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KariJazz:
What motivated
you to register
for this competition?
Jean Caze:
I saw that the
competition was
a great opportunity
to be heard by
great musicians.
This years judges
are Herb Alpert,
Terence Blanchard,
Roy Hargrove,
Quincy Jones,
Hugh Masekela,
and Clark Terry.
I knew that the
competition would
be good for my
career on many
levels. The prize
money can be used
to help promote
myself, I could
get signed to
a record label,
and ultimately
take my career
to the next level.
KariJazz:
Which piece(s)
did you send with
your registration?
If more than one
which one lead
to your nomination?
Jean Caze:
I played four
or five compositions.
The judging of
the CD I submitted
was done in Manhattan
with a panel of
Jeremy Pelt, Jim
Rotondi and Terell
Stafford. All
information, including
name, age, current
residence and
country of origin,
were withheld.
I am not sure
what piece in
particular helped
the judges select
me as a finalist.
I played as best
as I could on
each song.
KariJazz:
This is a great
opportunity because
this competition
has been designed
to preserve Jazz
Legacy. Can you
tell us what would
happen if you
are the winner.
Jean Caze:
I would win $20,000.
I would get a
great deal of
publicity and
a lot of business
offers. I would
also get to meet
a lot of great
people along the
way.
KariJazz:
At the semifinal
will you play
one of your pieces
or will you be
given a piece
(like a standard
one) to play?
Jean Caze:
I have the freedom
to play what ever
I choose, however
I will play jazz
standards. That
will help show
the judges what
makes me different
as an artist.
KariJazz:
Will you be back
up by a band?
Jean Caze:
The rhythm section
will consist of
Geoff Keezer -
piano / Reginald
Veal - bass /
Carl Allen - drums.
It will be very
exciting to perform
with them. I can't
wait.
KariJazz:
We have had positive
feedback on this
nomination and
we think it is
well deserved.
Are you aware
that you are making
a certain impact
on people?
Jean Caze:
No I'm not really
aware of that
but I hope that
I am making a
positive impact.
I'm just concentrating
on the music for
now.
KariJazz:
We appreciate
you took the time
to talk to us.
Thanks and Good
Luck!
Jean Caze:
You're welcome.
It was my pleasure.
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