BACKGROUND STORIES
“Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life. It’s a way of being, a way of thinking.”
Nina Simone
John Coltrane
John Coltrane was a revolutionary to me. Together with Monk he is so special in terms of improvisation. I like to do Coltrane because when you listen to his body of work it is so beautiful and spiritual.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis lived the artist life in terms of music and lifestyle. It appeals to many people. At the same point we know he wasn’t perfect. He is still the most popular jazz musician.
Charlie Parker
Charlie "Bird" Parker, born on August 29, 1920, and passing away on March 12, 1955, was an influential American jazz saxophonist and composer. He is widely considered one of the most significant and influential musicians in the history of jazz and one of the greatest saxophonists of all time.
Thelonious Monk
Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) was an influential American jazz pianist and composer known for his unique style and innovative approach to music. He was one of the pioneers of bebop, a style of jazz that emerged in the 1940s characterized by complex harmonies and fast tempos.
Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock is an iconic American jazz pianist, keyboardist, composer, and bandleader, born on April 12, 1940. He is one of the most influential and innovative figures in the world of jazz and contemporary music.
Chet Baker
Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist, born on December 23, 1929, in Yale, Oklahoma, and raised in California. He is best known for his distinctive trumpet playing, as well as his soft, intimate singing style.
Sonny Rollins
Sonny Rollins is an American jazz tenor saxophonist, widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. He was born on September 7, 1930, in New York City. Rollins' unique playing style, characterized by his powerful sound, inventive improvisation, and melodic creativity, has earned him a prominent place in the history of jazz music.
Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck (1920-2012) was an American jazz pianist and composer, best known for his pioneering work in the cool jazz and West Coast jazz movements. He was also a highly influential bandleader and a prolific recording artist.
