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Take Five With...
Take Five With John Tatum
Meet John Tatum:
Went though tutoring at North Texas State University, with Vaughn Roberts, and had a few lessons with JQ Whitcomb of Shanghai. I'm mostly self-taught and using the goal note theory of Shelly Berg. It works!
Instrument(s):
Trumpet, flueglehorn, guitar, drums.
Teachers and/or influences?
Vaughn and JQ. I love Chris Botti's sweet tone and overall control. Arturo Sandoval, Miles Davis,Clifford Brown and Tom Browne of Jamaican funk fame. Main inspiration: "Feels so Good," by Chuck Mangione.
I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
My next door neighbor suggested it.
Your sound and approach to music:
flowing...and filling the transitional spaces...tone quality smooth and sweet and relaxed. I've got to feel the rhythm and be emphatic.
Your teaching approach:
I Would recommend good technique training with Arturo, Arben, Clark and, later, Shelly Berg's goal note theory.
Your dream band:
Bob James on piano; Harvey Mason on drums, and basically Four Play; ha!
Favorite venue:
Chapel in Park by West Lake.
Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
"Wedding Song," by Kenny G; hope to use it at many weddings here in China.
The first Jazz album I bought was:
Feels So Good- -not sure really—or something by Les McCann.
What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
I want to be a cultural bridge between west and east.
Did you know...
I once was almost a scratch golfer...about a 4 handicap.
CDs you are listening to now:
Chuck Mangione, Chris Botti, Secret Garden.
Desert Island picks:
Tom Braxton, Bob James Reformation.
How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Not so popular...but smooth jazz is still a bit popular with a certain group of people.
What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
Good programs, good venues and clubs; good teachers to promote jazz.
What is in the near future?
Demo CD with Gabrielle and Davide of Shanghai; The Turin Spring tour.
By Day:
English as a Second Language teacher for the past ten years in China.
If I weren't a jazz musician, I would be a:
PGA golf teacher.
Photo Credit
Courtesy of John Tatum
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