J3 Debut CD

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By: Mina Kim

When I first heard the music of J3 I immediately thought I was hearing the soulful collaboration of seasoned musicians, well learned and rehearsed, and with the kind of familiarity that comes from years of touring, and studio sessions and innumerable late night conversations. What I discovered was, in fact, something entirely different. What I found were three beautiful old souls embodied in youthful exuberance and creativity, with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for Jazz. J3 is actually Justin Lee Schultz, Jaden Baker and Jamie Leigh Schultz ages 15, 16 and 18 respectively. The more I learned about J3 the more enthralled I became. I visited with them via Zoom to find out more. They are multi-instrumentalists who all began playing music at age 5. However, when you give their latest release, Opus 1, a listen you will not only hear 10 years of practice but extraordinary May/Jun Let the music take you… SmoothJazz Magazine | 33

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talent in each of them. Their influences, not surprisingly, consist of Chick Corea, John Jarvis, Bob James, Sheila E, and Derrick Hodge and Quincy Jones, to name a few. These influences can be heard in one of their more poignant ballads, Justice composed by Jaden, and inspired from one of the great works “Message Of Hope” by Derrick Hodge. Both sporting a mischievous grin, Justin and Jaden describe the song as having a storytelling quality with a film score ending. This is evident in Jaden's masterful skills as a composer; it is up to the listener to decide whether or not justice was ever served.

What also is afforded in their youth is an eagerness to explore the genre of Jazz, both past and present. They are unafraid to take chances on the classics, bringing flair and innovation to standards of seemingly forgotten tunes, reinventing them for a modern world while still respecting the original character of Jazz. Their work is so concise the listener can visualize each member on their instrument. This is especially evident with Jamie Leigh at the drums. So precise in her execution she lays the foundation for what embodies J3. 34| SmoothJazz Magazine Let the music take you… May/Jun

Festival Feature

What I found so refreshing about these remarkable young people is their determination of complete inclusivity in each other. This is widely evident throughout the 11 track album. and my consistent take away from start to For the tradi-

Dave Koz

tionalist: Got A Match. If you are a modern enthusiast: Vibe Cleanse, the crossover marriage of Hip Hop and Jazz. Any listener will be captivated by converging styles of every form of Jazz artfully produced in this treasured collection. Indeed the future of Jazz is here and it is in great hands.