The ever worldly and charming Jean Caze has emerged as one of today’s most beautiful new voices in jazz. Jean’s experience includes having performed with stellar legendary artists such as: Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Al Jarreau, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval and George Duke just to name a few.
Growing up in Queens, NY, Haitian-American Jean Caze began playing the trumpet at the age of nine. He recalls, “The most amazing feeling I can remember in music was my first concert while I was nine years old. During the concert, each kid played a part of the melody as a solo. When I played my solo, the audience came alive. I was shocked to discover that I had the power to connect with the crowd through the music – I felt empowered.”
Jean immediately developed a passion for playing the trumpet, and it was this profound passion that allowed for the duly noted recognition of Caze as a soloist and trumpet virtuoso. As a result Jean went on to be awarded scholarship after scholarship to attend some of the country’s top music institutions and conservatories, including the Julliard MAP (Music Advancement Program) where he received his first formal training and the Queens College CPSM (Center for Preparatory Studies in Music) program.
One of Jean’s many scholarships led him to the prestigious Manhattan School of Music where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance in 2004. That same year, Jean was awarded as the Winner of the 2004 National Trumpet Jazz Competition. In 2006, Jean Caze is awarded as the Winner of the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition. In 2007 Jean continued with his music education and went on to earn his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from Florida International University (FIU). Just prior to earning his Master’s Degree from FIU Jean the Haitian-born trumpeter won second place in the prestigious 2007 Thelonius Monk International Jazz Trumpet Competition. Following his Master’s Degree Jean releases his first self-produced album entitled “Miami Jazz Scene” (2007).
In 2009, Jean began his long-standing position as part of the teaching faculty at the highly recognized “Litchfield Jazz Camp” in Litchfield, Connecticut. In 2010 Jean accepted a top position in Michael Bublé’s touring band, performing as a featured soloist to sold-out arenas all over the world. Touring with Bublé’ led to endorsement deals and in 2014, Jean officially became a Yamaha performing artist.
In December of 2015, Jean released his second self-produced album, “Amédé” where he seamlessly combined his Haitian roots with his American Jazz education and upbringing. Jean has received abundant praise from critics, peers and jazz enthusiasts alike that have taken to Jean’s lyrical tone and tasteful ideas.
Jean Caze has been hailed a “True Improviser” and even compared to Miles Davis by fellow legendary trumpet player, composer and music educator Carl Saunders. “With a sound compared to the likes of Miles Davis, it is no wonder that Jean Caze has achieved such astounding success as a trumpet player”.
New York Times writer, Nate Chinen wrote – “Strong, and unexpectedly diverse, Mr. Caze confidently evoked Miles Davis on a pensive ballad, “Old Folks,” and a brisk anthem, “My Shining Hour.”
Always in demand as an educator, Jean is an enthusiastic, untiring and great supporter of music and art programs in the schools. Along with his busy performance schedule, Jean always manages to organize youth jazz bands, conduct master classes and offer one-on-one classes to students of all levels. He has led and directed students at: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (Miami), Young Musicians Unite – Overtown Youth Band (Miami), Litchfield Jazz Camp (Litchfield, CT), New World School of the Arts (Miami), Institut Francais d’Haiti (Port-Au-Prince, Haiti), WDNA Jazz Boot Camp (Miami) and at Florida International University (Miami).
