Neon Jazz Interview series with Joe Dimino & Engineered by John Christopher in Kansas City Missouri. Take a listen:
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Muneer Nasser lecturing at Montgomery College for faculty professional development.
Muneer Nasser
Trumpeter, composer, jazz historian, and author Muneer Nasser developed a lifelong passion for jazz. His father, jazz bassist, Jamil Nasser and the rich musical landscape of New York City provided a great classroom for his jazz education. “Hearing Dizzy Gillespie at the Village Gate (1976) was a mind-blowing experience, which ignited my pursuit of jazz trumpet,” said Nasser. His major publication, Upright Bass: The Musical Life & Legacy of Jamil Nasser documents 50 years of that history.
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Nasser attended The International Art of Jazz Workshop (1979). Trumpeter Dave Burns (Gillespie Big Band Alum) had reservations about his youthful age, but Nasser’s talent overshadowed this concern, "Mr. Burns' acceptance fortified my confidence, and I began studying with him." Additional instruction from George Coleman, Jimmy Owens, Oliver Beener, and Webster Young was tested at jam sessions conducted by Eddie Henderson, Ted Curson, Tommy Turrentine, and Gil Coggins. "If you couldn't play, they would bench you with quickness and give you a homework assignment." Nasser said. Challenging jam sessions at The Village Gate, Sonny’s Place, Smalls, and The Jazz Center of New York provided a forum to apply those basics. Along with his brother Zaid, Nasser played a soulful rendition of “Straight No Chaser” with Lou Donaldson at the Jazz Center in 1984. Lou said, “Y’all on the right track.”
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Nasser enrolled in Howard University which placed him in a thriving DC jazz scene. Muneer performed at Blues Alley, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Theater with Buck Hill, Larry Willis, Keter Betts, and Butch Warren. Nasser earned his degree and decided to take his trumpet outside of the United States. Performing in Europe and North Africa expanded his audience. Touring with Jazz Jamaica in the United Kingdom allowed him to share the bandstand with Courtney Pine and Gary Crosby. “I had a chance to perform with the great drummer Clifford Jarvis, and he shared musical and trumpet gems from Kenny Dorham and Freddie Hubbard."
"Upright Bass: The Musical Life & Legacy of Jamil Nasser" introduced with Ron Carter’s heartfelt foreword sets the stage for an epic story filled with adventure. Publisher’s Weekly said, "The book covers rare historical events and contemporary issues in jazz.” Muneer launched a book release at St. Peter’s Church in New York City wherein he conducted a panel discussion on Memphis jazz with Harold Mabern. Moreover, Dick Griffin, and Rufus Reid. Jimmy Owens, Lonnie Plaxico, Zaid Nasser, and Winard Harper blew the house down.
Muneer has written and recorded a catalogue of reggae, jazz, rock, EDM, Rap, and R & B compositions. He won the best soundtrack award for the film “Aftershock” at the DC 48-hour Film Festival. Nasser’s post pandemic efforts include teaching master classes and giving lectures in Kassel Germany, Frankfurt Book Fair, JJA Academy London, Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Jazz Education Network Conference, and The Frank Islam Symposium at Montgomery College.
Nasser is developing an exciting Memphis jazz documentary and a new album “Blue House Sessions” a follow up to Nasser’s debut album as a band leader “A Soldier’s Story” which Jazzwise magazine calls, “A hard swinging recording immersed in bebop, Latin, and modal jazz traditions,” features Elijah Easton-tenor saxophone, Allyn Johnson-piano, James King-bass, John Lamkin III-drums.
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Are you looking for a great speaker for your company, organization, staff or students?
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Musician, jazz historian, and author Muneer Nasser has developed an interactive master class/lecture that utilizes rare music, trivia questions, creative playing exercises, storytelling and lecture/demonstrations. In this masterclass, you will experience total immersion in the sights, sounds and styles of blues infused jazz which will broaden your understanding of contemporary jazz history.
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Here are some other topics that Muneer Nasser can present or discuss with audiences.
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1. Memphis blues infused jazz: The historical development of Memphis jazz musicians’ blues inflected jazz style, its roots, and ramifications– (and the school Miles Davis wondered about)
2. The Contemporary New York jazz history (venues, people, and the music)
3. Upright Bass: The Musical Life & Legacy of Jamil Nasser
a. Book discussion
b. Contemporary jazz issues.
4. Conduct Memphis music master classes
5. Self-publishing process: A pathway for documenting jazz history