Announcing the 2024 Artistic Development Winners.
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Honoring the memory of John Stites and his passion for jazz music
Posted October 24, 2024
The JSJAO is partnering with The Gilmore to present Jahari Stampley, winner of the 2023 Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz International Piano Competition on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Bell’s Eccentric Café. Mr. Stampley will perform with his trio, which includes his multi-instrumentalist mother Donella Stampley and drummer Jongkuk Kim. Born in Chicago, Mr. Stampley began playing the piano at the age of 14. Within 2 years, he was winning competitions and by 2023 he was named Chicagoan of the Year in Jazz and won the Chicago Youth Symphony Alumni award as well as the Luminarts Fellowship for his debut album “Still Listening”. “Still Listening” has also been set in an orchestral arrangement for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
During a recent interview with the Gilmore, Mr. Stampley was asked what he was currently working on musically. His reply gave us some insight into his unique approach to composing and playing, “I’ve been working on trying to hear multiple voices, sing and play between both hands. Just trying to develop consistency in really outlining each of the voices in my fingers when I play.” Stampley also said, “When I’m playing, it often takes me to a different state altogether, so once the performance ends, I don’t always remember what happened in the moment.” Perhaps this is why Herbie Hancock said, “I’ve never heard anybody play quite like that … I was thinking, ‘Maybe I should study with him.’’ (Chicago Tribune, December 2023)
The JSJAO began our partnership with the Gilmore by sponsoring the immortal Herbie Hancock in September 2022. John Stites created the JSJAO for the purpose of “promoting professional exceptionalism in jazz and expanding public awareness and appreciation of jazz music.” We are honored to partner with the Gilmore and provide an opportunity for Kalamazoo area audiences to hear Jahari Stampley, a true Rising Star whose extraordinary talent has been acclaimed by jazz icon Herbie Hancock.
This world needs more of him, not less.
Ray Kamalay
The John Stites Jazz Awards (JSJA) are funded by the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization.
The organization funds advanced studies for emerging and established professional jazz musicians, as well as personal development projects which enhance their career opportunities.