It is always a surreal moment when a student gets to meet and work with someone who is a legend in his field. As members of the UH jazz ensemble got onto the stage of the Moores Opera House Friday, many of their dreams came true.
As part of the 15th annual Moores Jazz Festival, internationally renowned trumpet player Lew Soloff worked and performed with aspiring jazz musicians during a free clinic arranged by Noe Marmolejo, director of the jazz department.
Also a jazz trumpet performer, Marmolejo believed John Moores’ gift fueled the motivation to create the annual jazz festival and was eager to welcome the famous trumpeter to the celebration.
“Lew was one of the reasons why I even moved in the jazz direction,” Marmolejo said. “He is one of the greatest musicians ever, and I hope that the students feel inspired as well. If we put our egos aside, then the truth about becoming a well-rounded, inspirational artist can come out.”
Marmolejo also emphasized the importance of the festival.
“Working with these musicians offers different perspectives for students, and our students deserve these kinds of gifts,” Marmolejo said. “We must put our egos aside, so the truth about music can come out.”
Soloff has worked with legendary bands like Blood, Sweat and Tears and Latin jazz musician Machito. During his second visit to the jazz festival, Soloff provided advice to the aspiring musicians.
“You have to feel passionate toward the music, and you have to know what turns you on,” Soloff said. “It’s 95 percent hard work and five percent talent. The more you practice, the more fun you’ll have in the performance to make a living out of what you love.”
Soloff focused on what excites him instead of technicalities. As he played, he conversed with the other players through his music. He described ways to captivate the audience by using good tone and playing in good time.
“You have to take what you can’t do and perfect it,” Soloff said. “If you work hardest on the strongest points, you’ll be exceptional. You have to play what you do or don’t like because that’s how you know what you’re good at.”
Jazz music sophomore Trent Miller played in the UH jazz band and felt privileged to perform with Soloff. He discussed his passion for music, having come from connections with people listening or playing with him.
“Being able to reach people through music is the greatest feeling, and Soloff inspired us to really feel the music,” Miller said. “He made it feel like we were playing with him and not just for him, which is a great feeling from someone of his status.”
Music composition junior Alex Winkler was humbled and excited to play piano alongside Soloff. Enthused by his sense of humor obvious in his music, Winkler recognized Soloff’s desire to reach the hearts of his audience.
“The richness of jazz harmonies, the freedom of improvisation and excitement of ensemble interaction is what drives me to progress as a jazz musician,” Winkler said. “Just when you think you’re getting good at your instrument, a master of the craft comes along and makes you realize how much more potential we all have left to explore as players.”
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