HFL 157 Kenny Rampton

Kenny Rampton: Jazz at Lincoln Center, Sesame Street & Finding Positivity Through Music
Join us for an intimate conversation with Kenny Rampton, trumpet player with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Sesame Street. Kenny shares his journey from growing up in a musical family in Las Vegas to becoming one of New York's most respected jazz musicians.
In this interview, Kenny discusses:
• His 11-year tenure with Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center
• Recording for Sesame Street and the impact of children's television
• Writing and arranging for big bands
• His nonprofit Jazz Outreach Initiative (JOI) and the Las Vegas Youth Jazz Orchestra
• Influences from Clark Terry, Clifford Brown, and Maynard Ferguson
• Navigating the challenges of COVID-19 as a New York musician
• The importance of listening, practice, and finding positivity in difficult times
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Welcome
0:54 - Meeting Kenny & Common Connections
2:44 - The Sesame Street Gig
5:49 - Recording Process & Remote Sessions
10:05 - Lincoln Center & Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra
14:48 - How the Lincoln Center Gig Came About
19:50 - Philosophy on Mistakes & Perfection
23:19 - Writing & Arranging for Big Band
27:35 - Early Years & Musical Background
31:28 - Starting Trumpet & Early Improvisation
33:28 - Teaching & Jazz Outreach Initiative
38:35 - Influences & Listening Recommendations
45:05 - Maynard Ferguson & Current Listening
50:10 - Meeting Sergei Nakariakov & Embracing Silence
51:36 - COVID Impact on New York Musicians
58:30 - Finding Positivity in Difficult Times
1:03:30 - Round Table Discussions with Legendary Musicians
1:06:10 - Closing Thoughts & Final Message
Featured Topics:
Jazz education and mentorship
The reality of being a working musician in NYC
Collaboration with world-class artists
Life on the road with a touring big band
The journey vs. the destination in music and life
Connect with Kenny Rampton:
Jazz Outreach Initiative: [Add link if available]