Dr. Matthew York is Assistant Professor of Saxophone, Jazz, and Music Technology.
- Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
My biggest influence is tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon! Dexter Gordon comes from the “Lester Young School” and within jazz history we can relate certain innovators to different musicians. There is a deep connection of influence between Lester Young and musicians such as Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, Paul Desmond, and many others. Lester Young was one of my first major influences and in turn, his style led me to Dexter Gordon.
Gordon’s playing is raw, emotional, intelligent, smooth, and just gorgeous. His ability to recall pieces of information from the rest of the band and seamlessly interweave various melodies with “jokes” is unparalleled. His phrasing and language are timeless and is someone I can always count on to learn something new with each listening.
- How do you approach improvisation when playing live?
Improvisation within the jazz idiom is a language, and for those that know me, I play the way I talk. I like simple and bold statements and repetition to get my points across with a slight tinge of humor. (At least I hope so) Improvisation is a truly freeing aspect of this music, and one reason I love it so much, in that I can be vulnerable and clever at the same time.
- What does jazz mean to you personally?
This music saved my life. I am the first person to discuss mental health awareness, and I will continue to champion that as much as possible. The joy, pain, love and sorrow that can be expressed through this music can heal the mind and soul.
- What got you into jazz?
My friends! When I was younger, they brought me to the music. I fell in love and haven’t looked back since.
- What’s a song you never get tired of hearing/playing?
This is too difficult. Top three! Apple Jump Dexter Gordon, You Are Too Beautiful Johnny Hartman/John Coltrane, and Don’t Stop the Carnival Sonny Rollins.
- Can you talk about your process for re-harmonizing standards?
Rhythm is the most important aspect of music, then melody, then harmony. Harmony is informed by the previous two, so my first approach is to think about them and consider options, then apply common strategies I hear from the masters.
My old teacher once said something like: Gershwin doesn’t need you to sound hip, he is already hip. Don’t ruin something to serve your ego, let it live and celebrate it for what it is.
Rogelio Rodriquez is a junior majoring in Music Education and plays trombone.
- What does jazz mean to you personally?
Jazz means to me because as a student studying music I enjoy performing different genres of the art of music. Performing jazz is a different feeling because as a performer I get to express my playing techniques and skills on the trombone with creativity and improvisation. It gives an opportunity for us musicians to express our creativity and be free by playing music. It’s not about focusing on chords, playing specific notes, it gives a chance for freedom, the love for music is strong.
- What got you into jazz?
My friend Alessandro Baccherini is a saxophonist, who has a deep passion for music—especially jazz—was the first person to introduce me to the genre. He would often share his favorite tracks and talk about legendary jazz artists, helping me develop an appreciation for the complexity and emotion within music. His enthusiasm was contagious and sparked my initial curiosity. Later, I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Matthew York, a professor of saxophone and jazz. His deep knowledge of jazz history, combined with his engaging teaching style and clear passion for the subject, truly drew me in. Having him as a professor made a big impact on me, and his dedication to sharing the art of jazz with students earned my utmost respect. Together, their influence played a key role in shaping my interest and growing love for jazz.
- What’s a song you never get tired of hearing/playing?
I never get tired of listening to ‘My Funny Valentine’ a song performed by Chet Baker. The genre is known as cool jazz. I just enjoy listening to slow, soft, and melancholic feel and his voice is unique.
Javon Vela is a sophomore majoring in Music Industry and plays upright bass, electric bass, clarinet, and is a singer.
- Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I think when it comes to vocal jazz, I try my best to imitate whoever I associate with the standard I’m singing. It’s kind of like doing an impression of that person. In a way, I think this is how we as musicians absorb and create our own sound: we’re all just trying to sound like the people we listen to, which makes us all unique in a way. To actually answer the question, I listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Harry Connick Jr.
- What does jazz mean to you personally?
To me, jazz is one of the most liberating of all musical styles. It gives you so much room to truly feel out what you want to play. Along with having such a massive array of standards that can be shaped into however the performer wants it to be, it gives the musician so many different creative liberties to express what they want to do; which is what the whole point of music is.
- What got you into jazz?
As ridiculous as it may sound, playing Fallout when I was younger exposed me to a whole of jazz early on (the game features an in-game radio station that would play a lot of standards) and was the main reason I started listening to it more and more. By the time I got to high school, it was one of my top genres to listen to. Because of that I joined the jazz band in my high school, and I’ve enjoyed playing ever since.
- What’s a song you never get tired of hearing/playing?
It Never Entered my Mind from the Miles Davis Quintet. This cover of the song is FANTASTIC and so so so beautiful. From the melodic piano line to the solo trumpet that is brimming with passion and emotion. It’s such a amazing piece I’d recommend everyone listen to it.
Javon Vela is a Sophomore Music Industry major and plays upright bass, electric bass, clarinet, and is a singer.
- Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I think when it comes to vocal jazz, I try my best to imitate whoever I associate with the standard I’m singing. It’s kind of like doing an impression of that person. In a way, I think this is how we as musicians absorb and create our own sound: we’re all just trying to sound like the people we listen to, which makes us all unique in a way. To actually answer the question, I listen to a lot of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Harry Connick Jr.
- What does jazz mean to you personally?
To me, jazz is one of the most liberating of all musical styles. It gives you so much room to truly feel out what you want to play. Along with having such a massive array of standards that can be shaped into however the performer wants it to be, it gives the musician so many different creative liberties to express what they want to do; which is what the whole point of music is.
- What got you into jazz?
As ridiculous as it may sound, playing Fallout when I was younger exposed me to a whole of jazz early on (the game features an in-game radio station that would play a lot of standards) and was the main reason I started listening to it more and more. By the time I got to high school, it was one of my top genres to listen to. Because of that I joined the jazz band in my high school, and I’ve enjoyed playing ever since.
- What’s a song you never get tired of hearing/playing?
It Never Entered my Mind from the Miles Davis Quintet. This cover of the song is FANTASTIC and so so so beautiful. From the melodic piano line to the solo trumpet that is brimming with passion and emotion. It’s such a amazing piece I’d recommend everyone listen to it.
