Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Collier.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started in the elementary band program.
Initially, the band director was certain that I was a good fit for trombone, but I really wanted to play the trumpet. I’ve been trying to figure out the trumpet ever since then.
I would later go onto win auditions to perform for District honor band and All-State bands for high school musicians in Georgia. This led to a marching band scholarship to Hampton University, under the direction of Barny E. Smart.
At Hampton University, I started to gravitate toward Jazz music and the challenges it presented, so I transferred to Georgia State University to study with Dr. Gordon Vernick(Head of Jazz Studies), and John Head (former principal trumpet for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). Georgia States program was overwhelming at first because I had no understanding of basic theory and composition but I was where I needed to be at the time.
My undergraduate studies really presented me with a lot of questions that I needed to answer, as well as the bad habits I needed to address such as my embouchure.
My embouchure was a mess and it really limited my technique and ability to express myself on the trumpet. My senior year of Undergrad I had to make a change and find a more efficient system. I made the change and it took almost a year and a half of searching and sad practice session to attain the setup I needed for growth and efficiency.
After graduating in May 2006, I decided to check out the cruise ship scene.
This is where I really learned about music and not just jazz.
In fact, on the cruise ships we played everything, and soon, you realize that there is so much more to the music than just the notes on the page. It’s really all about relationships, community and striving to be better the next day. A perpetual cycle of learning and teaching, whether it’s to or from colleagues or students.
The cruise ship experience was the first time I had ever been abroad and was that far away from family and friends. But it was a great thing because it made me step out of my comfort zone and put forth an effort to make myself vulnerable enough to attain new family and friends. I learned a lot out there in the ocean…
Upon returning home, I started playing with Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics a great indie band out of Atlanta that is a staple to this great city. This group alone has hosted a who’s who list of sidemen. I was lucky enough to fill in for Jimmy King who now plays trumpet for Bruno Mars. I also subbed some gigs with Blair Crimmins and the Hookers when Jimmy took the Bruno Gig. I also played with Atlanta Funk Society, led by Kevin Scott and Robb Lane. This band was amazing! Every Monday night was an education. Whether it was learning how to play with a section, memorizing horn lines or just learning how to hang… The Five Spot was our home.
That’s why I love the Atlanta music scene so much. It’s such a small community and everyone is supportive and hungry to succeed. Any given Jam session or gig you’re likely to playing onstage with someone that tours with a national act. But you’re not starstruck because these are the same guys you spent days in a van or fart laden car traveling to gigs with.
It’s just beautiful.
Shortly after returning home and doing these gigs doubt kicked in and persuaded me to pursue a day job. I pursued it and it took almost five years to realize that it wasn’t for me so I returned back to my calling.
I believe it’s important to question because there are so many possibilities to ponder. Different experiences create different perspectives and only you can know what’s best for you.
You just have to do it, even if it’s scary and not so popular.
After leaving a very good job, I was asked to go the road with Atlanta Soul singer Curtis Harding. This was just a brief month-long run in Europe and stint in the group, but it was a great experience on the road. This tour really showed me how grueling and rewarding the road is.
Curtis is a champion, I was in awe of how night after night he delivered with effortless mastery and how amazing the band was.
Performing with such great Atlanta bands such as Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics, Blair Crimmins and the Hookers, AFS and Jonathan Lloyd’s Rocksteady Revue really sparked a flame to perform my own music.
In 2014, I released my first EP ” Sentiments of a Hopeless Romantic” this collection of music was recorded and engineered at Diamond Street Studios by Spencer Garn.
This was my first effort at writing, arranging and producing my own original tunes, it was refreshing because after so many years of being a sideman I had a voice and could express it on my terms. This project also motivated me to branch out and try to write for other groups.
Later in 2014, I brought an original entitled ” Tried on a Smile” for Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics to have a take on. It was like magic!
In its bare elements watching it unfold and become the track, it is now. Ruby is a great storyteller vocally and the smoking ensemble came through just like I knew they would.
In fact, if there is a band in Atlanta that helped shape my writing style and trumpet technique it would be the Soulphonics. I was able to l perform and grow musically with them with nothing but love. They are a really supportive group of beautiful cats that I consider family.
I recently graduated with my M.A. in Jazz Studies from GSU. I wanted to return to refine some elements of my trumpet technique and writing.
Dr. Vernick presented me with an opportunity to arrange some unpublished works of the late great Johnny Mercer. At first, I was hesitant but I decided it would be good for me. And I learned a lot.
Just the amount of work it takes to arrange for an ensemble that big and really what goes into it. This assistantship really taught me what living for a purpose was about. Balance, patience and being honest with myself were the biggest lessons I took from that assistantship.
It was a challenge playing lead trumpet and writing big band charts for the GSU jazz ensemble and Joe Gransden and Francine Reed but I did it. The whole graduate program at GSU was a challenge but brought to the forefront the questions I needed to answer to grow.
Now, I truly feel empowered and know exactly what I want to do.
It’s so many options out there that it can be distracting.
I know I want to continue to write and arrange for whatever ensemble that needs arrangements.
Currently, I perform with Party on the Moon; one of the busiest corporate bands in America! I also teach a couple of students trumpet and jazz improvisation. I also have a couple of new projects that I’m working on that I can’t wait to share.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
At the end of the day being a sideman that plays a horn is the last box to check or the icing on the cake.
I can’t speak for everyone, but one of my biggest struggles was coming back from cruise ships or from a day job.
It’s just simple human nature… the old adage of out of sight, out of mind.
Just being where it’s happening and immersing yourself back into the machine is how you stay on peoples mind.
Another challenge for me was having the guts to put out my own original material where I didn’t even really play the trumpet. This forced me to become a bandleader and learn to communicate and put ideas into action.
I’m learning that the best thing I can do is embrace these challenges and continue to push myself and seek inspiration.
The hardest challenge for me is living up to my musical intention and purpose, I believe these two things will guide me.
Please tell us about Jason Collier Music.
Jason Collier Music strives to an accessible brand.
My brand specializes in trumpet performance, education (lessons) and arranging and composing. Known for stepping into any musical situation and adapting; helping the client realize their vision whether onstage or in the studio.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have been more present in each musical moment. So often, we take a gig or opportunity for granted. We get to play music for a living. I would definitely express my gratitude more.
Contact Info:
- Website: jasoncolliermusic.com
- Phone: (404)819-8423
- Email: jasonocollier@gmail.com
- Instagram: worldstallesttrumpetplayer
- Facebook: jasoncolliermusicproject
- Other: https://jasoncolliermusicproject.bandcamp.com
Image Credit:
Tim Redman, Rebekha Jennings, Sean Thompson, Spencer Garn
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