Jazz Stories gives space for listening, not just to music, but to the people behind it. Through personal stories, memories, and reflections, we explore how jazz becomes part of musician’s lives: the first record that opened a door, the late-night gigs that left a mark, the mentors, the cities, and the emotions.

“The one thing… the one word I could say that would represent jazz would be intense. Even ballads are intense. Slow music… it’s intense.

Like being in New York. Growing up in New York was intense. It was an endless source of inspiration.

For example, you could have Lewis Hayes playing at Smoke, and then, on the same day, head to the Village Vanguard to see Bill Charlap with Kenny Washington on drums.

Or you might go to Smalls and catch Al Foster, or head to the 55 Bar and see Bill Stewart.

This was always so intense and a perfect representation of what jazz is.”

ENRICO— Before I started playing drums, I used to play guitar. Years ago, I had a group with my brothers. Benny played piano, Carl was on drums, and I played guitar. In high school, I started playing drums more out of necessity. But then our Family friend named Vito gave me my first drum set and introduced me to jazz… I remember going to his house, and he put on Return to Forever by Chick Corea. It completely hit me…

That record wasn’t traditional jazz like Charlie Parker or drummers like Max Roach or Philly Joe Jones. It was jazz fusion, with elements of rock, funk, and jazz all mixed together. 

Later on, in college, I got more into jazz with my friend Chris. We used to talk about it all the time and started going to the 55 Bar in Manhattan. We’d watch Mike Stern play every Monday and Wednesday night. Adam Nussbaum was on drums, Jeff Andrews on bass. It was an incredible scene. A lot of amazing musicians would show up, including Jaco Pastorius. We would stay at the bar until three or four in the morning.

That’s where I really started to feel connected to more traditional jazz. Around that time, Mike Stern and his group were playing more jazz standards, which opened up a whole new world for me…