and grounded you are onstage. Is that simply your personality, or is it something music has taught you? 

JJ: Thank you for that compliment. The ultimate purpose of the bass in most musical situations, is being present & grounded for the music itself & the musicians you're playing with. And yes, it is also part of who I am.  

FF: Bass players have such an interesting role: you’re holding everything together without necessarily being out front. What do you think makes a truly great bass player? 

JJ: Part of the art of good bass playing is driving the car, while sitting in the backseat. A great bass player is someone with arms long enough to reach the steering wheel, while staying bucked up in the backseat.  I have a sense of humor too, but it's true! 

FF: That’s a great analogy! Well whatever you are doing it’s working. The concert you and your wife did for the Little Picassos recently was spectacular. How did you and Lauren first meet? 

JJ: Lauren came to a gig I was playing in New Orleans on Frenchman Street. It was love at first sight, even though I never believed in such a thing, until I saw her. The music we make together came later, after we had been a couple for a while.  

FF: I love a good love story. After all these years, what still gives you goosebumps? 

JJ: Ravel's String Quartet in F Major, the bass playing of Charlie Haden & Ron Carter, and my wife's voice.  

FF: I love that after all the performances, all the music you’ve experienced, it’s still the voice of someone you love that can stop you in your tracks. Jack, thank you for sharing your story with us, and for sharing your music with San Miguel and the world.

We’re so glad you’re part of this community.  You both are two more reasons why San Miguel's music community rocks! 

Feleciafordmusic.com