Jordan Rudess and Yogi: Universal Mind

In this illuminating episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, we delve into the remarkable journey of Jordan Rudess, the American keyboardist, composer, and a member of the super group Dream Theater. Joining him in this conversation is Yogeendra Hariprasad (Yogi), a founder, producer, and keyboardist.

The interview begins with host Aditya Veera asking about Jordan's early years and his time at Juilliard School. Jordan talks about influential mentors like Adele Marcus and Katherine Parker. He also discusses how his dedication to music and curiosity kept him motivated.

The conversation shifts to the crucial roles of mentors and parents in Jordan's musical journey. Jordan appreciates his mother's support but acknowledges that his parents lacked the expertise to guide his music career. Instead, it was his own passion and thirst for musical knowledge that drove him forward.

A charming childhood anecdote emerges as Aditya brings up an eight-year-old Jordan, who boldly claimed he could play better than the legendary Leonard Bernstein. Jordan attributes this youthful audacity to his mother's introduction to Bernstein's music and admiration for his versatility across genres.

Aditya delves into Jordan's contributions to music education. Jordan highlights his unique approach, emphasizing that his online conservatory defies conventional structures. It's a platform born from his deep desire to share knowledge, with collaborations that yield innovative educational materials. He proudly embraces the roles of both artist and educator.

Aditya delves into Jordan's diverse career, from his leadership at CME Music to directing music technology at Roli Labs. They talk about his innovations in music technology through Wizdom Music and whether he wrestles with an identity crisis due to his varied roles. Jordan explains how these roles are interconnected, fueled by his passion for both music and technology.

Congratulating Jordan on his Grammy Award win, Aditya prompts reflections on its significance. Jordan acknowledges the Grammy's role in opening doors to career opportunities and garnering respect from individuals outside the music industry. He values the acknowledgment and respect from fellow musicians within the industry, particularly in the metal category.

Aditya further explores Jordan's creative process and the diverse influences that shape his music. Jordan characterizes himself as an improviser who revels in spontaneity, acknowledging the influence of artists like Gentle Giant and Rick Wakeman and his collaborations with bands like Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment.

The interview takes a philosophical turn as they discuss Jordan's beliefs in the cycles of life and rebirth, intertwined with his musical career. Jordan beautifully explains how his musical journey resembles a circular path, with past experiences and influences continuously shaping his present and future endeavors.

The conversation delves into spirituality as Jordan describes his music as a form of spiritual expression, sharing how he uses it for meditation. His albums serve as milestones marking periods in his life and career, with a humorous anecdote involving an earthquake in Mexico City during a live performance.

In a heartfelt transition, Yogi expresses his deep appreciation for Dream Theater's music and its transformative impact on his life as a keyboard player. Yogi questions Jordan if he has ever encountered a creative ceiling in exploring the capabilities of the keyboard. Jordan responds with enthusiasm, discussing innovations like GeoShred and the ground-breaking Osmose.

The interview wraps up with Jordan's thoughts on the balance between technicality and emotion in music composition and performance. He emphasizes the importance of serving the song's emotional core and considering the context and audience expectations.