När den hyllade jazzpianisten Justin Kauflin var elva år blev han blind – något som inte bara var tufft, utan även hjälpte honom att fokusera på musiken. I helgen gästar han Nefertiti, så Djungeltrumman passade på att ställa några frågor.
You started playing the violin and the piano at a very young age. But when did you decide that music was going to be your number one thing in life?
– I’ve always had a great interest in music ever since I can remember. However, it did not become a central part of my life until I lost my sight completely at age 11. Going blind helped eliminate many things that were distractions, like tv, video games, and sports, and brought music into focus.
How did that affect you, as a person and as a musician?
– When I went blind, two things really came into focus for me. They were music and my Catholic faith. I was able to recognize the more important things to me at an earlier age than I would have if I hadn’t lost my sight. So I’m quite grateful for the way things turned out because of this apparent disability.
”The first thing I recall loving was Bach”
What did you listen to growing up?
– The first thing I recall loving was Bach’s double violin concerto. Classical music was a great passion of mine when i was young. I can also remember enjoying the music my parents listened to, like the Beatles and classic rock.
And why did you choose to go into jazz music?
– I didn’t quite choose jazz. I sort of fell into it through a fortunate circumstance. I auditioned to enter into a high school magnet program for the arts in my area. The faculty thought it would be best to put me, a blind student, in the jazz program as the sight reading requirements in the classical piano courses would be an issue. I didn’t know anything about jazz at that time. But once I began learning the intricacies and mechanics of a jazz performance, I quickly fell in love. The type of interaction that can occur between band mates and between the band and the audience intrigued me.
Tell us about Clark Terry! What did he mean to you?
– Clark Terry was an incredibly warm, humble, and loving soul. He taught me and so many others so much about music and life. The time I got to spend with him is something for which I will be forever grateful, and I will always endeavor to share that spirit with others for the rest of my life.
”Some of my best performances have been in dives”
What gig did you enjoy the most so far, and why?
– I don’t have a favorite gig. The best performances are the ones where I felt I was able to make a connection with the audience. Some of my best performances have been in dives. It’s the shared experience between the band and the audience that really counts.
Besides Justin Kauflin, what artist should we make sure to check out right now?
– I’m a big fan of Jacob Collier, a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and all around insane talent based out of London.
What are your plans after this tour?
– After wrapping up this European tour in October, I look forward to going back to the drawing board creatively speaking. I have ideas floating around in my head that I hope to flesh out when I have the time. I very much hope to be sharing new music with everyone next year.
Alright, we’re looking forward to hearing that. Thanks for the interview, and good luck with the Nefertiti show!
– Thank you!
