The Jazz Mentors Foundation is a Salt Lake City, Utah based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2023 to:
Encourage junior high, high school and university student musicians to study and play jazz.
Encourage awareness and appreciation for jazz in our community. Provide clinics for student musicians and concerts for our community featuring internationally recognized professional musicians
We came together to host a jazz concert series, with top-tier jazz musicians, including local talent. For each concert, the artist will provide a workshop for high school, university and junior high students, free of charge. Students are invited to attend the concerts free of charge.
Jazz music, while being the foundation of most modern music and one of the great American art forms that is rooted in the African diaspora, is in decline. It currently represents less than 1% of streaming music volume in the U.S.. We believe that by exposing students to excellent jazz musicians and concerts, we can revitalize this incredibly important and fun art form in Utah.
MEET OUR GUEST ARTISTS
LARRY GOLDINGS
n the mid-1990s, The New York Times described Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein, and Bill Stewart as “the best organ trio of the ast decade.” Together for over 30 years, the trio is recognized or charting new ground with its synergistic playing and houghtful music. They have over a dozen recordings showcasing heir distinctive sound, whether exploring jazz standards or original compositions. Of their latest release, Toy Tunes Pirouet), DownBeat wrote: “The whole album subtly subverts organ-trio clichés…4 stars.”
Boston native Larry Goldings (b. 1968) is known for his signature Hammond organ style and versatility across jazz, funk, pop, and electronic music. In demand as a sideman, he has worked with John Scofield, Michael Brecker, Jim Hall, Maceo Parker, Madeleine Peyroux, Pat Metheny, James Taylor, and John Mayer. With Scofield and Jack DeJohnette, Goldings earned a Grammy nomination for Trio Beyond – Saudades (ECM). Also a composer, arranger, and producer, his works have been recorded by Brecker, Hall, Scofield, DeJohnette, Sia, Vulfpeck, Lea Michele, Bob Dorough, Jane Monheit, Gaby Moreno, Curtis Stigers, and Toots Thielemans. His music has appeared in The Office, Funny People, Neighbors, and more. He scored Jeff Garlin’s film Dealin’ With Idiots (2013) and recently composed for Netflix’s Madam CJ Walker starring Octavia Spencer.
PETER BERNSTEIN
New York–born guitarist Peter Bernstein (b. 1967) has been a vital part of the jazz scene since 1989, appearing on over 200 recordings and countless festival and club stages. As a leader, he has released 12 albums and a DVD (Live at Smoke). Early in his career, Jim Hall invited him to perform at the JVC Jazz Festival, praising his swing, logic, feel, and taste. Alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson also championed him, saying, “Peter knows it all.” Bernstein has enjoyed long associations with Jimmy Cobb, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Melvin Rhyne, Joshua Redman, Diana Krall, and Sonny Rollins, among many others. Current projects include Solo Guitar – Live at Smalls (2013), Let Loose (2016), Signs LIVE! (2017), and ongoing work with Goldings and Stewart, including Ramshackle Serenade (2014) and Toy Tunes (2018).
BILL STEWART
Drummer/composer Bill Stewart (b. 1966, Des Moines) rose to prominence as John Scofield’s rhythmic partner beginning in 1990. Now among the world’s most sought-after jazz drummers, Stewart is known for melodic, polyrhythmic playing that has influenced a generation. He has toured and recorded with Scofield, Pat Metheny, Maceo Parker, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Charlie Haden, Joe Henderson, and many more. As a leader, Stewart has recorded six albums featuring his thoughtful, witty compositions. His Blue Note release Snide Remarks was named one of the top 10 CDs of 1997 by The New York Times. His latest, Band Menu (2018), features Walter Smith III and Larry Grenadier.
