My Church Is the Music with Chelsea Baratz – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 193)

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, saxophonist, composer, and community builder Chelsea Baratz takes us on a deeply personal journey through music, mentorship, and meaning. Raised in the soulful, hard-bop heart of Pittsburgh and sharpened in the creative fire of New York City, Chelsea reflects on formative moments—from her first jam session at the Crawford Grill to the life-changing mentorship of Sean Jones and Roy Hargrove. We explore how her upbringing, identity, and powerful experiences shaped both her artistry and her ongoing recovery from COVID related challenges. Chelsea also shares her role in boundary-pushing projects like the all-female HERA Collective and The Empress, her recent top-charting saxophone quartet. As she discusses the Sustainable and Inner Development Goals, Chelsea makes a compelling case for art as a form of activism and connection. From invoking the Akashic Field to advocating for communal care and restorative justice, Chelsea’s voice rings clear: music is not only her sanctuary—it’s her way of making the world better, one note at a time. Listener Engagment:

• Discover more about Chelsea via her Instagram (from here you can go to her Albums, Soundcloud and more), Facebook or YouTube. She is not really active on LinkedIn. Do you check out one of the concerts she refers to in this episode at Smalls Jazz Club.
• Share your thoughts on this episode via walktalklisten. Your feedback is invaluable to us.
• Please do explore the songs selected by Chelsea and previous guests on our #walktalklisten playlist here.

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