Worship Musician August 2019 | Page 141

what I like to call “pocket percussion”. His touch and approach is very musical. I’m honored to play along side him. We’re family! [WM] What are the contrasts you see as a “regular” business person with a brick and mortar coffee shop and the structure of paying rent, buying supplies and having employees… but also still living the life of a working musician? [Javier] Well, even though playing music is my passion and has been since my teens, I haven’t slept much. Similarly, there’s no sleep when it comes to running a business in the service industry. For instance, we have midnight bus with Josh Groban with Andrae Crouch calls and 10am recording downbeats in the music biz. With a brick and mortar place, we wake up before 5am every weekday to start the prepping for a 7am opening. And the amazing part is, like when playing a cool piece of music, people react very similar when it comes to food and coffee. [WM] As a session player you have been in the studio with several artists (Faith Hill, Usher, Jonny Lang, Jill Scott, Tommy Sims, Danny Gokey, Andre Crouch, Michelle Williams, Jaci Velasquez, Ricardo Sanchez, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, DC Talk, Cece Winans, Israel Houghton, Leanne Womack, Kenny Loggins etc.). What tips/characteristics can you offer for our musician readers who have a desire to do session work? [Javier] Talent can open the door, but attitude and professionalism will get you called back. [WM] You are approaching your one-year anniversary of Tempo Nashville. What is next for Javier Solis? [Javier] Aside from a good one-year celebration… The next thing is to go to the beach with my wife and just do nothing for a few days and get some good rest. Then I’ll think of what will be next. August 2019 Subscribe for Free... 141