Meet Jelani Brooks | Musician/Saxophonist/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jelani Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jelani, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Time is a very important part of balance in my life. My balance has changed from focusing from trying to Mainly tour and play Live music to getting licensing deals and placements. I believe this is an important part of balance because if/when the licensing deals go through I have time to focus on the live aspect of producing, writing, performing live music. Which is a very time consuming aspect of music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well I feel as though that my art is one of a kind. I feel what differentiates me from everyone else is my background being that I come from a gospel background and that I lived in Dallas Texas and I moved to Boston when I was 17 to go to school and that experience alone change my whole life. So that alone gives me a totally different perspective on life and music. I believe anything worth having won’t come easy. Some of the lessons that I have learned how to be humble and never lose your head always keep your temper in check. I want people to see my brain in my story and my art and put everything together on their own from their own perspective.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
– Deep Ellum – Live music, Art, Clubs, Food (The heart of Downtown Dallas) – Bishop Arts District – Live music, Art, Food (Gentrified Part Of Oak Cliff)
– Three Links, The Freeman, Sandaga, Deep Ellum AC, Revelers Hall and the Balcony Club (Live Music)
– Dallas has some very interesting Museums and Parks – Clyde Warren Park, Dallas Museum of Art, Museum of Illusions, Museum of Memory
– Shaun Martin’s GOGO parties are a must go, RC & The Gritz always put on a great performance, The Found Band have been having a residency every Thurs. @The Freeman for about 8yrs. ,
– Terry Blacks BBQ, Pecan Lodge BBQ, Sprial Diner, Trinity Groves and Le Bilboquet are a few good places all around Dallas to eat

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow so many : My parents, Donald Jackson, Jay Thomas, Shaun Martin, Keith Anderson, Bobby Sparks, Roy Hargrove, Dino Givoni, Just to name a few.

Website: Www.mjelanimusic.com

Instagram: @jelanibrooks

Twitter: @mjelani

Facebook: M Jelani Brooks

Youtube: Jelani Brooks

Image Credits
@Drewliophoto @lonesoundmag @wafflesweekly