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Lately I've been doing a lot of thinking about presenting music as a leader and the qualities
it takes to become a great leader.
When one thinks of a great leader, we lean toward Presidents, Clergymen and the like.
Recently, the actor Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, whom we regard as one of the greatest Presidents of all time for his historic contribution to abolishing slavery. This task was not the easiest, obviously. To go across party lines for such a unpopular idea such as slavery at it's time was equally as big as the subject itself. Not only to stand up and lead against all bigotry and hatred that was dominant in America's society against minorities and non-whites, but to persevere until it was seen through to the end. 
When we think about this idea in the context of music, we see that there were a plethora of great band leaders, from Duke Ellington to Art Blakey to Miles Davis; all of which had different styles of leadership along with the approach to the music itself. Not only musically but also socially. Although Lincoln abolished slavery, the manner in which people acted towards minorities; which lead to segregation, with which all three aforementioned leaders dealt with constantly. Which I feel contributed to the way these men lead their bands. From a hands-on approach to a completely hands-off, this was seen and heard within the music.
 
As I think about the way I approach and present music as a leader, I am aware that being a leader is a great challenge, not only of self; fully knowing yourself for your strengths & weaknesses; but also the members of the ensemble, keeping in mind their strengths & weaknesses and utilizing them to the best of each ones ability and your own.
My path to becoming a great leader will be a long and difficult one, but I am reminded of the great leaders like a Miles Davis and a Abraham Lincoln, and the struggle they survived to make historic music and life altering laws that changed all of our lives for the better.
js
 
 
.....And as always, new dates are constantly being added to the "ITINERARY" section.
 
P.S. In order to keep better contact with you, please leave your email address and contact information in the "JOIN EMAIL LIST" found in the "CONTACT" section, and we'll try to get monthly updates to you about new and exciting endeavors.
 
Peace.
 
 
This Year's Records:
 
Kendrick Scott Oracle - Conviction- I have been playing in Kendrick's band for over a year now and loving every moment. Did I mention the awesome band including, Mike Moreno on Guitar, Taylor Eigsti on Piano, John Ellis on Saxophone, and Alan Hampton making a Guest appearance on Voice and Guitar.
Release Date March 26, 2013 on the Concord Label.
 
Dayna Stephens - Tenor Saxophonist and One of my favorite musicians on the planet (hell of a bass player too!). Put this record together from a band that performed as a part of the Jazz @ Centrum Workshop in the summer of '09, being that we're all good friends it was a great concert and everyone in the band wanted to record this band first. Dayna Beat Everybody...It was a great experience in the studio. Nothing like being in the studio with close friends and playing great music. Keep your eyes and ears out for this one! featuring: Dayna Stephens - Tenor Saxophone, Ambrose Akinmusire - Trumpet, Jaleel Shaw - Alto Saxophone, Taylor Eigsti - Piano, Gretchen Parlato - Vocals & Justin Brown - Drums.
To be released on the Sunnyside Label in the Spring of 2013.
 
Gerald Clayton - Life Forum - Gerald's 3rd record along with the trio and special guests including: Gretchen Parlato, Sachal Vansandani, Ambrose Akinmusire, Dayna Stephens & Logan Richardson. Its a Party!
Available April 2013 on the Concord Label.
 
 
'Introducing Joe Sanders' - Is Actually still available!
Featuring Gretchen Parlarto, Will Vinson, Luis Perdomo and Rodney Green.
Released February 12, 2012.
 
Gerald Clayton - Bond.  A collection of new compositions by Gerald which displays the further exploration of the trio format and the bond of the members of it.
Available now @ GeraldClayton.Com

 
Walter Smith III - iii. My fellow Monk Institute alum and ridiculous saxophone player put together this stellar band of great musicians including, Ambrose Akinmusire on Trumpet, Jason Moran on Piano and Eric Harland on Drums, for a collection of some new and old songs for this Criss-Cross release. I had a great time on this session, being that it was the first professional opportunity to play with Jason & Eric (we worked with both of them at the Monk Institute).
 
Greg Ward & Phonic Juggernaut - Phonic Juggernaut. To call this trio a power trio is a understatement, with very intriguing compositions and arrangements this trio puts my thinking and approach to a new height. Check it out. Available now @ GregWard.Org
 
J.S. Infinity: February 2013!
 
 
Ciao,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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