JONATHAN BALDWIN

Jonathan Baldwin's journey into the world of music began in a household where music was as constant as the air he breathed. "I’ve always been around music," Jonathan recalls. "It was something I saw people doing from a very young age. I really wanted to be involved in that creative process, even if I didn’t have the vocabulary to explain that until much later." His uncle, a drummer, introduced him to the wonders of rhythm and beat early on, while his parents ensured that music was a permanent fixture during car rides and at home. "Kerrang was usually on the TV - it’s like British MTV that had a pretty big alternative spin at the time," Jonathan reminisces, setting the stage for his eclectic taste in music.

Jonathan’s musical influences are as diverse as they are profound, ranging from the intricate jazz saxophone of Shabaka Hutchings to the raw intensity of Linkin Park and the lyrical genius of MF DOOM. "Some of my biggest influences have been Shabaka Hutchings, Kamasi Washington, Michael Wilbur, Linkin Park, MF DOOM, and Cannibal Ox, to name a few," he shares. This broad spectrum of influences shaped his unique approach to music, allowing him to blend genres and styles seamlessly. "The endless world of jazz and the gritty realism of hip-hop have taught me to appreciate the art of storytelling and improvisation."

An unusual fact about Jonathan that many fans might not know is his experience as a "military brat." "We didn’t move a lot considering, but I lived in England twice and have traveled to Germany and Turkey as well," he explains. This exposure to different cultures and environments from a young age contributed to his adaptable and diverse musical style.

Jonathan’s first instrument was the guitar, learned through private lessons from a "real old school guy named Steve Johnson." However, it was the saxophone, which he picked up in the fifth grade, that truly ignited his passion for music. "I’ve been able to pick up a lot more instruments that I can sit in on and teach," he notes. This versatility has made him a "Swiss Army knife for people’s ears," a role he relishes both as a performer and a teacher.

Jonathan’s songwriting process is as eclectic as his influences. "When I make beats, I start by selecting my sounds, kits, samples, or instruments. This can be anything from a preset kit to a loop of something unconventional," he explains. His sampling techniques are varied and often draw from unexpected sources, such as deathcore, Muslim calls to prayer, and dogs playing piano. "It just depends on what kind of textures I need for that beat," he adds. When composing for larger ensembles, he prefers to start with a melody, viewing the harmonic details as a "problem for future me."

Among Jonathan’s most memorable performances are two poignant experiences. "The first was my last show in Dayton before I left for Las Vegas," he recalls. Opening with his FutureBjard Electronics set and closing with his brass band JAMR, it was a bittersweet farewell filled with camaraderie and musical excellence. "It was our last show together, and it was bittersweet. We just had fun and played the best we could. It was a rewarding night."

In an alternate reality where music wasn’t his calling, Jonathan envisions himself as a teacher, possibly in History or English. "I just want to do better through education than what was given to me," he says, driven by a desire to fill the gaps he experienced in his own learning. Outside of music, he enjoys playing Magic: The Gathering, video games, cooking, and engaging in various forms of visual art. "If there’s a sports game on, I might pick a team for those couple of hours," he adds with a chuckle.

Jonathan’s favorite songs to perform vary across his projects. "For JAMR, it was probably Vibe Check," he says. With Isicle, he loved performing their cover of Redbone, and for his FutureBjard project, the track DTHW5L always stood out. "It just slams every set of speakers it goes through super hard," he says with enthusiasm. With Crossing the Rubicon, he’s particularly excited about playing songs like Divide the Sky and Matter(Detached). "All the music is great, and this new stuff is absolutely insane."

One of the most significant challenges Jonathan faced was dropping out of college and returning on a completely different instrument. "I had gotten simultaneously too close to the sun and extremely depressed as a saxophone performance major and flunked out," he confesses. With the support of a mentor, he began learning the bassoon over Skype and eventually re-auditioned and re-entered the program. "Now I like to tell people I’m a recovering saxophone player," he jokes, reflecting on his journey of redemption and growth.

Looking ahead, Jonathan is eager to expand Crossing the Rubicon’s reach beyond their region. "I’ve gotten to see so much of the world and I want to do that with these guys," he says. Personally, he aims to broaden the use of the saxophone in contemporary music. "I want it to feel like a piece of the puzzle, not a gimmick," he emphasizes, advocating for the integration of music education and creative exploration.

Education and class consciousness are causes close to Jonathan’s heart. "The class of rich people have a vested interest in keeping us uneducated and unable to think critically," he asserts. He believes that critical thinking is key to liberating oppressed groups and fostering the best in art, music, and more. "There’s so much to fight for, and the way to do it isn’t easy but it’s incredibly worth it," he says passionately.

To relax, Jonathan enjoys journaling, planning out his week, reading, and playing video games. "It’s nice to see everything I need to do on paper in front of me. It lets me compartmentalize my thoughts and regulate myself," he explains. One book that has particularly resonated with him is "Revolutionary Suicide" by Huey Newton. "It gave me an optimism to living that shows what’s right is worth fighting for," he shares, drawing inspiration from Newton’s resilience and philosophy.

Jonathan dreams of exploring the music scene in New York and the broader East Coast. "There’s so many great musicians up there that I want to see live or even sit in with at a jam session," he says. Internationally, he’s intrigued by the idea of visiting China, a destination that represents a new cultural adventure.

Jonathan Baldwin’s memoir is a rich tapestry of musical influences, personal growth, and passionate advocacy. His journey reflects the power of resilience, the importance of education, and the endless possibilities of creative expression.