Using tracks on
his CD "Miami
Jazz Scene" the
Haitian born 24
year old trumpet
player registered
to the annual
"Thelonius Monk
Institute" Jazz
competition and
was selected as
one of the 10
semifinalists
of this prestigious
competition. This
competition is
the ticket to
fame and recognition
that any young
jazz musician
dreams of. If
he gets the first
prize, this will
launch his career
to the next level
and put him in
the footsteps
of pianists Marcus
Roberts, vibraphonist
Jacky Terrasson,
saxophonist Joshua
Redman, and vocalists
Jane Monheit to
name a few this
competition has
propelled to the
front row of the
international
world class jazz
set. In our review
of his first and
unique CD earlier
this year, KariJazz
foresaw all his
potentials. "With
this first album,
Jean Caze has
stamped his first
footprints as
a skilled and
creative composer.
Miami Jazz Scene
is an elegant
rendition of years
of musical experiences
depicted by subtle
brush strokes
and amazing arrays
of colors stretching
from the seventies
to present. This
is really serious
music and this
first release
is certainly a
stepping stone
toward new heights."
Joined by our
staff, Jean commented
his nomination
in semifinal with
confidence, and
assured us of
his commitment
toward excellence
in this endeavor.
To the option
of playing his
own pieces in
the semifinal
he replied "I
have the freedom
to play whatever
I choose. However
I will play standards.
That will help
show the judges
what makes me
different as an
artist". He is
also viewed by
his peers as one
of the most talented
young trumpet
player on the
scene.
Buyu Ambroise
was stroke by
Caze playing when
he heard him the
first time. "When
I first heard
him, said the
saxophonist/leader
of Blues in Red,
it was at the
Mixed Notes Jazz
Supper Club in
Elmont, New York,
about 4 years
ago. It was amazing
to see and hear
a young player
with such an in-depth
caliber, sensitivity
and great improvisational
skills".
Jazz pianist Mushy
Widmaier,
his band mate
said:" He is one
of the most prominent
(maybe the most
prominent!) young
trumpet players
of his generation.
He has a perfect
knowledge of his
instrument with
outstanding improvisation
skills".
Jazz trumpeter
Ken Watters
told KariJazz:"
Jean Caze is a
ferocious young
trumpeter with
a "voice" on the
horn that is all
his own (a highly
unusual thing
for such a young
guy). He has the
goods to rise
to the top of
both the American
& Haitian jazz
scenes. At this
point, his future
success is a blank
slate, meaning
that he will soon
be able to "write
his own ticket"
in the music world.
I'm EXTREMELY
proud & happy
to see such a
deserving musician
make it this far
in the Monk Competition"
There is a real
pride to see a
Haitian born musician
achieve such important
steps in blending
in mainstream
life in America.
The future seems
to hold fortunate
promises and we
want to extend
our congratulation
to the semifinalist
on this outstanding
step toward a
fruitful career.
Good luck Jean.
Read Jean Case Impressions
to KariJazz
Alphonse Piard, Jr. (ALPI),
October 20, 2007
