“Jeremy Walker may become the Duke Ellington of the early 21st century.” —Jazz Ink

About Boot

I'm Jeremy Walker - although many people just call me "Boot." When I was 32, after 24 years of playing the saxophone, I lost the instrument due to a yet-to-be-diagnosed neurological/autoimmune condition which limits my mobility and causes chronic pain. I turned to piano and composition, studying with David Berkman (Queens College, Tom Harrell), Frank Kimbrough (Juiliard) and other notables.

In my career, I am fortunate to have worked with musicians from Anthony Cox (Joe Lovano) and Wessell "Warmdaddy" Anderson (Wynton Marsalis) to Ted Nash (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) and Ron Miles (Bill Frisell). I have been commissioned by Jackson State University, North Dakota Jazz, and Bethel University, and have written over 70 compositions for my bands: Boot Camp, Small City Trio, Boxcar, and The Bootet. I have scored for film (Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story), collaborated with dance (Zenon Dance Company, TU Dance), and author a series of articles on culture for Walker Art Center and mnartists.org.

If for some reason you want to read more about me: boot-music.com

Why 7 PSALMS?

To me, the Psalms read like blues. They're full of humanity, of pain, and of hope. And I knew this would be a challenge. Writing this music has been a huge undertaking. 7 PSALMS is my first composition to include choir. Although I am a jazz musician, this work incorporates blues, country, folk and classical elements in one suite. This is the first time I have worked extensively with text/lyrics. I did not edit the verses. (I felt the music should bend to the text, not the other way around.) Writing the music for 7 PSALMS has been mentally exhausting and physically taxing - but exhilarating. And while 7 PSALMS has many ancestors, from Mozart to Duke Ellington, to John Coltrane and even Johnny Cash, I believe the work is singular.

For this project, I chose Psalms 3, 6, 13, 22, 126, 130 and 131.

Why Fund 7 PSALMS?

• To support the free(!) kick-off concert April 13, 2013 at Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota. To pay the band who has volunteered weeks of their time because they believe in this project. To provide, at the very least, a craft service (refreshments) table for our volunteer choir during dress rehearsal and performance. To pay for the publicity as we make as wide of an audience as possible aware of this new work. And to pay for some of my hours so I can, well, live.
• To support future performances of 7 PSALMS. To ensure that this work reaches a lot of ears. My wife, Marsha, and I will take the audio and video from the debut performance, and contact churches, colleges, universities, and community venues to book two incarnations of 7 PSALMS 1) concerts for the ensemble--soloist, piano, saxophone, bass, and drums 2) concerts in which the ensemble will perform with choirs nationwide. (Community music-making!)
• BONUS: To record 7 PSALMS. If we are wildly successful, and go over our goal by a substantial amount, we will record 7 PSALMS and release the music on CD.

What Do We Need? What Do You Get? 

• The funds we raise will go directly to the dedicated people behind 7 PSALMS. (See above.)
• If we don't reach our entire goal, the funds collected will go to the musical ensemble.
• The perks range from a personal thank you, to an arrangement of a Psalm for your own choir, or even 7 PSALMS being performed at the venue of your choice. (See the perks section.)

What Does Your Giving Mean?

• 7 PSALMS is a special project, and it takes extra levels of commitment. Your support means 7 PSALMS can reach the broader public.   
• I was recently told that I was not eligible for a grant because I was "too established" as an artist. I had a mixed reaction - it feels great to be recognized, and respected, but at the end of the day, it takes money to keep the work coming. This launch campaign allows us to get 7 PSALMS out to the people who want to hear it (and perform it).

Want to Help in Other Ways? 

• Come to the 7 PSALMS concert! Details at boot-music.com
• Contact me if you're interested in 7 PSALMS coming to your neighborhood
• Consider telling others about our campaign
• Use the Indigogo share tools

Acknowledgement:

7 PSALMS would not have come this far without the efforts of my brothers: Jeff Brueske (bass), Jason Harms (vocals), and Tim Zhorne (drums). Brian Link has signed on to direct our choir. And we wouldn't have an image without the painting by Greg Foley and the graphic by Lumika Creative. Thank you all.