George Fulton is a 14 year-old student from Seattle, WA. He is a tenor sax and clarinet player and will be entering Roosevelt High School in the Fall.
Which instrument do you play and why?
I mainly play the tenor saxophone, and clarinet. I chose the tenor because of all the great jazz musicians who play it so beautifully and inspirationally.
What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?
That is a difficult question. There are so many different styles of jazz and pieces I love featuring different instruments. I think the piece that is most important to me, the one with the most sentimental value, is "Giant Steps" by John Coltrane from his album of the same name. "Giant Steps" inspired me to play the tenor saxophone, and to focus on jazz.
Who is your jazz hero?
Even though John Coltrane was my inspiration, my hero is Vince Guaraldi, a great piano player, mostly active from the mid ‘50s to the ‘70s. His style, both in his writing and playing, makes me feel really good. You may know of his Trio from albums like Good ‘Ol Charlie Brown or A Charlie Brown Christmas, but he has played many more great songs.
Why jazz?
Jazz is not solid. Jazz moves. It is rewarding. It is expressive and joyful, but most of all, it makes me feel good. Whenever I pick up my horn, I feel like I am able to channel everything in my mind to one point, and then I just let go. I love jazz, and am happiest when I’m playing and working with others to make great music.
Here is George's playlist for July 6, 8-9 p.m. during Evening Jazz with Abe Beeson:
MAGNOLIAS DRIPPING WITH MOLASSES - Duke Ellington
BLUE GOOSE - Duke Ellington
SPRING SONG - Pete McGuiness
SUNDAY WALTZ - Joey Alexander
A FLOWER IS A LOVESOME THING - Ben Wendel
FLIGHT OF THE FOO BIRDS - Sammy Nestico
BLOOD COUNT - Stan Getz
GIANT STEPS - John Coltrane
CRAZY RACE - The RH Factor
ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET - Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra
ON GREEN DOLPHIN STREET - Vince Guaraldi
