An Intimate Chat with Saxophonist , Lord Yancyy
DZ : Okay , so there are some questions I must ask on behalf of my audience or I will be crucified . Lol . How old are you ?
They spoke to me in a way that Bernard Johnson could not have as an artist . Today , I can say that they each contributed equally to my artistry in ways I can ’ t explain .
LY : Four decades .
Lol . Between 40-45 . I can ’ t reveal more than that . Lol .
DZ : Are you married ? Do you have children ?
DZ : Who are you listening to on your iPod currently ?
LY : I have over 20k songs in my iPod , but I don ’ t listen to that . I ’ m a satellite radio guy . I toggle between traditional jazz ( 90 % percent of my time ), R & B , Gospel . Sometimes , I go back to my college days and listen to some classical .
LY : I normally don ’ t entertain questions about marital status . Lol . But since it ’ s you , please tell them I am married to my music . I have a beautiful son . He is 5 going on 65 . That ’ s my pride and joy .
DZ : How long have you been playing ?
LY : Wow . For over 30 years now . My father bought me my first horn when I was 11-years-old . I will never forget the unveiling of that gift .
DZ : Is that one of your fondest memories of your father ? Is he still living ?
LY : Well , ( long pause topped with a chuckle ) it may as well be . There were not many other memories . Lol . No , he has made his transition . You know , I count it all joy . The good and bad . I learned so much from him about how not to be in terms of a man and father , that I am grateful . No ill feelings at all . I am the man I am today because of all that I have experienced so it ’ s truly all good .
DZ : Who are some of your greatest musical influences ?
LY : I grew up in a gospel household and spent a great deaIl of time in church . So , for me , the initial influence came from a gospel saxophonist named Bernard Johnson . I first heard him when I was 13-years-old in church and I was captivated . I will never forget how I was impacted at that moment . Then I made the mistake of hearing this cat named Grover Washington Jr ., and he messed me up . Lol . didn ’ t want to hear any more gospel saxophonists after that . I was on trip of years of rebellion as a result of Grover . ( Laughing ). And of course , John Coltrane .
DZ : Who have been your biggest influencers in terms of manhood ?
LY : I ’ m a conglomerate of a few men . My step father ( who I never viewed as a step ) was like my big brother , my friend and my dad . I had amazing teachers who cultivated me in my youth . I also had a great pastor who also happened to be my uncle . He guided me spiritually . I am a product of my village for sure . I am truly grateful they were in my life .
DZ : If you had to sum up your life ’ s mission in terms of priority in five words or less ; what would that list look like ?
LY : 1 . Growth , 2 . Education , 3 . Giving back , 4 . Learning from life . I can sum it up this way : Earn , Learn , and Return . It ’ s cyclical .
DZ : What inspires you as an artist ?
LY : When I was 13 , I had a vision of The Holy Spirit coming out of my horn and giving the crowd of people what they needed in terms of healing . Music is a powerful force and when the intention is right , it is a great source of strength and healing to people in need of it . I love the ability to minister ( serve ) others with my gift .
DZ : How focused are you on music ? On a scale of one to ten , with ten being insanely focused ?
LY : In college I was at 12 . My spirit is at 10 currently . In reality , however , ( laughs ) I have to say I am a 7 now . I am still passionate , but , as you know we must balance life and give attention to more than one area .