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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!Instruments
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 Fourplay; 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.About John Tatum
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