Mikayla Gilbreath (16) is a jazz saxophonist and student journalist who has had the good fortune to meet, and be inspired by, a considerable number of well-known jazz artists.
I have been keenly interested in writing for several years and plan to attend the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University after high school. My first article, a short autobiographical piece describing my motivations for wanting to become a jazz journalist, was published in the fall 2007 issue of “Jazz Notes” the Journal of the Jazz Journalists Association. The piece was entitled “Why Would I Choose Anything Else?”
Howard Mandel, President of the Jazz Journalists Association, has been an unwavering source of encouragement to me as a young writer. Without his assistance, becoming a journalist would still be merely a dream for me. I am currently the youngest member of the Jazz Journalists Association - and I hope to one day become the oldest!
My passion for jazz grew from my exposure to the music of Sonny Rollins. On November 19, 2006, I had the great honor of meeting Mr. Rollins and playing my music for him. I must admit that having him listen to me play was one of the most terrifying moments of my life! But by merely showing interest in me and my music, this legendary jazz musician has created many opportunities for me and has instilled in me a genuine desire for personal achievement.
Since March 2007, I have been featured on SonnyRollins.com as part of “Meeting Sonny - The Sonny Rollins Podcast - Episode 3.” In April 2007, I appeared on National Public Radio where I participated in Howard Mandel's interview with Sonny entitled “Saxophonist Sonny Rollins Still Swinging Strong.” I am exceedingly proud to note that Mr. Rollins is referred to as my “mentor” in that piece. And in the September 2007 issue of JazzTimes Magazine, I was featured in Nat Hentoff's article entitled “Bridging Generations.”
Saxophonist Candy Dulfer has also played a crucial role in introducing me to jazz. Early on, her music caught my attention and now her influence is reflected in my own playing style. But it is her demonstrated success in a field dominated primarily by male performers that perhaps inspires me most, as I strive to reach my own goals. Her friendship and encouragement have given me the confidence to continue reaching higher.
I currently play lead alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, flute, and clarinet as a member of the nationally recognized “DVHS Performance Jazz Ensemble.” The band has been referred to as one of the best in America, so I am genuinely proud to perform with this group of talented young musicians. For more on my music activities, please read my musician profile on All About Jazz.
And, lastly, I would not be writing this Contributor Profile at all if it were not for AAJ Publisher Michael Ricci, and AAJ Managing Editor John Kelman, who were willing to take a chance on me. I will remain forever grateful to them both, for allowing me to be a part of the All About Jazz team.
Home
Scottsdale, AZ
Mikayla's Profile on The Jazz Network
My Desert Island Picks
- Sonny Rollins - "Way Out West"
- Sonny Rollins - "Sonny Please"
- Sonny Rollins - "A Night at the Village Vanguard"
What I'm Listening To Now (As of 2009-10-18)
- "Papa" John DeFrancesco - "Desert Heat"
- Joe Lovano - "Kids"
- Dr. Lonnie Smith - "Jungle Soul"
- Jimmy Heath - "Little Man, Big Band"
- Paquito D'Rivera - "The Best of Paquito D'Rivera"
Favorite Web Sites
Favorite Artists
Alphonse Mouzon
B.B. King
Candy Dulfer
Christian McBride
Dave Liebman
Demetrius "DJ" Turner II
Dr. Lonnie Smith
Faith Gibson
Jimmy Heath
Joe Lovano
Lou Donaldson
McCoy Tyner
Mikayla Gilbreath
Nick Colionne
Papa John DeFrancesco
Paquito D'Rivera
Russel Blake
Sonny Rollins
Favorite Contributors
Jason Crane
John Kelman
Paul Olson
R.J. DeLuke
Favorite Jazz Genres
Blues
Classical
Contemporary/Smooth
Latin/World
Straightahead/Mainstream/Bop/Hard Bop/Cool
