At JazzAscona, José took the artists away from the festival's usual noise and activity, placing them in a serene, almost meditative environment. Each artist sat in a chair, enveloped by the gentle glow of blue water reflections, with the mountains in the distance offering a sense of grounding and natural beauty.

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In this peaceful setting, a simple yet profound exercise was introduced. The artists were presented with four carefully chosen words—art, culture, woman, and love—and invited to share the associations, memories, and emotions that these words evoked. This approach encouraged spontaneous, introspective responses, allowing the artists to explore the deeper meanings of these concepts, often tied to their personal and creative lives. 

Among those who took up this challenge were Bo Dollis Jr., Amina Scott, Niccolò Monté Rizzi, Jesse McBride, David L. Harris, Manon Mullener, John Boutté, Ella Yépez Knecht, and Bryce Eastwood—each offering a unique, personal reflection that gives audiences an intimate glimpse into their creative minds.

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The result was not just an interview, but a deeply reflective dialogue that revealed insights shaped by the natural beauty of the surroundings, offering a rare, personal connection to the broader themes of art, culture, and humanity​​.

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