READY FOR CLOSE-UP

As media producer, journalist, and audio storyteller Jürgen Kalwa has long moved within the world of music. For many years, he wrote about jazz, pop, and classical music for magazines and radio, interviewed leading figures in the industry, and produced music videos. And he experienced many artists live–like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Elvis Costello, Annie Lennox, the Clash, the Ramones, Keith Jarrett, and Pat Metheny–in venues large and small.

Throughout, he didn't lose track of his own creative trajectory and wrote instrumental pieces for broadcast radio, online visual media, podcasts, and audiobooks. It became the foundation for ROCKY RIVER RADIO—a music project with session musicians from around the world.

Somewhat inspired by a conversation between two jazz legends, Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett: "How do you do that?" Davis asked the pianist, famous for an amazing ear for endless improvisation, who was puzzled. "What do you mean?" Jarrett asked. "Play from nothing." Miles explained. Keith's answer was as instructive as profound: "I just do it."

Images: Jürgen Kalwa, Grant Stevens