Eighteen year-old Conrad Medina, who recently graduated Auburn Mountainview High School is KNKX’s guest DJ on July 5 from 8-9pm. Conrad received the “Louis Armstrong Award” at his High School in recognition of his outstanding musical achievement and an incredible dedication to the program. It is the highest level interscholastic award given to a musician. He will be attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the fall.
Which instrument do you play and why?
I play the alto, tenor, bari sax, clarinet and flute because I enjoy the expressiveness of the instruments and the role they play within jazz.
What’s your all-time favorite jazz piece?
I would have a great deal of thinking to do if I were to just pick one piece to stand as my favorite, but one of my top tunes at the moment is “When it’s over” by Bob Reynolds.
Who is your jazz hero?
Bobby Medina is my jazz hero because of his knowledge, love of the music, and the mentorship he has given me along my musical journey and life.
Why jazz?
Jazz is my favorite genre of music because of the expressive freedom musicians have to portray whatever they are feeling in a given moment. Although the same song can be played twice, it never tells the exact same story.
CONRAD'S PLAYLIST FOR JULY 5, 8-9 P.M.:
“The night has a thousand eyes” Freddie Hubbard (Sweet Return)
“Black Orpheus/Canto de Ossanha” Bobby Medina (Between Worlds)
“It’s alright with me” Marty Paich (The Broadway Bit)
“Lingus” Snarky Puppy (We Like it Here)
“Sunny” Stanley Turrentine (The Spoiler)
“Delta City Blues” Michel Brecker (Two Blocks from the Edge)
“When it’s Over” Bob Reynolds (Hindsight)
