KQED's Forum Forum from the Archives: Jahari Stampley Family Trio Performs Live
Aug 1, 2025
Jahari Stampley, an award-winning jazz pianist known for his genre-blending talents, shares the stage with his family trio, including his mother and fellow musicians. They discuss the creative journey behind his forthcoming album, 'What A Time,' highlighting the interplay of late-night reflections and spontaneous jams. Listeners get a glimpse into their deep familial bond through music and anecdotes of transformative experiences. Their live performance bursts with improvisation and emotional resonance, showcasing the significance of community and family in shaping their artistry.
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Mom's Rapid Musical Learning
- Jahari's mother, D-Erania Stampley, learned to play bass in just one month to join the family trio despite never playing before.
- This rapid learning showcases her dedication and natural musicality, enriching their live performance dynamic.
Learning Piano Like a Game
- Jahari learned piano by mimicking YouTube piano players, treating it like a video game without knowing note names.
- His first instrument was drums, connecting rhythmically to piano as "88 drums", which influenced his energetic style.
Jazz Embraces Spontaneity
- Jazz thrives on spontaneity and new collaborations, even when musicians play together for the first time.
- Musical communication transcends rehearsal time, embodying jazz’s essence of freedom and unpredictability.
