When Pixar’s Soul begins streaming exclusively on Disney+ December 25, many kids are going to be exposed to the beautiful melodies of jazz for the first time. The highly-anticipated animated film follows aspiring musician and music teacher Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) as the opportunity to perform in a band with the great Dorothea Williams (Angela Bassett) goes horribly wrong and sends him to the mystical world of the Great Before.

The unique new Pixar film gives viewers an in-depth look at Joe’s life on Earth, and the reasons behind his love of music, before transporting him to the new plane of existence where he must mentor wayward soul 22 (Tina Fey). But with his business in life unresolved and his passion still full of spark, there is room for Dorothea to have an encore in the story.

Bassett spoke to Screen Rant about her personal view of jazz, and further explained just what the crooner Dorothea’s first impressions are of the hopeful pianist at the start of the film.

Jazz is such an important part of Soul, and you are a famous singer in it. What was it like getting into that crooner mindset for the role?
Ah, a pretty amazing opportunity, especially since I love and appreciate jazz so much. It just brings me to a happy place; the peace, the creativity, the idea of improv, and everyone in the band being so good at what they do and what instrument they possess and what they’re able to contribute. Everyone falling back and supporting while they show off their stuff, and every person in the band just contributing to the conversation that’s going on in that particular song. So, it was it was incredible experience.

Speaking of everyone being so good at their job, Dorothea doesn’t necessarily see that spark in Joe when he first shows up. How do her thoughts on his musical skills progress as the film goes?
Well, I think everyone’s got to pass the test and pass muster with Dorothea, coming through the door, if they want to be a part of her band. So, she’s giving no tea for the fever, you have to either go on, or you rise and you live. And here’s your opportunity; here’s your one moment. Sometimes you get one shot, you don’t get a second.

And for him, is he going to crumble? He’s a little nervous, because he aspires to be play where she’s playing, at the level that she’s playing, and in her band. That’s the pinnacle for him. Sometimes when you’re faced with the pinnacle, does it undo you? But he has the gift; he has that blessing in his life. He is a good musician, and it girds him when it’s most needed and important, and he pulls himself together. Can you pull yourself together to express your God given gifts and talent? Which I think is a great lesson for everyone: yes, you’ve got to pull yourself together. You’ve got to get yourself together and pull yourself together.