Passionate about jazz
Director of studies extols arts, education
Jazz is alive and thriving. That is what Broward College’s Director of Jazz Studies, Jason Hainsworth, argues.
“If we go to most of the high schools in this area, there are some extraordinary jazz bands by some great high school band directors,” Hainsworth said. “This is where the inspiration and the passion starts, in high school and even in middle school.”
The saxophonist and composer originally hails from Houston, where he grew up in what is known as the Third Ward, a historically African-American neighborhood.
Hainsworth’s hometown is the influence behind the recently released album, “Third Ward Stories,” where he pays homage to the music he listened to while growing up.
“Itwas apretty turbulent time in terms of the whole drug epidemic and stuff like that,” said Hainsworth. “I kind of found shelter by staying in my house and listening to the jazz radio stations that were going on in Houston at the time.”
He recalled being fortunate enough to see and learn from jazz musicians that were around, some of which were distinctively known as the “Texas Tenors,” like saxophonists Arnett Cobb and Billy Harper.
“I didn’t know it at the time just because I was a dumb kid, but as I got older and began to go to record stores, I began to see these people that I just knew asMr. Cobb orMr. Harper,” said Hainsworth. “I saw their albums and it eventually clicked in my head these guys are actually famous.”
Hainsworth is now bringing his passion and appreciation for the genre to South Florida, both as an educator and as a musician.
A selection from “Third Ward Stories” will soon be performed in celebration of Black History Month at the Adolfo and Marisela Cotilla Gallery inside Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library inDavie.
The Jason Hainsworth Quartet will perform today at 2 p.m. at the AdolfoandMarisela Cotilla Gallery inside Nova Southeastern University’s Alvin Sherman Library in Davie, located on 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Boulevard. The performance is free and open to the public.
junreyes@tronc.com