I had a great time meeting new friends and connecting with old ones at the 2025 Jazz Education Network conference. A particularly rewarding experience was this “after jam” jam session initiated by Kenny Banks Jr. which evolved into a piano round with yours truly, William Menefield, and others.

Exciting News for Jazz Lovers!

I’m thrilled to share my latest Spotify playlist, “Blue Notes and Black Coffee”, featuring some of the finest jazz tunes by Atlanta-based artists, including yours truly!

With Jazz Education Network Conference 2025 hitting our city this Wednesday, there’s no better time to dive into the rich sounds of Atlanta’s jazz scene. From the smooth rhythms of local legends to fresh beats from emerging artists, this playlist is your perfect companion to explore the vibrant jazz culture of our great city.

You can find the playlist on my Spotify Artist page and on the Spotify page of many of the featured musicians.

Let’s celebrate the artistry and passion that make Atlanta a jazz haven. Whether you’re at the conference or just chilling at home, let these tunes transport you to the heart of Atlanta’s jazz soul.

Don’t forget to follow the playlist and share your favorite tracks in the comments. Here’s to keeping the  jazz spirit alive!

Hey, future doctors, lawyers, business leaders (and yes, jazz enthusiasts)!

Even if medicine, law, or business is your main game, music has a way of making life richer. If you’re heading to the JEN Conference in Atlanta, January 8-11, discover how Emory University’s unique approach to jazz fits perfectly into a liberal arts education.

Please stop by booth 713 in Grand Hall East and chat with our team about how jazz studies at Emory complement your academic journey. Whether you’re a pre-med student who plays saxophone to de-stress, a future lawyer who jams on weekends, or just someone who appreciates great music, we’ve got something for you.

Did you know some of our most dedicated jazz students are heading to medical schools and Fortune 500 companies? At Emory, you don’t have to choose between your professional dreams and your passion for music. Our program is designed to enrich your liberal arts experience, not compete with it.

Drop by booth 713, and let’s talk about how you can keep music in your life while pursuing your dreams. And yes, there might be some Emory swag in it for you, too (because what’s a conference without free stuff?).

See you at the conference!

Gary Motley
Founding Director of Emory Jazz Studies

P.S. Can’t find us? Just follow the sound of improvisational greatness (or, you know, look for the big “713” sign in Grand Hall East).

Welcome 2025! This time of year provides an opportunity to reflect and reset. May this season bring you closer to your aspirations and goals. Be the inspiration that motivates others. Be the muse.

Give this playlist a listen.

Announcing a Limited Edition run of “Muse and the Flame” CDs, each one featuring exquisite artwork by Zoe Dale. Every CD in this special release is individually numbered and personally signed, making it a true collector’s item.

Give yourself or someone special a musical treasure that pairs visual beauty with soul-stirring jazz. Each CD comes in a stunning art package designed to be displayed and cherished. Limited quantities of these special CDs available! Free shipping.

Click on image to access store.

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 add to your playlist, stream, and follow. Click on image to listen on Spotify.

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!