Friday, March 25, 2016

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.

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