Conversations with Tyler Coleman Hughes on Colorblindness, Jazz, and Identity
66 snips
May 1, 2024 
Coleman Hughes, author of "The End of Race Politics," advocates for colorblindness in both policy and personal identity. He discusses whether jazz could exist in a truly color-blind society and shares his experiences as a trombonist with the Charles Mingus Big Band. The conversation also touches on societal issues like lookism and ageism, critiques cultural icons such as the Beastie Boys, and delves into the current political landscape's effect on Black identity. Hughes offers insights on the balance between art, identity, and happiness.
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J.J. Johnson's Perfectionism
- Coleman Hughes learned from J.J. Johnson the importance of perfectionism in jazz.
- J.J. Johnson's solos were often pre-prepared, unlike other improvisational jazz musicians.
Trombone Embouchure
- The hardest aspect of playing the trombone is the embouchure, the use of facial muscles.
- This is what separates skilled players, similar to other brass instruments.
Playing with Mingus
- As a teenager, Hughes played in the Charles Mingus Big Band after participating in a high school jazz festival.
- He commuted from New Jersey to NYC, playing alongside his idols.
