Vincent Ingala

“Fire and Desire.” These are the hallmarks of youth well lived and also the name of Vincent Ingala’s newest, 2021 album - his personal pandemic release. Not only do we witness once again that good art can come from adversity and relative isolation, we also learn that good people raise interesting people who can become dynamic artists. “ The pandemic was a shock at first. But then I had nothing but time.” And time for an artist is potentially magical. “During Covid l9 I was exploding with ideas and a renewed sense of energy. That was the best part of the lockdown.”

I had a chance to interview Vincent who was as lively and easy on the ear as is his music. He was born and raised in a small town in Connecticut. His father and uncle ran a traveling lip sync gig and had a significant local following. His grandmother bought him a drum set for his 4th Christmas and that was that — his musical career took off in that one loving gesture that good and wise grandmothers are well known for. “From then on, I couldn’t get enough of music.” 30| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… Jan/Feb

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“I leave it up to the listener to decide what the music means to them and what the titles are all about. But for me? I have the Fire to make music. And I have the Desire to share it. It ’s not complicated.” VINCENT INGALA

In the fifth grade he picked up the sax. And he learned guitar. He provides the backup behind many if not all of his songs to date being proficient in multiple instruments. In high school he became a one man show, traveling around the state performing. His father did the sound. His whole family went on the local circuit with him demonstrating this intense family support. “ This is how I developed my playing chops.”

Talking to Vincent was kind of like listening to his music. It felt natural, comfortable and it just flowed. At the same time I was talking to a professional who knows himself very well and who is totally dedicated to his muse, and to a philosophy.

His sublime talent, discipline and accessible style have led him to opportunities like touring with the master Dave Koz. He described this experience as a, “master class every night, an unreal experience,” he said. “Dave always puts on a fabulous show and he gives off a vibe of great camaraderie. And I got to work with Mindy Abair and Kirk Whalum. We’ll be touring together when things open up.”

I asked Vincent about the title of his new album. “I leave it up to the listener to decide what the music means to them and what the titles are all about. But for me? I have the Fire to make music. And I have the Desire to share it. It ’s not complicated.”

And his goal is not to complicate his music as he explained. “I try to make it melodic. Easy to hum back. The melody is the hook — the vibe. My goal is to develop the groove.” His song, “On The Move,” he described as a, four on the floor dance vibe, a Studio 54 style. When I listen to it I experience myself being moved and compelled into harmonious action — held in the vibe and carried along with it. His song, “Riding The Wave,” I also experience literally. I feel like I’m on that wave when I listen to it. His last six albums have generated 18 Top Ten Smooth Jazz radio singles and 10 #1 radio hits. “It ’s up to the listener to decide where the song takes them. It ’s the listener ’s sound track.”

Which takes me to a powerhouse song on this album, “Could This Be Real?” And once again the music is its own answer and the answer is, Yes! This man is so grounded and is a philosopher of his own truth which is exemplified through his clean, melodic sounds and also through his directness - that hometown belief in his own reality and his larger appreciation for the world around him and the people in it. You unlock your own door. The trip is yours if you want to take it. His music is a vehicle. Could This Be Real is euphoric.

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And what does it take for a young artist to achieve success? He says it takes, “versatility and openmindedness. There are no rule books and everyone takes a different path.” He does suggest learning to play more than one instrument and developing an ear for all kinds of music. “Listen to everything and absorb it all. It ’s all the same at the end of the day.” Wow! Thanks for that, Vincent. So true.

“Let the music be a soundtrack for you. Your fire and desire, It ’s a never ending circle of creativeness and passion. We can always turn to music. No one can take that way from us.”