Tim Warfield

Saxophonist, composer & bandleader Tim Warfield has been part of the musical fabric of Central PA ever since his teenaged years when his dad would bring him to local jam sessions.  Over the years Tim has matured into a world class talent with his numerous recordings gaining him national attention.  His live performances never fail to satisfy even the most hard core bebopper.  We recently exchanged emails and below is the result of that conversation.

MFT -  You’ve enjoyed some national airplay for your most recent disc, “One For Shirley,” (I’ve heard tracks on Sirius XM and also on KJAZZ from Los Angeles) what is your next project?

TW – I’m actually not sure. I have two projects pending. The first is original music that was written specifically for the musical personalities in my sextet. The second consists of Christmas Holiday arrangements that would involve the inclusion of some vocalists as well. I debuted a bit of this new material at a CPFJ Holiday concert this past December 2008.

MFT -  Who are you listening to these days?  Do you have anyone on your radar as being the next big thing?

TW – Everyone! I’m listening to the new music mediums, MySpace, Youtube, Music Choice, Sirius, etc. The internet has helped level the playing field a bit, allowing many new artists, the chance to be heard, who otherwise may have never been.

I don’t feel that I’m qualified to predict the next BIG thing but I will say that many eyes are on pianist Gerald Clayton, the son of the “progenitor”, bassist John Clayton. He’s extraordinarily talented, as well as a true gentleman, most importantly, he’s “cool” like a jazz musician should be. New Orleans trumpeter Christian Scott is the same way. A few other young artists to watch out for are vibraphonist, Warren Wolf, drummer Marcus Gilmore, trumpeter Michael Rodriguez, pianist Aruan Ortiz, vocalist Joanna Pascale, organist Pat Bianchi, young drummers Kush Abadey and Justin Falkner (both still in High School), and bassist Esperanza Spalding.

MFT -  I realize that, as Wynton Marsalis once said, Jazz is serious business; however, are you having any fun these days?

TW – I love to perform and still do so regularly, but I am also an ”Artist in Residence” at Messiah College. I find teaching to be immensely rewarding intellectually and spiritually. Terell Stafford and I, have already had influential hands in guiding the careers of a few wonderful artists like, the brilliant and artistically eccentric pianist Orrin Evans, saxophonist Jaleel Shaw(currently w/ Roy Haynes), and drum dynamo Rodney Green. Sharing information with them early, then creating a forum allowing them to evolve, is like planting seeds and watching them grow.

MFT -  Where do you see yourself in five years?
TW – This is difficult to say. I hope to continue as a contributor to this valuable artform, but in an even greater magnitude.