Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: My First Exposure To Jazz

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: My First Exposure To Jazz:      I was first exposed to jazz early in life as a child. I was five years old or younger when I consciously began listening to jazz. As a ...

My First Exposure To Jazz

     I was first exposed to jazz early in life as a child. I was five years old or younger when I consciously began listening to jazz. As a child I remember listening to John Coltrane, and I loved it!

     WCHD radio in Detroit, MI, was devoted to a jazz format before turning into WJZZ FM. Other radio stations with an African-American audience catered to R&B and soul music, but would occasionally play jazz. I remember the late 1960`s as my parents were preparing for work, I would hear "Love Theme From Spartacus", performed by Yusef Lateef on the radio every morning. I would purposely wake-up at 4:00 AM to hear Love Theme From Spartacus. I don`t think my parents knew I was awake and listening, but that music was the high-light of my day.

     I also remember hearing Miles Davis and his quintet with Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Wayne Shorter. Also, I remember hearing Herbie Hancock and his recording of Speak Like A Child, and other fine jazz recordings.

     What really motivated me was a New Years eve TV special in 1974 of 75 when my Mom and I saw Herbie Hancock, with Bennie Maupin and Headhunters. That was it! I was hooked on tenor saxophone.

     Everyones discovery and introduction to jazz is different, and I am thankful to my parents and teachers for introducing me to the art and world of jazz. This music has become the fabric of my life, and continues to be my love and passion. Through the ups and downs of my life, jazz has been the one true constant, and sound track of my life.

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Going To Austin, TX?

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Going To Austin, TX?:      New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville are established and recognized commercial music centers in the United States. If you are looking f...

Going To Austin, TX?

     New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville are established and recognized commercial music centers in the United States. If you are looking for the commercial center for jazz you will find it in New York, NY. Austin, TX is not known for being the place to go if you are a jazz fan, but jazz can be heard in Austin. If you are visiting Austin, TX from March 11 - 20, 2016, you can hear jazz at South by Southwest.

     Yes, you can find jazz at SXSW, but jazz is not the focus. Attention is directed at pop culture. South by Southwest is scheduled for March 11 - 20, with music scheduled for March 15 thru the 20th of March. Held on several stages in Austin there should be plenty to do, but not for the jazz purist. Snarky Puppy will be performing at SXSW on Saturday, March 19, at Cedar Street Courtyard. Also, you may want to look for performances by Vel Lewis, and Chris Mitchell. South by Southwest is a yearly festival with film, interactive media, music, and conferences.

     While in Austin, TX, be sure to visit The Elephant Room. The Elephant Room participates in SXSW, but has jazz performances year round. The Continental Club has good jazz every Tuesday night, starting at 10:00 pm. While in Austin also visit Firehouse Hostel and Lounge. The Highball features jazz brunch on Sundays. Also check the following:
* Sullivan`s Steakhouse
* Hi Hat Public House
* One World Theatre
* Stephen F. Austin Hotel Bar and Terrace
* Brass House
* Eddie V`s Prime Seafood
* East Side Showroom
* Breakaway Records
* Stay Gold
* Capitol City Comedy Club
* End Of An Ear

     Austin, TX is no New York City when it comes to jazz, but jazz is available to the jazz fan.