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Since 2005, KNKX's School of Jazz has provided mentorship, learning and performance opportunities to Western Washington middle school, high school and college jazz students. A cornerstone of the station's signature community outreach program, it has directly impacted thousands of jazz students, band directors and professional musicians. School of Jazz is sponsored by BECU.

Wyatt Morrison | School Of Jazz Guest DJ

 

Note: Each month, KPLU invites a teen guest DJ to play his or her favorite pieces on the air. The program is part of KPLU’s School of Jazz.

Which instrument do you play and why?

I have played piano for roughly 10 years. I play piano because it has a lot of room for solo and group play, and probably one of the instruments with the most opportunities to play.  I also play to inspire.  As a middle schooler watching the high schoolers at Hot Java Cool jazz, I was utterly amazed at their skills, which inspired me to be as good as them.  Now, I am a source of inspiration to a like-minded middle schooler out there in the seats, and I find that in itself really inspiring.

What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece and why?

My favorite jazz piece is "Strasbourg St. Denis" by the Roy Hargrove Trio. I love this song because it evokes a nostalgic reminiscence of my childhood, when I was first really getting into jazz. I started a combo at Hamilton Middle School called the WHEATE (pronounced Wheatie) combo, and we scored way higher than the school-created combos.  This was our signature tune, and we jammed on it every time we practiced.  

Who’s your jazz hero and why?

My jazz hero is Gerald Clayton. My family isn't super musical, although my dad insists he is while binge listening The Stones or Queen.  I first heard him on the St. Denis track from Hargrove, and quickly realized what a melodic genius he is.  I went to Centrum (in Port Townsend) that year, and apparently it was the only year he hasn't been there. Shucks.

What is jazz, exactly?  How would you explain it?

I would broadly define jazz as a language with a multitude of dialects.  Jazz is not only an art form, but rather a mindset, a emotion, a thoroughfare for new connections.  Jazz to me has always been about having fun, but knowing that to get there you have to drill on monotonous scales. Jazz is hard work, with instant gratification and support. Jazz has been about a community that supports one another, except for a few teachers. Jazz is playing a blues lick, and waiting for the perfect moment to pull it out and hear the, "OOOOHH"s and grunts of support from the crowd. Jazz is love.

?Wyatt's Playlist:

“Yes, I'm Country (And That's OK)" Robert Glasper (Double Booked)

"I'm Gonna Go Fishing" Dr. John (Duke Elegant)

"Country" Keith Jarrett (My Song)

"Forget Regret" The RH Factor with Stephanie McKay (Hard Groove)

"Backatown" Trombone Shorty (Backatown)

“Big Fat Alice’s Blues” Duke Ellington (Reprise Studio Recordings)

“Rock of Ages” Oscar Peterson (Walking the Line)

“Get Your Way” Jamie Callum (Catching Tales)

“You Are My Sunshine” Gene Harris/Scott Hamilton (At Last)