When someone says jazz is dead, or that they cannot find great jazz being made today, I always think of the artists, mentors, and leaders who continue to move the music forward. Jeremy Pelt is one of those essential voices.
Welcome to Strictly Jazz Sounds, the place where the music talks. I’m your host, Steve Braunginn. In this episode, I’m honored to welcome trumpeter, composer, bandleader, educator, and author Jeremy Pelt, one of the most compelling voices in contemporary jazz.
With his recent work holding the number one spot on the JazzWeek chart for eight out of nine weeks, Jeremy has built a reputation as an artist deeply committed to both the tradition and the future of jazz. His trumpet playing is powerful and expressive, and his influence extends well beyond the bandstand through his recordings, writing, teaching, and mentorship.
We explore the experiences and influences that shaped him, from growing up in Los Angeles surrounded by the sounds of Michael Jackson, Prince, R&B, and soul to initially considering a classical path before discovering jazz through the music of Miles Davis. What began as curiosity became a lifelong calling.
Jeremy also shares his perspective on mentorship, leadership, and what it means to guide younger musicians with professionalism, presence, and respect for the music’s lineage.
We discuss his acclaimed 23rd album, Our Community Will Not Be Erased, a powerful statement celebrating the resilience, beauty, and enduring strength of Black communities. The project reflects Jeremy’s belief that music can honor history, affirm identity, and strengthen the connections between people.
Throughout the conversation, Jeremy reminds us that jazz is more than a genre. It is a living tradition, a form of storytelling, and a community built on shared experience and collective memory.
Music for this episode was graciously provided by Jeremy Pelt’s label, HighNote Records, from Jeremy’s latest recording, Our Community Will Not Be Erased. The album was composed and produced by Jeremy Pelt (jeremypelt.net) and features Jeremy Pelt on trumpet, Orrin Evans on piano, Buster Williams on bass, Lenny White on drums, and special guest Lasse Corson on keyboards.
Playlist: “Fathers and Sons” (5:19) featuring Lasse Corson, “The March into Resilience,” (8:00) and “Fathers and Daughters,”(5:09).
Thank you for listening. Photo by Eva Kapanadze