John Covelli

I love jazz because... it’s energy and expression I was first exposed to jazz... by my trombone teacher, and also somewhat due to my appreciation of Raymond Scott/ Carl Stalling in the cartoons I watched as a little kid. The sounds were “Jazz-like” and o wanted more from an early age. I met Maynard Ferguson in 6th grade in Chillicothe Illinois after his concert on the Carnival tour, and asked when I would be able to audition for his band ???? The best show I ever attended was... the Police- Synchronicity, Chicago, 1st show of their final tour. The first jazz record I bought was...Maynard Ferguson “Chameleon” My advice to new listeners... listen to as wide a range of music possible, and do not try to define yourself by what you DON’T like Or whatever else you have in mind. My debut Jazz album, recently released, is my first ever album I recorded as a leader. The SYNOPSIS on the inside cover of the album is fashioned after the content on the back cover of the Original Cast West Side Story record album. I sat in my room as a child listening to the record over and over, reading the story along with each song. Laughing during “… Officer Krupke”, wide- eyed during the rumble and “Cool” and crying in the end every time.