Jabez's Jazz

Educational BackgroundJose' studied music from an early age, with some of the local great classical musicians in Northern Virginia, housed at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and private studies. After studying musical theory and composition at the College of Alameda, Alameda, CA., and went on to the BA of Music program at San Francisco State University in San Francisco, CA. At present, he is in his senior year at Sacramento State University California, pursuing a Bachelor of Vocational Education Degree, in which he will complete this program in the summer of 2009.Early Musical ExperienceBy the age of 16, Jose' Hernandez was already an accomplished musician, performing as principal oboist in the National Jewish Community Center Headquarters Orchestra, and on to the National Youth Art Gallery Orchestra, as second oboist. Later, before entering into the U. S. 8th Air Force Headquarter Symphonic Band, as principal oboist, he played in the Fairfax Virginia Civic Symphony, in Fairfax, VA.After touring with the United States 8th Air Force Touring Symphonic Band, under the direction of renowned director and composer, Donald Green, Commander, Jose' began his career within the Jazz genre, which proved to be a natural adaptation. As principal oboist in the band, Jose' became a well-tempered side musician and writer and transcriber during his tour. He was often commissioned to transpose many musical compositions for performance by the United States 8th Air Force Symphonic Band. While performing as principal oboist, he toured with the band all over Canada, United States and abroad as musical ambassadors for the United States mission of peace.After leaving the Air Force Band, Jose' toured, as a side musician, with jazz ensembles, performing to many diverse audiences of note. He has played on concerts, as added attractions, on shows with greats like, George Benson, George Duke, Billy Stewart, Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five, Patrice Rushen, The Silvers, The Temptations, Smoky Robinson and the Miracles, The Spinners, Melba Moore, Herbie Hancock, The Black Birds, The Ohio Players, Bill Summers, Gato Barbieri, Pete and Sheila Escovedo, Phil Upchurch, Sarah Vaughn, Nat Adderley and Cannonball Adderley, Stanley Turrentine, Richie Cole, David “Fathead” Newman.Musical CompositionsA most impressive portfolio of musical compositions was co-written and composed by Jose' for the Soul Train Label, where he performed and composed over six musical compositions for one of R&B music's most beloved and consistently popular vocal groups, The Whispers. He co-composed the theme to the noted television show, “Soul Train” which was performed in national syndication. As a Resident Artist, at West Campus High School, where he instructs music theory and performance, Jose' serves as arranger and composer for many musical compositions, performed by the High School marching, and concert bands. Most recently, his teaches Music Appreciation with an emphasis in grammar at Genesis High School, in Sacramento, CA., and as an Action Learner Instructor, he teaches the English Component as it relates to the California Exit Exam.Professional Recordings and Recent ExploitsJose' Hernandez has recorded and performed with many great artists such as the Black Birds, George Duke, the renowned Jimmy Smith, Jazz Organist, Lenny Williams, Jules Broussard, Brian Carter, Pete Escovedo, Confunkshun, Michael Cooper, The 8th Air Force Band, San Francisco State Symphonic Orchestra, Sacramento City College Jazz Band, The Jewish Community Center National Symphony, The National Youth Art Gallery Orchestra, The Fairfax Civic Symphony, The Whispers, The Greg Khin Band, Larry Ellis, Analysis, Ricardo Scales, St. Gabrielle's 2nd Line Marching Band, Bill Summers, and a host of other professional artist throughout the many years of professional performances and appearances.In the past, Jose' has toured as side musician with Jimmy Smith, the late renowned Jazz Organist, and has played in concerts featuring Joe Williams, Patti Austin, Sidney Poitier, Analysis and Larry Ellis, Cool-Jazz recording artists. He has performed all across Europe, the South Pacific, Canada, to all people who love music as a melting pot of ideas and principals supported by melodic and rhythmic cohesiveness. At present, as an educator, Jose' teaches music performance and theory, and instrumental music instruction, at West Campus High School in Sacramento, CA. to kids as first time musicians. He has just finished the first of a series of original compositions inspired by teaching students at the West Campus High School. Being a spiritual improvisario and educator, he has written melodies and has incorporated them into compositions which have been recorded by his Sextet. The project called, “Psalm to Jabez”, speaks to his spiritual side and roots, which he often refers to in his musical impressions as “food and other substances from God”. All in all, there are nine unabridged compositions on this CD reflecting his deep compassion and understanding of life, his family and the mark, which has been placed upon his life to express to others called, “Musical Talent”, given to him from God. The CD, “Psalm to Jabez”, is inspired as a Gospel Jazz Experience.Jose' is in the studio again recording original compositions of sorts expressing his “Roots Down Deep”, which happens to be the name of his newest project. This project, with meaning, expresses all of his Afro-Hispanic nuances and impressions through rhythm and melody. Please be advised that Jose’s music is a prayer for all to use the mark God has placed upon them, great or small, for the advancement of God’s purpose, love and happiness, to be spread throughout the world for all to witness and to be filled with many “Fruits of The Spirit”.In His Own Words"I am grateful for the efforts of both Cortelow Payne and Arthur C. Dawkins, black educators of exceptional musical facility, for believing in me as a child from elementary school to high school with continued musical support and moral developmental ideals of encouragement in regards to music as an expression of life and its purpose. More often today, I reflect on the teaching passions of both educators. Therefore, through their teachings, I have developed the understanding that, “Air is to Music as Food is to Life”".“As we breathe air into our lungs, down through our instruments, each expression which springs forth with spontaneity should and must reflect sound menus of nourishment as food for life and truth in the form of rhythm and melodies of spice, to be served up as the linguistics of sound as it relates to life”.As a final note, José Hernandez can be heard on the late renowned Jazz Organist, Jimmy Smith’s, last CD entitled, “Black Cat”, along with Phil Upchurch, Legendry Jazz Guitarist. Hernandez is performing as Tenor Saxophonist on tracks 9-12.If Any One Has an Ear, Let Them Listen Closely To JOSÉ HERNANDEZ, Musician, Educator, Performer, Writer, Arranger, Innovator, Family Man, and Saxophonist Extraordinaire.

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