Rediscovering a Jazz Classic: "Look for the Silver Lining" with Candice Tugby Introduction Century Songs has reached its eighth episode, diving deep into the tapestry of American standards in the public domain. In this episode, we explore the resilient journey of Jerome Kern's masterpiece, "Look for the Silver Lining." With a profound history spanning over a century, this song connects generations through its timeless message and universal appeal. Our guest this week is the talented educator and musician, Candice Tugby, offering her insights and anecdotes about the song and her contributions to the local jazz scene. The Story Behind "Look for the Silver Lining Jerome Kern's "Look for the Silver Lining" began as a quiet melody for an out-of-town Broadway show in 1919. Despite its initial potential, the show flopped. However, the song found new life a year later, becoming a nationwide symbol of resilience through challenging times, including wars and economic hardships. Its transformation was further cemented in 1954, when Chet Baker reimagined it as a cool jazz staple. In Conversation with Candice Tugby We had the pleasure of hosting Candice Tugby, an educator and musician, at the Jazz Kitchen in Indianapolis. Candice shared her journey from Winnipeg, Canada, to the heart of the jazz world in Indianapolis. She opened up about her work with the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation and their educational initiative, Jazz Futures. This program aims to provide high school (and occasionally middle school) students with opportunities to delve deeper into jazz performance—an invaluable experience for budding musicians. Candice highlighted the importance of the program being accessible to all interested students, regardless of their financial background. Thanks to generous donations, all participants received full-ride scholarships, ensuring that price points are never a barrier to musical education. The Role of Jazz Futures in Community Building The Jazz Futures program is not just about music; it's about fostering a sense of community. By focusing on improvisation, arranging, and collaboration, students learn to listen to each other, a skill crucial for any musician. The program offers performance opportunities at various events, including TV appearances and the Jazz Kitchen's Legacy concerts. Candice also emphasized the importance of providing snacks during sessions, especially for students from underprivileged areas, ensuring they are well-fed and motivated. Candice's Personal Journey and Artistic Exploration Candice's personal story is as compelling as her professional endeavors. She shares her musical journey, from her bachelor’s degree in jazz trumpet at the University of Manitoba to her master’s at Northwestern University. She also reflects on life with her musician husband, recent parenthood, and the chaos and joy of having a new puppy. Her favorite standards, such as Chet Baker's version of "Look for the Silver Lining," serve as both personal touchstones and teaching tools, illustrating the importance of understanding jazz's historical landscape to appreciate its future. Supporting the Cause Candice urged listeners to support the Jazz Futures program by donating to the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. Contributions help sustain this vital platform, providing young musicians with exposure to jazz and performance opportunities they might not otherwise have. Conclusion Our episode concluded with a fascinating quiz about "Look for the Silver Lining," dispelling common myths and highlighting its historical context. Eric Baker and I shared insights into upcoming local jazz shows, encouraging listeners to dive into the vibrant jazz scene.
