Kathryn Hopkins

I love jazz for so many reasons, one being that it is limitless. I was first exposed to jazz by my father and brother, both professional musicians in New Zealand, so I grew up with it. It’s always been there. I'm so very grateful for my exposure to jazz from such a young age. I know that all those years helped develop my ear without my even knowing. I met Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones in Los Angeles, not long after moving here. For a girl from New Zealand that was quite a special thing and something special about being in the U.S. Those iconic musicians that I grew up with are so accessible and become so much more real when you meet them in person or go to see them at a live show. I've been blessed to see more in live concerts here in Los Angeles. The best show I ever attended? Well....honestly it's very hard to pick just one The first jazz record I bought - Miles Davis, Kind of Blue. I didn't know a whole lot about jazz and wanted to expand my appreciation and knowledge and someone told me that was a good album to get. Also my father, who was a well known drummer in New Zealand bought me my first CD, which was a James Brown double album, followed by I think The Beatles (greatest hits). My advice to new listeners...immerse yourself.. be a sponge.