Andrew Wright ’20: The Power of Jazz

Andrew Wright Playing Trumpet

Recently, Andrew Wright ’20 was featured in a live recording session alongside some of the finest jazz musicians in the Charlotte area.

The band consists of Lovell Bradford on keys, Stephen Gordon on drums, Ron Brendle on bass, Tim Gordon on the tenor saxophone, and Davidson’s own Andrew Wright ’20 on the trumpet. Together, the band played music written by Andrew over the past year.

“It’s exciting to have the opportunity to collaborate with such fantastic musicians,” he said. “One thing that makes jazz so powerful is the way musicians interact with each other and interpret the music they’re playing in the moment. To have great musicians do that together just takes everything to the next level.”

Andrew has been playing the trumpet since the fourth grade and was exposed to jazz music at an early age.

“I grew up with my parents playing Miles Davis’ ‘Kind of Blue’ album, and so I quickly got involved in whatever jazz opportunities came my way in middle and high school,” he said. “That meant playing in the school jazz bands, forming my own jazz combo with friends and joining community jazz bands associated with local jazz clubs like Blues Alley.”

He has since developed a deep appreciation for jazz music in all its forms.

“I’ve really appreciated the flexibility the Music Department has for students who are pursuing multiple fields,” he said. That flexibility has made it easy for me to study economics and music as well as other things that pique my interest."

“I love bebop and postbop but have also been influenced by a lot of contemporary players that play chamber jazz or free jazz,” he explained.

His musical talent has not been confined to the Davidson campus. For the past several years, Andrew has thoroughly enjoyed playing with jazz groups in Charlotte like A Sign of The Times, and he plans to remain in the area to continue his jazz career semi-professionally after graduation.

As he looks forward to opportunities after graduation, Andrew is very appreciative of his experiences with the Davidson Music Department.

“I’ve really appreciated the flexibility the Music Department has for students who are pursuing multiple fields,” he said. “That flexibility has made it easy for me to study economics and music as well as other things that pique my interest.”

The Music Department has also given Andrew incredible opportunities to pursue his passion for jazz and hone his musical talent.

“I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to study privately with incredible musicians and to play with Anat Cohen, Chick Corea and Pat Metheny with the Davidson Jazz Band over the past four years,” he said. “This spring, Arturo Sandoval is coming to campus, and he is one of the greatest trumpet players in the world.”

Published

  • May 5, 2020