Roxy Bar favorite Wayne Tucker is one of the most exciting trumpeters of his generation, marrying a dizzying technical command with a deep understanding of the jazz tradition. The New York native was immersed in music from an early age, and developed a singular style that is both fresh and familiar. A Wayne Tucker show is one full of energy, passion and emotional depth, making him much sought after on stages and in recording studios around the world.

In addition to his work as a performer, Tucker has built an impressive career as a composer, arranger, producer and educator. He has shared the stage with a wide array of acclaimed artists across jazz, pop, and soul, evincing a versatility that allows him to thrive in a myriad of musical settings. Whether he’s leading his own projects or acting as a nimble sideman to others, Tucker consistently delivers cutting-edge creativity and a vibrant musical personality that resonates with listeners young and old.

GrandLife Hotels’ Entertainment Director (and Roxy Bar resident pianist) Jon Regen caught up with Tucker on a rare break in his tour schedule to find out more about this rising star of jazz.

 

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Jon Regen: Tell us where you grew up.  

Wayne Tucker: I’m from Syracuse, NY.

I read you come from a family of musicians, with your father being a piano player and your brother playing saxophone?

Yes, in addition to that my Mom played classical piano, my Aunt Brenda who was also my godmother was a pianist and organist specializing in gospel music. I grew up wanting to jam and play music with all of them. 

What’s your earliest musical memory?

I remember being four or five years old and frequently playing along to Miles Davis, Parliament Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and lots of gospel artists on three keyboards with my Dad and Brother. 

I was recently on Jools Holland’s radio show and the first question he asked me was, “Music—what does it mean to you?” It was a heavy question and made me really think about how much music is part of my DNA. So Wayne, I ask you, in the same spirit, what does music mean to you?

Music is my religion, my reason for existence, my therapy and my North Star. 

Tell us about your latest projects?

I am currently mixing and mastering two albums entitled “Grief and Gratitude” dedicated to my late father, and “Korean Fried Chicken” an album that I composed and produced on the back of a tour bus. I also recently recorded an album that I was commissioned to compose by comedian Josh Johnson of “The Daily Show” about the life cycle of a flower in eight parts.

How do you know when a song is finished? 

My songs are always evolving but never truly finished. I feel like a song is ready to perform when I don’t have an immediate negative response to something that I don’t like about a track I’ve composed or recorded. 

They say “If you can make it in New York you can make it anywhere.” What does the city represent to you and your music? 

I have traveled all over the world through music and New York has raised my musical level to the point that I have found myself working with the best artists another city has to offer while on vacation. 

You’ve been performing at Roxy Bar for a number of years—what keeps you coming back?

I love the atmosphere of the space, and I love the opportunity to share the profoundly emotional musical vibrations that I create with my friends for an attentive audience.

Catch Wayne Tucker LIVE at Roxy Bar on Saturday, September 12 — follow him on Instagram to find out more.

WORDS Jon Regen

PHOTOGRAPHY Andela Preradovic