Cj Rhen

In the artist’s words: Describe one of your earliest musical memories in detail. I was obsessed with listening to songs my grandma would play and trying to replicate it on the piano. I was doing the same thing in my first grade music class and my teacher actually called my mom after class and told her she had to get me lessons. What are your top 3 all-time favorite albums on Apple Music, and why? Why did you choose these three albums in particular? Count Basie and His Orchestra, The Atomic Mr Basie Gregory Porter, Be Good (Deluxe Edition) Roy Hargrove Quintet, Earfood These albums represent my sound and the soul, love, and passion I hope to inspire with my music. All that music speaks volumes in terms of tradition and respect to Black American Music and I hope to play my part in continuing those traditions. Find a song of yours on Apple Music that you love and tell us what makes it special. Tell us why you chose this song. “It'll Be Alright” I wrote this song to capture my dismay after the university I attended and studied jazz trumpet discontinued the program and fired my mentors. I wrote this song to exemplify how far my mentors and their education have helped me grow as a musician. What’s one of the most memorable moments in your career so far? Opening with Aristotle Jones for Don McLean was one of the best shows I have ever played. The crowd was very enthusiastic and I completely got lost in the music. It was a great opportunity to share a stage with such an accomplished musician. Is there anything left on your bucket list as an artist or band? There is so much more I want to do I barely know where to start! I want to bring my big band out to every major jazz festival across the country and perform around Europe!