Music has always been a cornerstone of Chelsey Green’s life, nurtured by her father’s legacy as a drummer in the acclaimed high school jazz-funk band, Kashmere Stage Band, and her mother’s encouragement to play the violin from a young age.
Chelsey’s early exposure to musical talent created the perfect environment for her to thrive. At just two years old, she learned “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on the keyboard, and by four, her formal journey began with the violin.
“All the records we listened to, I could always pull out the string section,” her mother, Cheryl Carr-Green, shared. “I said, ‘If I have a daughter, I’d like her to play violin.’”
Fast forward to today, Chelsey has established herself as a remarkable violinist, captivating audiences at the recent Women in Jazz Festival. The event took place at Austin PBS, where she shared the stage with notable artists such as Pamela Hart, Jazmin Ghent, and Jeanette Harris.
This festival performance was not her first experience in the spotlight – Chelsey has a rich history, having collaborated with iconic musicians including Stevie Wonder during his Songs in the Key of Life tour and Lizzo at the 62nd GRAMMY Awards. Her appearances also extend to popular shows like CBS’ “The Late Show” and NPR’s “Tiny Desk,” in addition to a solo performance at Carnegie Hall at just 16 years old.
Originally, Chelsey’s passion lay in classical music and orchestral scores, particularly for films. However, her artistic direction shifted toward jazz during her time at the Peabody Conservatory for her master’s degree. Though she did not participate in jazz programs at the University of Texas, she acknowledges the vital role the university played in her development as an artist.
“(That) story … has led her to becoming this phenomenal artist,” her father, Craig Green, said. “To achieve heights that we had never imagined.”
Returning to the Women in Jazz Festival for the second year, Chelsey expressed her enthusiasm for the audience, noting their active engagement with the performers.
“I always feel like our show is about connection and community,” Chelsey remarked. “(I was) really excited to play our music and engage (with the audience), but also to exchange what the message is behind my music.”
She found a deep connection with the crowd, sharing the real-life stories that inspire her original compositions. During her performance, she invited audience participation by asking which cover songs they recognized, even rewriting the lyrics of Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk” to reflect contemporary dating experiences, much to the audience’s delight.
“(I try) to go the scope of the genre, of what jazz feels like to me,” Chelsey explained. “The root of (jazz) is improvisation … rhythm and soul. There’s a rhythm to the audience, so I try to pick up cues on what they’re responding to, what they feel interested in and flow with that.”
As the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Recording Academy, Chelsey sets two significant milestones as both the first Black woman and the youngest individual elected to this role.
Outside of her leadership position, Chelsey is working on a new music video for an upcoming song release.
Most importantly, she emphasizes the need for self-care amidst her busy schedule. “None of us can be the best person if we’re not taking care of ourselves,” Chelsey stated. “(I’m) finding ways to be more mindful of self-care (while) keeping all the irons on fire.”
image source from：thedailytexan
