Russell Malone: Learning on the Road
Master guitarist and composer Russell Malone taught himself how to play guitar. In this interview with iRock Jazz, Malone shares his greatest teaching tool for any musician-being on the road.
Robert Glasper: I Wish People Would Have the Chance to Not Like My Music
Quantity versus quality is a major topic of conversation in the music industry. There is a lot of music out there, but the quality is questionable. Jazz pianist Robert Glasper explains frankly why he wishes people had the chance to not like his music.
Kenny Barron: Getting to Play With Dizzy
One of Master pianist Kenny Barron’s first major gigs was with the late-great jazz icon, Dizzy Gillespie. In this interview with iRock Jazz, the American Jazz Hall of Famer talks about being hired by Dizzy Gillespie, before the icon even had a chance to hear him play!
Etienne Charles: Musicians Should Play for the Audience
The audience is equally as important as the show. In this interview with iRock Jazz, trumpeter and composer Etienne Charles explains to musicians how to engage with and the importance of engaging with their audience.
Jeremy Pelt: Getting Jazz Out of the Museum
As a member of the next generation of jazz greats, trumpeter Jeremy Pelt’s music is directly connected to the sound(s) of this generation. In this interview with iRock Jazz, Pelt discusses how to get jazz out of the museum and make it more appealing to the next generation.
Passing the Baton: From the Jazz Masters to American Democracy; TEDx
The Jazz & Democracy Project®, founded by Dr. Wesley J. Watkins, is an innovative project that uses the principles of artistic jazz to teach elementary, middle school and high school students the importance of being democratic citizens. Students in the project learn the importance of listening, critical thinking, voice choice, …
First Lady Michelle Obama Introduces the Jazz Studio
In 2009 United States President and Mrs. Barack Obama launched the first ever White House Music Series: Jazz Studio. The Obamas opened up the entire East Wing of the White House for 150 high school students to learn jazz history and other elements of jazz. The event was organized in …
The Jazz & Democracy Project
The Jazz & Democracy Project®, founded by Dr. Wesley J. Watkins, is an innovative project that uses the principles of artistic jazz to teach elementary, middle school and high school students the importance of being democratic citizens. Students in the project learn the importance of listening, critical thinking, voice choice, …
Roy Hargrove Tradition vs Innovation
Master trumpeter Roy Hargrove knows the definition of music. In his tenure, Hargrove has worked with premier artists, not only in jazz, but across the music spectrum. The two time Grammy winner received worldwide recognition after winning the award for two different music categories; Latin Jazz (1997) andInstrumental Jazz (2002). Currently, Hargrove is the bandleader …
Gerald Clayton: Keeping an Open Mind
With multiple albums, awards and Grammy nominations under his belt in just a few years, jazz pianist and composer Gerald Clayton has made his mark as an authoritative presence in the next generation of jazz artists. As the son of bassist John Clayton, Gerald Clayton has gained a wealth of …
Gregory Porter Singing it With Understanding
Jazz vocalist, song writer and Broadway actor Gregory Porter’s voice is considered a major instrument in the art of jazz. He is a regular performer at Jazz at Lincoln Center. His debut album Water, received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Jazz Vocal and his sophomore album “Be Good” was …
Roy Hargrove: The State of Jazz Education
Music education in American schools has steadily declined over the past few years. No one form of music has suffered more than that of jazz. In this interview with iRock Jazz, master trumpeter and award winning composer Roy Hargrove discusses the state of jazz education and the importance of jazz …