Episode 204: Interview with Early Times

Early Times has spent a lifetime chasing sound—raw, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in experience. A guitarist, composer, and recording artist with decades of work behind him, his journey is not one built on shortcuts or trends, but on consistency, instinct, and a relentless pursuit of musical truth. In this episode of The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, Early opens up about where it all began, how his perspective shaped his songwriting, and what listeners can expect from his upcoming album Border Crossings, set to release June 26, 2026.

Like many great musicians, Early’s introduction to music started at home—but not in a formal way. There were no structured lessons or strict routines in the beginning. Instead, there were stacks of old 45 records—small vinyl singles filled with early rock and rhythm and blues. “It was like Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley… and I just loved it,” he recalls. These records didn’t just entertain him—they planted something deeper. They introduced him to rhythm, energy, and the emotional pull of music.

His first attempt at playing guitar came early, around the age of six or seven, but like many kids, he didn’t stick with it right away. It wasn’t until he turned twelve that everything clicked. With an inexpensive electric guitar in hand and a local teacher who focused on what he actually wanted to learn—rather than rigid instruction—Early found his footing. “He taught me how to play things I wanted to learn… like Black Sabbath and Van Halen,” he says. That freedom to explore made all the difference.

By fourteen, he wasn’t just practicing—he was performing. Playing local parties and small venues, Early was already making money as a musician while most kids his age were still figuring out their hobbies. It was a defining moment, but not in the way most people expect. For him, it wasn’t about one big breakthrough. It was about progression.

“I can’t say there’s one thing,” he explains when asked about a pivotal moment. “You set these little goals… and once you hit that goal, you don’t rest there—you move to the next one.”

That philosophy—what many would call a “micro-goal mindset”—became the backbone of his career. First it was performing live. Then it was recording. Then touring. Then radio play. Each milestone led to another, creating a steady climb rather than a single leap.

But Early’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about perspective. Unlike musicians who came up through structured programs or academic training, he describes himself as a “street guy.” His influences came from real-life experiences—rough neighborhoods, late-night venues, and the kind of environments that shape both character and storytelling.

That perspective carries directly into his songwriting. His process is constant, almost relentless. “I am always writing,” he says. Whether it’s a phrase overheard in conversation, a bumper sticker, or a random thought, he captures ideas continuously. Over time, those fragments become the building blocks for songs.

He doesn’t rely on waiting for inspiration to strike—he prepares for it. By maintaining a mental and physical “journal” of ideas, he ensures that when it’s time to write, he’s never starting from zero. It’s a disciplined approach that blends creativity with consistency.

At the same time, Early understands that songwriting is about more than just structure—it’s about emotion. “A good songwriter… should be able to break your heart… and also make you chuckle,” he explains. That balance between light and dark, humor and depth, is what gives music its power.

While much of his career has been built around songwriting, his upcoming album Border Crossings takes a different direction. It is a fully instrumental project—something that requires an entirely different creative approach.

“In instrumental music, you have to have melodies or grooves that can stand on their own without lyrics,” he says. That challenge forces the music itself to carry the emotional weight, demanding stronger composition and more intentional structure.

The album itself is a blend of jazz, Latin influence, rhythm and blues, and blues—a reflection of both his musical background and the collaborators he brought together. And those collaborators are not just talented—they’re world-class.

The project features three Grammy-winning musicians: Steve Gadd on drums, Zaccai Curtis on piano, and Luques Curtis on bass, along with Craig Handy on saxophone and flute. Each musician brings a unique voice to the project, creating a layered and dynamic sound.

But what makes the album truly unique is how it was created.

Rather than rehearsing extensively or building the project over time, Early brought the musicians together in a studio—many of them meeting for the first time—and recorded the entire album in a single six-hour session. “We recorded the entire album in a six-hour session, which is unheard of,” he says.

The process was structured, but only to a point. Early provided what’s known in jazz as a “lead sheet”—a blueprint of melodies and harmonies. From there, the musicians took over, improvising and building on those foundations in real time.

“That’s part of what gives jazz its energy,” he explains. “It’s happening right then and there.”

The title Border Crossings reflects more than just the music—it represents the entire concept behind the project. It speaks to the blending of cultures, generations, and experiences within the group. With musicians from different backgrounds and age ranges—including Steve Gadd, who has been performing since the 1960s—the album becomes a meeting point of perspectives.

“It represents crossing borders culturally… generationally… and in life experiences,” Early explains.

There’s also a subtle message embedded within the title—a reflection on how music transcends division. In a world often focused on differences, musicians come together without barriers, communicating through a shared language.

“We can come together as one voice… even if we’re from different backgrounds,” he says.

That idea is central to the album’s identity. It’s not just a collection of songs—it’s a demonstration of what happens when talent, openness, and collaboration intersect.

For listeners, Border Crossings offers more than just sound—it offers experience. It’s music that doesn’t rely on words but still tells a story, guided by melody, rhythm, and the chemistry of the musicians involved.

As Early Times continues to evolve as an artist, one thing remains consistent: his commitment to the craft. Whether writing lyrics, composing instrumentals, or performing live, he approaches music with the same mindset he’s had since the beginning—set the next goal, do the work, and keep moving forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwalZdzb9JM

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Early Times, tune in to his episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.