Rayna Mathis photo by Erin Hill
There’s a special kind of feeling, of togetherness, when tales of the human experience—from sadness to joy, isolation to that feeling of belonging—unfold and are shared amongst friends over notes and sound. Where words do not enter but an entire conversation has been had, if you’re listening. And, while finding the words to tell such stories presents its own set of beautiful challenges, in its essence, it remains an undeniable sacred responsibility—one neither my team of thoughtful writers nor I hold lightly. We are dedicated to highlighting the authentic stories and lived experiences of the Seattle jazz scene through community-centered storytelling, but we know this is not a feat we can accomplish on our own, nor would we want to. Earshot Jazz is just but one part of a grander, greater jazz ecosystem.
And I believe, with all of my bones, that to do this work right, it must be done leading with heart. My hope is for this magazine to be a result of that heart-work, a collective effort I invite you all to collaborate in. For these reasons, and as we embark on a new year of creative innovation and re/connecting with each other, I hope you will consider sending us your ideas, desires, and wonders for the magazine. We’re listening. Suggestions can be made using the Google form at bit.ly/3URWhVp. For questions, please send me an email at editor@earshot.org.
In community,
–RAYNA MATHIS, EARSHOT JAZZ EDITOR
