As a jazz pianist who made my way from Anniston to Birmingham, reviewing Burgin Mathews’ “Magic City: How the Birmingham Jazz Tradition Shaped the Sound of America” for Alabama Folklore felt like a natural fit. Released in November 2023, the book traces Birmingham’s significant impact on American jazz – a legacy I’ve experienced firsthand.

Mathews’ engaging exploration brought new insights to familiar territory. Writing the review, I found myself balancing dual roles: a critical reviewer for Alabama Folklore and a musician steeped in the very tradition Mathews examines.

The narrative, rich with compelling figures and unsung masters, deepened my appreciation for the musical heritage that shaped my own path. This review became more than a writing assignment – it offered a chance to reflect on my musical roots while adding to the ongoing discussion of Alabama’s remarkable jazz legacy.

I invite you to read my full review, where I explore the intricate connections between Birmingham’s jazz heritage and its lasting influence on American music.

My 11th album “Muse and the Flame” has dropped and is available on all streaming platforms! What tune speaks to you? Be sure to like, stream, follow, repeat. Easy peasy.

What an incredible honor it was to serve as music director for the momentous celebration of legendary bassist Ron Carter’s induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. As the most recorded jazz bassist in history with over 2200 albums to his credit, his influence on our art form cannot be overstated. Special thanks to Rodney Whitaker for taking on the monumental task of interpreting Ron’s parts. Those who know Ron’s work understand he never simply “played the root” – he created conversations with very note, every phrase. Rodney captured that spirit perfectly. The celebration of Ron Carter’s induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame wasn’t just about playing the notes – it was about honoring a living legacy who has shaped the very language of jazz bass. Thanks to all the musicians – Rodney Whitaker, Sherman Irby, Veronica Swift, Bo Berry, and Ben Johnson for bringing your best to this historic day.

(from left) Gary Motley, Veronica Swift, Rodney T. Whitaker, Sherman Irby, and Ben Johnson perform a tribute concert to Ron Carter during his induction into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. photo credit: (Shauna Stuart| AL.com)Shauna Stuart

Photo by Veronica Motley

Photo by Veronica Motley

On Thursday, March 21, 2024, a book launch event was held at the Stuart A. Rose Manuscript and Rare Book Library on Level 10 of Emory’s Woodruff Library. My textbook, Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist served as the backdrop for a broader panel discussion on jazz music pedagogy and preservation. The panel was moderated by WCLK’s Deb Moore. Other panelists included myself, vocalist, composer, educator, and multi-Grammy award nominee Jazzmeia Horn,  Dwight Andrews, a composer, musician, Emory professor of music theory and African American music and senior minister of First Congregational United Church of Christ in Atlanta; and Sam Yi, champion of Atlanta jazz for over 30 years and founder of Churchill Grounds, a longtime jazz music venue in Atlanta. The discussion was quite compelling and the full house was certainly appreciated!

I am happy to announce that you can officially begin reading my new book Harmonic Development and Contrapuntal Techniques for the Jazz Pianist (Routledge, 2024).

Many of you know that this has been a long labor of love for me and I am so excited to share it with you.

As a fellow musician, I know that sometimes it can be tough to access material that helps to elevate our playing while keeping us and our students attentive, inspired and interested. Early on, I did not have access to jazz instructional material written by those who looked like me. My hope is that this effort inspires you to believe that the potential to achieve dreams lives within us all.

Cheers!
Gary