Live Performance / Masterclass
Combine a live Jon Irabagon performance with a masterclass lecture to create a world-class learning opportunity. In addition to experiencing Jon’s musicianship, students can benefit from his conversations about the life of a musician.
“Alliance” from Rising Sun by The Jon Irabagon Quartet with Matt Mitchell (Piano), Chris Lightcap (Bass), Dan Weiss (Drums)
Alliance is Jon’s most recent composition, and it appears on his new album, Rising Sun. It was written in 2020 when Jon traveled with his family to South Dakota, followed by a road trip through the heartland of America. During this period, Jon discovered a canyon in western South Dakota where he practiced playing the saxophone almost daily for seven months. The song represents happiness and contentment during a time when Jon was able to strike a rare but perfect balance with the most important things in his life.
“Realize that the music you create may draw a lot from your own personal experiences, but it might not reach everybody. That’s okay as long as the music is acceptable to you and to the people who are open to it.”
The music for Jon’s upcoming album, Rising Sun, was composed at the height of the pandemic when his family fled New York City and traveled throughout the western part of the country. In Unexpected Inspiration, Jon discusses these travels and how they became the inspiration for the different melodies and compositions on the album.
Jon discusses the musical philosophy, compositional sense, and ingenuity of his collaborators on the album Rising Sun which features the stellar new quartet of pianist Matt Mitchell, bassist Chris Lightcap, drummer Dan Weiss, with special guest guitarist Miles Okazaki, and trumpeter Adam O’Farrill.
Jon discusses the philosophical aspects of the saxophone, emphasizing the many great musicians who put innovation at the center of their careers. He encourages young musicians to be voracious and all-inclusive in their musical study, but to do so with honesty and integrity.
In A Life of Improvisation, Jon discusses the pros and cons of making a living as a musician, particularly in jazz and improvisation. He emphasizes the importance of dedicating a healthy part of your work ethic to learning the history and traditions of the music.