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 September 21, 2024
The JSJAO is partnering with The Gilmore to present the first 2024 Rising Star Jazz performance – pianist and composer Julius Rodriguez Presents Evergreen on Sunday, October 6. Mr. Rodriguez will perform with band members Brandon Rose, Bass, Brian Richburg Jr., Drums, and Alonzo Demetrius, Trumpet at 4:00 pm at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. The Gilmore characterized Rodriguez as “representing the next generation of jazz, combining genres in creative ways” while NPR stated that Rodriguez is a “rising star at the intersection of jazz, soul, hip-hop and blues”. It is interesting to note that Rodriguez studied classical piano and ultimately studied at both the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard, before dropping out to tour with rapper A$AP Rocky in 2018. Though most jazz aficionados would assume that rap and jazz are unlikely “bedfellows”, Rodriguez’ music shows that musical labels are meaningless when the composer can successfully integrate traditional jazz, hip hop, electronics, soul, blues and gospel into a unique contemporary sound. The resulting energy in the sound is unmistakable and eliminates whatever reservations “purists” may have regarding integrating diverse musical genres.
NPR summed up Rodriguez’ appeal as “converging past and present with stellar results, showcasing himself as a torchbearer among a cohort of young New York players bringing history into the future.” Listen to a few tunes from his first album “Let Sound Tell All”, and you will be convinced that you don’t want to miss hearing the music from his new album “Evergreen”, which will be featured at the October 6 performance. John Stites endowed the John Stites Jazz Artist Organization for the purpose of honoring “professional exceptionalism in jazz music” and “expanding public awareness and appreciation of jazz”. Join us at Bell’s on October 6 to hear Julius Rodriguez Presents Evergreen, an exceptional young jazz professional who embodies John’s vision of how to incorporate new influences, fearlessly eliminate labels, and expand the audience for jazz.
Photo credit: Atiba Jefferson
John recorded decades of live and studio performances with a master’s touch. His legacy is vast, and I am in awe of the man and his work.
Cara Lieurance
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.