Mothers In Jazz: Kerry Politzer

“Mothers In Jazz” (*) this week features pianist, composer, and educator Kerry Politzer. She is a first-call player on Portland, Oregon’s increasingly rich jazz scene, as well as an educator on Portland State University’s jazz faculty. She also received grants in 2019 and 2020 to explore the work of great Brazilian pianists (one of whom was the subject of her 2019 album, “Diagonal: The Music of Durval Ferreira”). Kerry lives in Portland with her husband, pianist George Colligan and their two children, ages eight and thirteen.

London Jazz News: What is the best advice you received about balancing/juggling motherhood and career?

Kerry Politzer: I actually didn’t receive any. Perhaps it is a subject that isn’t covered enough in relation to musicians, although I feel like there are always articles about moms with “traditional” 9-5 jobs.

LJN: What information or advice do you wish you’d received but didn’t (and had to learn through trial and error or on the go)?

KP: I would have worked on my time management skills and would have appreciated some advice about this! Personally, I would advise any new mom not to feel ashamed of asking for help. Parenthood can be very overwhelming.

LJN: Your top tip(s) for other mothers in jazz:

KP: Try to remember to find some time for yourself. But don’t beat yourself up if in the little time you have, you aren’t as productive as you’d like to be. I remember a friend of mine, a woman who now works as a sound healer, told me it took her three years after the birth of her child to once again immerse herself in creative activity. I can relate to this a lot.

LJN: Baby/child gear tips for travel/touring/gigging:

KP: Don’t forget your diaper bag with a baby, and bring plenty of toys and snacks for a toddler. Every child has different interests and activity levels – mine are both super active, although they’ve calmed down as of late. We haven’t traveled with them a lot.

LJN: Best general travel/gigging/tour-with-child advice:

KP: I haven’t tried touring with my kids, but when my older one was not yet in school, we occasionally tagged along with my husband, who is a very active musician. It’s always nice to have a reason to go somewhere – things get much more complicated once the kids are in school and you have to deal with schedules. My advice would be to try to take advantage of any free lodging that comes with the gig!

LJN: What has surprised you about becoming a parent and remaining engaged with your professional activities and ambitions?

KP: Probably like many people, I was surprised at how much everything changed and how much my focus moved away from my ambitions. It really was a huge adjustment, and I think I was in denial about how little time I would have to do things I used to do more of, like composing. Having both of my kids in grade school has once again given me more time, but now those hours are largely taken up by other responsibilities like teaching at Portland State, the University of Portland, and other teaching-related projects.

LJN: What boundaries have you set for yourself as a mother in jazz (could be related to travel/touring, riders, personal parameters, child care decisions, etc.)?

KP: I sometimes have to turn down work if I can’t find childcare. Also, childcare takes a bite out of your pay, so there are some gigs that will end up costing me money if I take them. So, I try to avoid losing money!

Kerry’s latest album “In a Heartbeat” (PJCE records) was released in October 2022. It features trumpeter Thomas Barber, saxophonist Joe Manis, bassist Garrett Baxter, and pianist George Colligan in a program of Politzer originals inspired by the passing of a beloved aunt during the pandemic.

(*) Mothers in Jazz was started by vocalist Nicky Schrire. The initiative aims to create an online resource for working jazz musicians with children, those contemplating parenthood, and jazz industry figures who work with and hire musicians who are parents. The insight of the musicians interviewed for this series provides valuable emotional, philosophical and logistical information and support that is easily accessible to all. “Mothers In Jazz” shines a light on the very specific role of being both a mother and a performing jazz musician.

LINKS: Artist website
The complete archive of Nicky Schrire’s Mothers in Jazz series
In a Heartbeat on Bandcamp