All About Jazz members are invited to enter the “Justin Kauflin—Introducing Justin Kauflin“ giveaway contest starting today. We'll select FIVE winners at the conclusion of the contest on November 29th.
(Following Justin Kauflin at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.)
Good luck!
About Justin Kauflin
His Music
At the piano, Justin Kauflin has an improvisational zeal matched by a technique that is equal parts lyrical and emotional. His sound can be best described as dynamic and vibrant, with a genuine sense of feeling and appreciation for the soulful essence in jazz music. Although classically trained, Justin prefers the improvisational opportunity jazz provides, which is readily apparent in his mastery of the piano. This is further influenced by his steadfast, day-to-day trust in God, drawing from all forms of music. With this inspiration, he brings a true and pure musical experience to all who hear him play.
His Story
The middle of five children, Justin Kauflin's story is a unique one. He overcame numerous obstacles, most notably losing total vision by age 11. Total blindness meant total adjusting, not only for Justin, but family and friends as well. Making others feel comfortable around HIS blindness continues to be a challenge.
From the onset of plinking tunes at age 2, he studied classical violin and piano for 9 years, switched to jazz piano after losing his vision, and began performing professionally by age 15 with the Jae Sinnett Trio and as pianist for numerous restaurants and church functions. In high school, he performed in Miyazaki, Japan, the Vail Jazz Workshop, Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead in DC and selected as outstanding soloist at Jazz Festivals in Chantilly, VA and N. Texas. He graduated alongside his sighted peers in the top 1% of both Salem High's and Governor's School of Performing Arts' class of 2004.
Justin received a Presidential Scholarship to attend William Paterson University, where he was taken under the wings of the great Clark Terry, winner of 2010's Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, and introduced to jazz giants James Williams, Harold Mabern, Wynton Marsalis, Ornette Coleman and Mulgrew Miller. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music/Jazz Performance.
He currently resides in Manhattan, NYC with his lovable Seeing Eye dog, 'Candy.'
His CD
Justin's debut jazz CD, Introducing Justin Kauflin, was released earlier this year receiving favorable reviews and coast-to-coast airplay.
On this CD, Justin is accompanied by a young and inventive band of '20-somethings': Billy Williams (drums), Phil Kuehn (bass), Tim Green (sax) and Etan Haziza (guitar). He handpicked musical selections ranging from traditional hymns and modern jazz classics to a few original compositions, including his arrangement of the Beatles' tune, 'A Day in the Life.' With help from the excellent musicianship brought to the studio by his band mates, he brings fresh interpretations of some wonderful music.
HIS THANKS
Justin is deeply grateful to Clark Terry, Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller, Steve Wilson, John Toomey, Jae Sinnett, Gary Kirkpatrick, Aaron Goldberg, Robert Glasper, Terrell Stafford, Ornette Coleman, Suzanne Schreck, Ginny Koun, Liz Barnes, Rich DeRosa, and Bill Mobley for their incredible instruction and wisdom...and to Wynton Marsalis who generously “gave me the most humbling, most exhilarating lesson ever." And, thanks always to Fr. Jim Parke, Church of the Ascension, for the numerous opportunities to “doodle."
Aside from music, Justin's passions include his faith, reading, technology, and Chick-fil-A
Click here to enter the contest
(Following Justin Kauflin at AAJ automatically enters you in the contest.)
Good luck!
About Justin Kauflin
His Music
At the piano, Justin Kauflin has an improvisational zeal matched by a technique that is equal parts lyrical and emotional. His sound can be best described as dynamic and vibrant, with a genuine sense of feeling and appreciation for the soulful essence in jazz music. Although classically trained, Justin prefers the improvisational opportunity jazz provides, which is readily apparent in his mastery of the piano. This is further influenced by his steadfast, day-to-day trust in God, drawing from all forms of music. With this inspiration, he brings a true and pure musical experience to all who hear him play.
His Story
The middle of five children, Justin Kauflin's story is a unique one. He overcame numerous obstacles, most notably losing total vision by age 11. Total blindness meant total adjusting, not only for Justin, but family and friends as well. Making others feel comfortable around HIS blindness continues to be a challenge.
From the onset of plinking tunes at age 2, he studied classical violin and piano for 9 years, switched to jazz piano after losing his vision, and began performing professionally by age 15 with the Jae Sinnett Trio and as pianist for numerous restaurants and church functions. In high school, he performed in Miyazaki, Japan, the Vail Jazz Workshop, Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead in DC and selected as outstanding soloist at Jazz Festivals in Chantilly, VA and N. Texas. He graduated alongside his sighted peers in the top 1% of both Salem High's and Governor's School of Performing Arts' class of 2004.
Justin received a Presidential Scholarship to attend William Paterson University, where he was taken under the wings of the great Clark Terry, winner of 2010's Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in Jazz, and introduced to jazz giants James Williams, Harold Mabern, Wynton Marsalis, Ornette Coleman and Mulgrew Miller. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Music/Jazz Performance.
He currently resides in Manhattan, NYC with his lovable Seeing Eye dog, 'Candy.'
His CD
Justin's debut jazz CD, Introducing Justin Kauflin, was released earlier this year receiving favorable reviews and coast-to-coast airplay.
On this CD, Justin is accompanied by a young and inventive band of '20-somethings': Billy Williams (drums), Phil Kuehn (bass), Tim Green (sax) and Etan Haziza (guitar). He handpicked musical selections ranging from traditional hymns and modern jazz classics to a few original compositions, including his arrangement of the Beatles' tune, 'A Day in the Life.' With help from the excellent musicianship brought to the studio by his band mates, he brings fresh interpretations of some wonderful music.
HIS THANKS
Justin is deeply grateful to Clark Terry, Harold Mabern, Mulgrew Miller, Steve Wilson, John Toomey, Jae Sinnett, Gary Kirkpatrick, Aaron Goldberg, Robert Glasper, Terrell Stafford, Ornette Coleman, Suzanne Schreck, Ginny Koun, Liz Barnes, Rich DeRosa, and Bill Mobley for their incredible instruction and wisdom...and to Wynton Marsalis who generously “gave me the most humbling, most exhilarating lesson ever." And, thanks always to Fr. Jim Parke, Church of the Ascension, for the numerous opportunities to “doodle."
Aside from music, Justin's passions include his faith, reading, technology, and Chick-fil-A
For more information contact All About Jazz.
