Meet Vic Morton of The Atlanta Jazz Players in Hampton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vic Morton and the Atlanta Jazz Players.

Vic, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over three plus years ago, on Sunday afternoons between the hours of 3 pm and 5 pm, a group of guys with various levels of proficiency would show up for what was called Sunday Jazz Jam at the Sam Ash Music store in Atlanta to play and learn various styles of jazz music. After a while, several of the musicians were not content with just playing on Sunday afternoons. Many of them hinted at the idea of one day putting together a band to play this interesting montage of music on a more regular basis.

On February 12, 2016, The Atlanta Jazz Players were formed. It was during a Valentine’s Day event where the group played music for a small audience and were well received. There was a collective feeling among the musicians that this group could one day become something greater. Originally, the name “Men Of Distinction” was tossed around, and then it came…the name, The Atlanta Jazz Players. It defines our signature style and sound.

Over these last three-plus years, the band’s personnel has transformed tremendously. The core musicians now include Vic Morton, bandleader/drummer; Chet Hopper, percussionist; Getty Goodwin, keyboards; Chris Jordan, keyboards; Mike King, bassist/guitarist; Robert Miller, guitarist; Don Moors, vibes; Donna Plummer, flutist; Evonnee Mitchell, violinist; Michael Todd, saxophonist; Penny S. Warner, vocalist/background vocal coordinator; Erika Nash, vocalist; and Dahmeneekah Mitchell, vocalist. Our extended family of musicians also include Walter Stewart, guitarist; Jacob Selvaggi, saxophonist; Rob Herrington, guitarist, and Myles Tate III, keyboardist/music producer and keyboardist/Dallas, Texas.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been completely smooth!! We’ve replaced a few band members for various reasons. It then causes you to start all over teaching the material and adaptation to our sound. We were preparing to play for a festival recently and had to replace about four members of the band with just weeks before the event. I never have felt like quitting, although I have had my share of frustration. But it’s all been worth it, especially with the current level of talented musicians and singers. I believe that transition had to take place in order for us to get the talent we have now. People leaving made room for us to receive a tapestry of great talent. Having to get new members is not always a bad thing.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am the drummer/founder/manager. I search for places to perform, along with booking the band. I also set up what music the band will be playing. There is also some accounting that I have to do when it’s time to pay the band members.

We specialize in giving our audience an experience of various instrumentation with Violin, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Percussions, Vibes, Flute, Sax, two keyboard players, and three vocalists., and a band coach to help develop our sound. Our tag line is, TOUCHING HEARTS AND LIVES THROUGH MUSIC.

What I am most proud of is the dedication everyone has, and what each person brings to the group. We are able to do a wide array of songs from Jazz, R&B, Soul, Classic straight-ahead jazz, to classical. We are very eclectic. That’s what sets us apart from all other bands.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I do feel like ATL is a great place for what we do musically. It’s not overrun with jazz bands. That really makes us a big fish in a small pond…so to speak.

What I would tell someone who is starting and trying to bring people together to form a band, Look for people that love music more than the money. Those who love to play and are looking for an opportunity to share their gift of music with an audience. Also, look for people that don’t mind rehearsing. Often I meet musicians that don’t like to rehearse. Avoid those types of musicians. Most of all, be very patient.

I believe our ATL area should do more to showcase jazz music. There are a lot of wonderful jazz songs that are being played, except on a few radio stations, two or maybe three radio stations.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 678-226-3081 or 678-697-8338
• Other: You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Gigsalad, and Reverb Nation.

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