Great music, good works Jamey Aebersold started in New Albany and reaches the world Story // Kathy Melvin Photos // Michelle Hockman When Jamey Aebersold studied music at <strong>Indiana</strong> University in the 1960s, he learned a great deal about classical music, but very little about improvisation and the ability to express himself spontaneously through his music. Years later, it would motivate him to develop “Play-A-Long” recordings that make it possible for jazz musicians, young and old, to create an interactive jazz environment in a classroom, a living room, a street corner or a subway...anywhere in the world. With the production of his frst “Play-A-Long” recording in 1967, he birthed a new form of jazz education. In the 50 years since, he’s produced 133 volumes of jazz recordings and books for millions of fans around the world. His frst Play-A-Long recording, “How to Play Jazz and Improvise,” has been translated into six languages and is sold all over the world. It features well-known musicians such as Kenny Barron, Randy Brecker, Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, David Liebman, Mulgrew Miller, Jimmy Raney and Cedar Walton. It is no exaggeration to say there is not a second that goes by that a person is not practicing, somewhere in the world, to a Jamey Aebersold “Play-A-Long” recording. On Jan. 13, 2014, Aebersold will be honored in an awards ceremony and concert as a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters for 2014. He will receive the nation’s highest honor in his feld, for lifetime achievements and exceptional contributions to the advancement of jazz and for devoting his life and career to mastering and expanding the art form. In the announcement from the NEA, Jazz Master David Baker wrote: “Jamey Aebersold has made enormous contributions to the jazz world through his tireless eforts as a performer, educator and publisher. As the creator of the innovative and groundbreaking Jamey Aebersold Jazz Play-A-Long recordings series, as the longtime director of the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops, as an exceptional clinician and performer, and as publisher of an extensive catalogue of jazz materials, Jamey has revolutionized the way people practice, teach, create and perform their music.” “I’ve known about the NEA Jazz Masters Awards since they began the program years ago and have always thought it was really special that our government recognized the famous jazz people whom I’ve listened to on recordings and, often, in person,” Aebersold said. “I was very surprised when the fellow made the phone call to me. At frst, I guess I thought he was a salesman because he said something like, ‘this is not a solicitation.’ I then realized he might have something important to say. It’s a special award that I will cherish and am looking forward to the main event Jan. 13th. I hope the attention I get from this award helps raise jazz education awareness all around the globe.” Aebersold was born July 21, 1939, in New Albany, where he still lives. In his hometown he’s known far better as a community leader, teacher, philanthropist and youth advocate, than for being one of the world’s foremost jazz performers and educators. When CBS Sunday Morning came to New Albany to feature him, they asked to record him in his studio. He showed them to the basement of his house. He also provides advice, musical equipment and books to prisoners from around the country who ask for his help. He answers each letter personally and has stayed in touch with some of the writers for years after they “graduate” from the program. At 74 he gives talks to local children and plays basketball with the kids at the Boys & Girls Club. He’s been known to give motivational talks while shooting three-pointers. “Children are tomorrow’s future,” he said. “I realize many children do not have a home life like it was many years ago. I hope I can be a good example of not smoking, drinking or using drugs and still having a wonderful life. Helping others is very important. You can’t take it with you so you may as well pass it on while you’re on the planet.” Anti-smoking talks are at the top of Aebersold’s priorities. He became involved with an organization called Corporate Accountability International in the early 90’s and began to read about the millions of dollars tobacco companies were spending to “frame the smoking issues any way they wanted.” He said he decided to fght them any way he could. “The school concerts, billboards, letters to the editor, etc. were efective and at the same time, Washington D.C., under President Clinton, was beginning to take on the tobacco companies // Story jumps to page 54 September/October <strong>2013</strong> • 32
Jeff Hanger Master Certifed Sales Representative 385 Bypass Rd. Brandenburg, KY 40108 Bus: (270) 422-4901 Fax: (270) 422-3937 Cell: (812) 613-9000 Portraits • Sports • Editorial • Commercial • Video • Motion Graphic Design jalaubphotography.com Facebook.com/JALaubPhotography 859.967.6680 silivingmag.com • 33
Change language