KQED's Forum Live on Forum: Jahari Stampley Family Trio
Jun 13, 2025
Jahari Stampley, an award-winning jazz pianist, is joined by D-Erania Stampley and Ofri Nahemya in a live performance that melds funk, gospel, and rock. They share the inspiration behind Jahari's upcoming album, "What A Time”, exploring themes of late-night reflections, joy, and resilience. The trio discusses their unique family dynamics and collaborative journey, engaging with the audience about the transformative power of music. Their heartfelt performances and commitment to nurturing future generations through music shine brightly throughout the conversation.
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Learning Piano by Mimicking Hands
- Jahari learned piano by mimicking YouTube piano players' hand shapes like a video game without knowing note names.
- His mother, a pilot, surprisingly learned bass within a month for their show, showcasing natural musical ability.
Jazz's Essence is Freedom
- Jazz embodies spontaneity, unpredictability, and requires deep musical communication.
- Playing with new musicians, like their first show with Ofri from Israel, highlights jazz's freedom and collaboration essence.
Music as a Shy Person's Voice
- D-Erania overcame shyness by using music as her primary way to communicate with the world.
- She teaches music at her Jazz Desires Music School, which revitalized a neighborhood lacking music education for 50 years.