An Evening with the John High Quartet
Kerr Consulting • Oct 09, 2019
Written by Nicole Baxter
A 1...and a 2...and a 3...and a...
What’s that you hear? Blissful jazz echoing like a midsummer night’s kiss between two abiding lovers. Elegant vibrations coursed through the Gallery space as they simmered roused temptations on a cold and rainy October night.
John High is the lead saxophonist for the John High Quartet. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he grew up listening to his mother playing greats such as Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis, and many others. Despite his mother’s influence, as a young man, he was immersed in Motown Sound and Soul Music. When John began to pursue jazz as a career, he examined other great saxophone players such as Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sidney Bechet, and John Coltrane, to name a few. He earned his B.A. degree from UW-Madison, a B.M. degree from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music from the Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago, IL. Throughout the years, he was able to get involved with the very tight-knit jazz community in the Milwaukee area and performed shows, taught music workshops, and participated in a jam session or two.
In 2005, he crafted and released a book called Chord/Scales and Diagrammed Approaches for Improvisation, which he still studies from today. It is recommended for musicians who want to play at the highest level, and it can be found on Amazon. John continues to afford a dedication to his artistry, all the while being a Pastor for No Middle Ground Worship Center.
During our conversation, he affirmed the importance of education, sustaining creativity, and living in the moment. “Time is a variable...you have to be intentional; otherwise, the moment will be gone forever,” concluded John.
