Arlington Jones shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Arlington, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I’ve accomplished a lot, but I’m still working for more as an independent music artist. Though I have a good discography, I have so much more music to release. I want to continuously tour the world with my own band, with me and my wife’s jazz opera, and also have my own orchestra performing my music. My goal is to consistently present various shows featuring my original compositions. If I stopped pursuing these things or stopped playing & composing music, I believe it would be difficult emotionally.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Arlington Jones. I am a pianist, composer and Steinway Artist. My music is described as an unforgettable journey – a contagious toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hand-clapping, head-bobbing experience! My shows include performances with bands Arlington Jones & The Brethren, Arlington Jones & The Soul Chamber Band, and solo performances as Arlington Jones: The Soul Gent. I also have a master class called “I Can Improvise with Arlington Jones”. The class is interactive and shows non-improvisers (even non-pianists) how they can make music and improvise with me in under five minutes with a few simple tools I provide.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My father is a great example of being a man with character and taking good care of his family. He’s always loved my mother and worked really hard to provide a wonderful life for our family. I’ve always wanted to make both my parents proud. Despite how things were in the outside world, they both gave me and my siblings a lot of love. They exemplified great faith in God and provided the support to go for it in life. Because of this upbringing, I’ve always known I have worth and can achieve greatness with God’s power and grace.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. I still struggle with being totally satisfied. From the outside looking in, I am successful in the music business. But it hasn’t looked like I thought it was going to look. So, I keep working, not wanting to be comfortable with the way it is currently. I’ve done a lot of work, but what I’ve always wanted is to have the most success with my own music as an independent artist. With that being said, I do know Psalm 37:4 says “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart”.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I believe you help people the most by really showing love to them relationally even if you differ in views. I believe they are more willing to hear you if you have always shown love toward them. Instead of talking about it, I try to display this with my actions.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. This is what I feel I’ve done all my life playing music. Since I was young, whether there was a few people or a multitude of people, I give my best, I’ve always played every note with all my heart. I play in private like I’m playing for a multitude of people. It’s the joy of making music and the thankfulness for the ability to do it. My goal is that my music speaks so people receive every time whatever they need by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arlingtonjones.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arlingtonjones
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/arlingtonjones
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/arlingtonjones
