023 NEA Jazz Master Kenny Garrett is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He sees himself as a “preacher” on his saxophone—searching for that “one note that would touch people.” In this music-filled podcast, Garrett talks about his musical beginnings in Detroit, move to NYC, and time with the Duke Ellington Band, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, and Miles Davis, and the different lessons he learned from all of them. He discusses finding his musical voice, his role as a band leader, the spiritual aspects of his music, the lasting influence of John Coltrane, and his collaborations with Pharoah Sanders and Chick Corea. Kenny also talks about his process for composing, teaching his music to band members, the energy created by live performance, playing as part of the Grammy-Award winning Five Peace Band, his ability to incorporate many different genres in his music, his commitment to both contemporary music and music from the ancestors, and his deep belief in music’s healing power. He also plays John Coltrane’s soprano saxophone live during an emotional moment in the podcast. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov. And follow us on Apple Podcasts!

Keywords: Kenny Garrett, NEA Jazz Master, Jazz, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Five Peace Band, Sounds from the Ancestors

A Conversation with 2023 NEA Jazz Master Saxophonist Kenny Garrett