Jazz/Interview Vandes Jackson - Behold (feat. Jacob Niederman)
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Vandes Jackson, an American record producer, songwriter, musician, and artist, hails from the culturally diverse city of Chicago, Illinois. Immersed in a world of diverse sounds from an early age, Vandes began his musical journey in a home studio attic on the south side of the city. While his music is often considered 'underground' within the industry, there is an undeniable appeal and charm that attracts listeners from all genres globally.
"Behold" feels like a vivid musical journey—what inspired the creation of this track, both sonically and emotionally?
Sonically, the primary inspiration definitely came from George Howard's classic "Let's Unwind." I've always admired how that track blends soulful melodies with a really smooth, laid-back groove. With "Behold," I wanted to capture that same kind of warmth and sophisticated funk, but bring it into a contemporary space. We focused on crafting a rich, inviting soundscape where every instrument could breathe and contribute to that overall lush tapestry. Emotionally, "Behold" is about discovery and the beauty of unexpected connections. That's actually a reflection of how the track itself came about – from an impromptu jam session with Jacob Niederman that just clicked. There's a sense of unfolding, of revealing something beautiful, whether that's a new musical idea or a new friendship. We wanted the listener to feel that sense of wonder and groove along with us as the piece evolves.
How did the collaboration between you, Henry Hyland, and Jacob Niederman come together for "Behold"? What was the chemistry like in the studio?
The collaboration for "Behold" really began with an organic, almost serendipitous meeting. I first crossed paths with Jacob Niederman at a jam session right here in Chicago last August, shortly after he'd relocated to the city. There was an instant musical connection, a creative synergy that was impossible to ignore. We knew pretty quickly we wanted to work together on something.
Then, just a couple of weeks after meeting Jacob, I met Henry Highland. The three of us eventually formed "Vision Test," and "Behold" actually emerged as one of our initial full-scale projects together.
In the studio, the chemistry was fantastic – very intuitive. With Jacob's incredible saxophone work and Henry's contributions, it felt like we were constantly building on each other's ideas. There was a lot of listening, responding, and pushing each other creatively, but always in a really supportive way. It felt less like three individuals playing and more like one collective musical mind.
The track showcases an incredible fusion of jazz, funk, and progressive rock—how do you balance structure and improvisation when composing pieces like this?
For "Behold," the initial framework was built around a strong groove-oriented foundation—that funk and soul influence really dictates the bedrock. We laid down the core rhythmic and harmonic progression first, almost like building a solid house. This provides the necessary structure for us to navigate.
Once that foundation is in place, that's where the improvisation comes in. For example, Jacob's saxophone lines, while incredibly melodic and intentional, often have moments where he's truly exploring within the confines of the established harmony and rhythm.
Can you talk about your role as a drummer in shaping the energy of "Behold"? How does rhythm lead or follow in a project this collaborative?
As the drummer on "Behold," my role was absolutely fundamental in shaping its energy and groove, especially given the funk and soul influences we were leaning into. The drums are the heartbeat of the track, providing that consistent pulse and the foundational rhythm that everything else builds upon.
For "Behold," I really focused on creating a pocket that was both undeniable and nuanced. It's about laying down a groove that feels organic, that breathes, and that invites you to move. I experimented with different subtle variations in the drum patterns to build dynamics – from the more understated, simmering feel in certain sections to the more driving, pushing moments that propel Jacob's saxophone solos forward.
Jacob Niederman’s saxophone work stands out on this track. How did his contribution elevate the final version of "Behold"?
Jacob's saxophone work on "Behold" truly elevated the track in profound ways. When we initially jammed, his playing just instantly clicked with my production style and the kind of soulful fusion sound I was aiming for.
What Jacob brings is not just technical mastery – which he absolutely has – but an incredible amount of soul and expressiveness. His tone is rich and warm, and his phrasing tells a story. For "Behold," in particular, his saxophone became the central melodic voice, almost like the lead vocalist of the track. He weaves through the grooves with such fluidity, adding layers of emotion that really define the piece.
The title “Behold” suggests revelation or attention—what do you hope listeners ‘see’ or feel when they experience this song?
When we titled the track "Behold," we truly hoped listeners would 'see' or, more accurately, feel a sense of discovery and a fresh perspective. It's about taking a moment to fully immerse yourself in the present, to appreciate the beauty in unexpected connections – whether that's within the music itself or in life around you. We want "Behold" to evoke a feeling of warmth, sophistication, and an undeniable groove.
Vision Test is clearly more than just a band—how would you describe the collective’s mission or identity, especially in relation to this track?
Our mission, particularly embodied in a track like "Behold," is to explore and reveal new sonic landscapes. The name "Vision Test" itself plays on that idea: it's about clarity, about examining what's possible, and inviting the listener to see music in a new light. We aim to create tracks that are not just enjoyable, but also invite deep listening and perhaps offer a fresh perspective on the fusion of genres we love.
Was there a specific moment during the recording of "Behold" that felt like a creative breakthrough for the group?
Yes, there absolutely was a specific "aha!" moment, and it came during the second half of crafting "Behold." That's when we collectively decided to truly lean into and stick to the unique angles of composition and improvisation that were naturally emerging. It wasn't about trying to fit into a preconceived mold; it was about embracing the fluidity and spontaneous magic that happens when we play together. That decision really crystallized the sound of "Behold" and, in many ways, set a precedent for how Vision Test approaches our music.
How does "Behold" serve as a preview for the upcoming summer record, especially with Akili Ni Mali joining as a guest?
While "Behold" firmly establishes the core sound of Vision Test – that soulful fusion of jazz, funk, and our improvisational spirit – the summer record builds on that foundation by expanding our sonic palette and collaborative reach. For the summer record, we're taking that collaborative energy even further. The addition of Akili Ni Mali as a guest is a prime example of this evolution. Akili brings a phenomenal depth and unique voice that complements and extends the instrumental conversation we started with "Behold." Listeners can expect to hear how we integrate new elements and talents while still maintaining that distinctive Vision Test fingerprint – that balance of tight composition and free-flowing improvisation. So, "Behold" is really just the first taste of the broader, more expansive sound exploration you'll experience on the full summer record.
Looking ahead, how do you see the live performance of "Behold" evolving? Is it a piece that shifts and grows with each show?
Absolutely. For us, a track like "Behold" is never a static entity, especially in a live setting. It's designed to be a living, breathing piece of music that absolutely shifts and grows with each show.
That's the beauty of working with musicians like Jacob and Henry, and the core ethos of Vision Test. While the foundational groove and compositional structure of "Behold" remain consistent – providing that familiar anchor – the improvisational sections are truly where it evolves. Each night, depending on our collective mood, the energy of the room, and how we're responding to each other, a solo might take a different turn, a groove might breathe a little wider, or a dynamic shift might be more pronounced. We thrive on that real-time interaction. It's a constant dialogue between the instruments, a musical conversation that never repeats itself exactly. You'll definitely notice the differences. That's what keeps "Behold" exciting for both us and the audience every time we play it live!