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Ever listen to jazz but not quite understand what you're listening to? Want to learn more about jazz artists? Ever wonder why some jazz is very soothing to the ear and soul...and other jazz is jarring and makes you feel a bit more frantic? Another View went to jazz school with our very own percussionist, composer and host of Sinnett In Session, Jae Sinnett. Jae shared his love of this music genre and gave us tips on how to listen and what to add to your collection.
Jae Sinnett is a musical visionary and a man of extraordinary talent. He is a consummate drummer, composer, and band leader who has produced 13 recordings – the first of which was released in 1986. His most recent recording – Subject To Change – was released in August 2014. It had the highest debut on the JazzWeek Radio Charts.
Jae has written over 150 compositions. He has also scored music for five documentaries – one of which – John Biggers: Stories of Illumination – was aired on PBS. Jae’s dream of having his trio perform with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra was realized on Oct. 10, 2014. The performance was met with outstanding reviews.
Jae’s other professional life places him at the beginning of his 25th year as jazz producer/host for NPR affiliate WHRV-FM 89.5 in Norfolk, VA. Jae hosts the popular jazz show Sinnett in Session Monday through Thursday evenings from 9 pm to 1 am and Sunday afternoons from 1-5 pm. He also hosts The R&B Chronicles, heard Friday evenings at 7 pm. Both shows can be heard on demand.
Jae is a prolific fundraiser for his commercial-free radio station. In 1998, he was nominated for the Gavin Jazz Programmer of the Year award by his peers in the industry. As a jazz educator, Jae taught history, theory and percussion at the Governor’s school for the Arts in Norfolk, VA for eight years. He also directed the GSA Big Band and Jazz Combos. He was an adjunct drum set and jazz ensemble instructor at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. Jae attended Norfolk State and Old Dominion Universities as a music education major. His instruments of choice are Sonor Designer and Delite Series Drums and Sabian Cymbals. He is a veteran clinician and educator.
Jae’s current working trio consists of pianist Justin Kauflin and bassist Terry Burrell. Allen Farnham, Jae’s original pianist, still performs with the trio on occasion. Some major performances include the Ella Fitzgerald Festival in Newport News, VA, the University of Wyoming, Coe College, Iowa State University, the M Shop in Ames, IA, the Jazz Center in Hilton Head, SC, Millersville University, Museum of Cultural Art Philadelphia, Wayne State University, the Texas Jazz Festival, the Tucson Jazz Festival, Emory University in Atlanta and many more.
