Music serves many functions in our lives, but above as the times changes, the state of improvisatory art forms such as jazz should evolve. This progression can come in many forms, but it will undoubtedly send a clear message that include the collective thoughts and feelings of society in the moment. If the culture surrounding the music feels a general state of peace and security, the music will come across as safe and pleasant. During times of discontent and social unrest, ferocious jazz will explode from musicians, filled with tension and passion. Musicians might spread their message by tearing down harmonic structures in order to express frustration with cultural situations or they might fall back upon traditional conventions to show their comfort with the current world. At the same time, lyrics can be an effective way of sharing an artist’s opinions on the world around them, telling a story about the good times or the hardships that they are encountering. At it’s essence, jazz is honest music, and it serves as a vehicle to let artists share their point of view with world through direct or improvisatory commentary.

Vocalist Alexa Weber Morales tapped into a collective feeling of discontent around the current economy and job market while creating material for her new album I Wanna Work For You. Frustrated with her own experiences trying to find work in her day job, she wrote the song “I Wanna Work For You” in a burst of inspired energy. As she started to perform the song on her gigs, Morales noticed the connection that her audience felt with the lyric. She began a musical collaboration with local bassist Sam Bevan, whose top notch arrangements helped bring shape and direction to the a growing collection of songs. Seeing a new album growing, Morales began planning for recording, but the reality of the economy outlined in her song moved her to look in different directions. Morales started a Kickstarter campaign, which over the course of months, raised thousands of dollars to fund the recording of her new album. Along with Bevan, pianist Jonathan Alford, drummer Colin Douglas, percussionist Carlos Caro, trombonist Mara Fox, and trumpet player Steffen Kuehn, Morales went into the studio and completed the album. The result is a diverse collection of music that travels through Latin rhythms, jazz, pop, funk, and more to spread a message that many people across the country are feeling. More than anything, Morales’ new album, I Wanna Work For You, captures the feelings of today’s social environment in a fun and artistic expression of musical consciousness.

Morales’ keen awareness of the world around her, coupled with her strong sense of musicality and experience in the Latin Jazz world makes I Wanna Work For You a great listen. It’s a wonderful example of an artist expressing the struggles and desires of her generation through her medium. In tribute to the fine music on I Wanna Work For You, today’s Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix is dedicated to Morales. These clips show the wide range of Morales’ musical output and her sharp ability to put a poignant message behind a lyric. Take some time to see Morales’ strong musical presence on these videos and then check out I Wanna Work For You – you’ll be glad that you did!

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Alexa Weber Morales Performing With Wayne Wallace’s Rhythm And Rhyme

Alexa Weber Morales Performing “Autumn Leaves”

Alexa Weber Morales Performing “I Didn’t Drill That Deep”

Alexa Weber Morales Performing “Bossa Nova Navideña”

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CD Release Celebration For I Wanna Work For You This Weekend!
Alexa Weber Morales will be celebrating her Kickstarter campaign and the release of I Wanna Work For You this weekend at one of the Bay Area’s prime jazz spots, Yoshi’s – Oakland. She’ll have the band featured on the recording, playing the songs from the album as well as tracks from her previous releases. This should be an outstanding night of music, so don’t miss it!
WHEN: Sunday 12/18/11
WHERE: Yoshi’s – Oakland
510 Embarcadero West
Jack London Square
Oakland, CA
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $15

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in – it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans – let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE.

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Latin Jazz Conversations: Alexa Weber Morales (Part 1)
Album Of The Week: Vagavundeo/Wanderings, Alexa Weber Morales
Latin Jazz Conversations: Wayne Wallace (Part 5)
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Celebrating Women In Latin Jazz

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