Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Caze.
Jean, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born in Haiti, raised in Queens. My mother came to this country in her late twenties. As a single parent, she worked hard to provide for me and my older sister. I had a passion for music for as long as I can remember. I remember waiting for the radio to play Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” When it came on, I was so excited that I jumped up and down on the bed without noticing a hot iron on the bed. I still have a burn scar on my ankle. In public school I played the recorder, then I was given the opportunity to play in a band. I wanted to choose drums, but they already chose a few for the position. I was told to choose between trumpet, saxophone, and trombone. At the time I thought to myself, the trombone is too big to carry around, Sax has too many buttons so it must be difficult, and so I chose the trumpet thinking it was easier. I later discovered that saxophone would’ve been the easiest of the three. I picked up things quicker than the other trumpeters without putting in more effort than them. Our first concert was a life-changing experience. All the horn players got a chance to be featured by playing the melody. When I played the melody, the audience came alive. I had no idea that I had the power to affect people using sound from the trumpet. From then on, I was hooked. I still compare all of my accomplishments in music to that magical moment. My band directors encouraged me and led me to get scholarships to attend pre-college programs, such as Julliard MAP (Music Advancement Program) and Queens College CPSM (College Preparatory Studies in Music). One thing led to another, and I’ve been on a roll ever since. I have a masters degree in Performance. I’ve traveled the world as a performer, freelancing as an artist and teacher, and self-producing two albums on my own. The later of the two being special to me because I was able to fuse my American based music training with my Haitian roots. Please see bio for more info.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
The sound I make through the trumpet is intended to inspire passion in others by sharing my own passion for music. As a bandleader for “Amédé,” I perform original compositions which showcase my brand of Haitian music. I also collaborate with other artists. I teach as well, encouraging students to develop their own sound while holding themselves to the highest level possible. I hope my art brings joy to the listener and inspires them to be the most authentic versions of themselves.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Do it for the passion! Not for money, fame, or attention. Be hungry for information. Invest in yourself by practicing, listening, and performing as much as possible. Find a mentor. Someone who is doing, or has done what you would like to do.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
They can visit my website www.jeancaze.com. There, they can support my work by learning more about me, sharing information, following me on social media platforms, buying music, and coming to see live performances.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jeancaze.com
- Email: jeancaze@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeancaze/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeancaze
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanCaze
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