Meet Jonathan Arcangel | Jazz Artist

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

Hi Jonathan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
There is a popular idea that we have to go through a period of relentless obsession to achieve our dreams. I have certainly gone through these kinds of phases, but I think I’ve achieved more during periods of disciplined, sustainable routine. Waking up early rather than staying up late has yielded better results. It’s a different kind of obsession, focused on sustainability to achieve long-term goals.

I also like the idea of physical rest versus mental rest. When I’m practicing jazz, I consider that mental work, but physical rest. Maybe I’m walking around while playing, but it is generally restful while my mind is doing all the work. When I’m working out in the gym, I’m doing physical work, and my mind is able to take a break. This principle allows me to accomplish more without feeling unnecessarily tired or overwhelmed. Of course, it is also essential to make time for true, complete rest—mental, physical, and spiritual.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mission is to inspire goodness through creative music. If I’m not playing from a place of sincerity and authenticity, I’m not satisfied with the music. Routinely thinking about the motives behind my music is an important part of my art. Truth matters more than perfection. When I’m writing music, I often think about telling stories about my life through my compositions, in hopes that they will resonate with the listener as inspiring, authentic, moving, and beautiful. I take inspiration from the incredibly rich lineage of jazz music, including John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Ben Webster, Cannonball Adderley, Dexter Gordon, and many other giants of the music.

Jazz musicians have to be able to do a lot of things. We have to be able to play, compose and arrange music, teach, book gigs, be a reliable and professional hire, hire other professionals, and be a good hang. Jazz musicians need to diversify their sources of income. My three main revenue streams are gigging, teaching, and booking private events. I’ll go through seasons where these are balanced differently, but having multiple “jobs” allows me to support myself and focus on creating meaningful art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There’s a vibrant and impressive music scene in DFW! Triumphs Espresso and Whiskey, Steve’s Wine Bar, Scat Jazz Lounge, Sundance Square, and Paschall Bar all have great live music often. There are also great places to eat—one of my favorites is Aglio Pizzeria in Denton. Queenie’s Steakhouse is also great. Both of those places have live music occasionally, too. Taan Eatery is fantastic for modern Thai food. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center has a nice hiking trail for the cooler months. There’s a lot to do!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t have achieved any of my success without the help and support of my family. They got me started playing music at an early age. My dad, Scott Arcangel, is a jazz pianist, and I was very lucky to grow up playing duo with him and even playing private gigs together as early as middle school. That experience playing and gigging has proved invaluable.

Website: jonathanbarcangel@gmail.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbarcangel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.arcangel.1291/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanArcangel

Other: Please consider donating to support my music!

https://jonathanarcangel.com/tip-jar

Image Credits
Ben James
TinTin Wynn
Madison Payne