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Take Five With Jevon J.

By AAJ Staff
June 10, 2011
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Meet Jevon J.:
Jazz musician originally out of Miami, Fl. Went through Miami Southridge's music department. Left the music scene to join FIU on full jazz and classical scholarships, but was derailed due to personal reasons. Left for the US army after only two years at FIU. After six-plus years, came to Tampa, Fl where I returned to playing music.

Instrument(s):
Trumpet, flugelhorn.

Teachers and/or influences?
Miles Davis, Lee Morgan, David Sanborn, Wynton Marsalis, Frank Sinatra.

I knew I wanted to be a musician when...
I was 13 and finally understood what Miles Davis was "saying" through "All Blues," on Kind of Blue.

Your teaching approach:
Listen.

Your dream band:
I would build it as a mix between Miles second great quintet with a touch of trip hop/funk/disco vibes.

Your favorite recording in your discography and why?
Don't have one.

The first Jazz album I bought was:
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue.

What do you think is the most important thing you are contributing musically?
Originality and style.

CDs you are listening to now:
Wayne Shorter, Radiohead, Ulrich Schnauss, Kanye West.

Desert Island picks:
Miles Davis, Kind of Blue; Miles Davis, Water Babies.

How would you describe the state of jazz today?
Barely surviving...barely hanging on.

What are some of the essential requirements to keep jazz alive and growing?
Play great music that adapts to the current culture.

By Day:
University of Tampa Management Student.

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