We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Aviner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, how do you define success?
I believe that success varies from person to person, and I only write these definitions for myself.

Of course there is the grandiose and somewhat toxic metric that says, ‘when people have heard my music and fill out a room to see my shows, that is success, and not before.’

However, I have found that there are many important victories musically that I have been able to hang my hat on–fruitful co-writes, a great recording session, a student who finally learned how to voice lead on guitar, finishing a song, or even learning a new song. One thing that I deem a total success for myself is the fact that, as a professional, I only make money doing music: in a lesson, on a gig, or in the studio.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The project that I have been working on the longest is called Porterfield. It began in 2015 as a way for me to fuse some musical elements that I had been either exploring or craving for some years. It takes the format of an indie rock/singer-songwriter type band, and pairs it with some vocabulary and performance elements of jazz and experimental instrumentation- MOOG synth bass and saxophone run through guitar pedals, along with voice, guitar, and drums. While the songs come from me, the band ends up taking them apart and putting them back together for a great, unique arrangement. The instrumentation allows for a wide variety, as well as a huge sound. The band features Jared Yee on saxophone and fx, JP Goldman on synth bass, Steve Bartashev on drumset, and myself on guitar and vocals. A review of one of our releases describes us as ‘Difficult to categorize, easy to enjoy.’

We have been nominated two years in a row by the Boston Music Awards for Jazz Artist of the Year, following the release of our first EP ‘Live At Q.’ In 2021 we independently put out our debut full length album ‘Rome,’ which was recorded over the course of 6 years. In March of ’23 we recorded our next album, ‘Kitsch Machine,’ whose first single should be coming out soon!

More recently I have started working on a couple of new projects. Last year I made a record with Noon Moon, a collaborative and leaderless jazz trio featuring Sean Hannon on upright bass and Rintaro Mikami on drumset, that was released on Adhyaropa records. This summer has been fruitful as well; I recorded a new instrumental album called Stunt Brother, which follows a more straightforward modern jazz approach, as well as a new EP with collaborator Sean Hannon in which we perform covers of classic popular songs on double bass, acoustic guitar, and voice.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Brooklyn, there are so many great options! We would have to start most mornings at a coffee shop called ‘Little Roy,’ in Bed-Stuy. Great coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and their staff are like a family. We could venture to Park Slope, Dumbo, or Williamsburg for a good walk and some shopping if you’re into that, or maybe just go to Prospect Park to hang. Dinners could include our local favorite Mexican joint called ‘Chavelas.’ There are plenty of great music options too–in Bed Stuy we have Bar Lunatico, an excellent restaurant/cocktail bar that has world class music every night of the week. On a Tuesday we could go to the jam session at Bar Bayeux! No trip would be complete without going to the world famous Village Vanguard, where so many historic jazz records were made. Another great spot is Pete’s Candy Store, a small but magical little venue where locals cut their teeth.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would never have been able to pursue music to this depth without the support of my folks. Growing up, I always sang with my mum in the car and found my joy in singing with her. My dad is an avid music lover and consumer, he got me hip to some of the musicians that really blew my lid open, most importantly Brad Mehldau.

Website: jacobavinermusic.com

Instagram: jacobandersonaviner

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@porterfield7597

Other: Porterfield website : porterfieldmusic.com

Image Credits
Brandon Johnson Alex Brown June Yun

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.