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Jawanza Kobie

About Me

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it is the genre of music that simultaneously effects and stimulates my intellect and feeds and satisfies my inner soul. I was first exposed to jazz through my father when I was very young I thought everything my father brought in the house was a present for me. So when he brought in records of Oscar Peterson, Tommy Dorsey, Errol Gardner etc. he would say he brought them for me as a present knowing I didn't know who these people were. I've met so many musicians but drummer, vocalist Grady Tate holds a very special place in my heart. He took an interest in me with my music and tried guiding and mentoring me. The best show I ever attended was in jazz was Return To Forever when they just released the Romantic Warrior album. However the best show I actually confess that I liked was Paul MaCartney. The first jazz record I actually bought was I can't remember. Maybe it was Chick Corea's The Leprechaun. I just had jazz records given to me by friends and my big brother had many jazz records so I really didn't start buying them until later. My advice to new listeners is just to enjoy. I hope the music moves you and makes you feel as I do when I hear i