Meet JJ Mazza | Jazz drummer and bandleader

We had the good fortune of connecting with JJ Mazza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JJ, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For me, it is incredibly important to put in some form of work every single day. This doesn’t have to look the same every day but the work has to be there. Figuring out some way that you can evolve yourself as an artist each and every day will be very valuable in the long run. Again, this doesn’t necessarily have to look the same. As a musician, I find it as important to spend time listening to music as I do spending time trying to better my facility at my instrument. I also find that it doesn’t necessarily matter how much time you devote every day — even 5 minutes of dedicated time working at your art/business/journey is so incredibly valuable. All that to say, for me, it is essential to find a way to better myself in my art every day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a jazz drummer, composer, and bandleader in Denver, Colorado. I perform around the state and nationally with many different groups including my own bands, JJ Mazza Quintet, JJ Mazza Trio, and my newest project, Kalimari Desert. In addition to this, I also have a YouTube channel and Instagram account where I regularly post videos of things I am working on, fully fleshed out ideas, or really any other miscellaneous things I deem to be interesting enough for those mediums. Getting where I am today has not been a walk in the park, but I would say that I’ve been very fortunate to have incredible mentors and have gotten many opportunities which have propelled me to places that I never would have dreamed I would see. For example, I’ve gotten to perform at Lincoln Center in New York City and Red Rocks in Colorado due to the incredible teachings and support I’ve received from others in the community, like the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, and those associated with it, people like Paul Romaine and Annie Booth. I have learned, through all of this, that finding a perfect balance of being hardworking and personable will take you anywhere you want. You just have to commit to be the person you want to be, and it is essential to not cheat yourself. I would love for people to know that I am always working my hardest to personally evolve myself and my art, and would do anything for music and the drums. Although I’ve only been around 17 years, I have been taken to some of the most beautiful places imaginable (physically, and spiritually/mentally) due to the incredible powers of music. All I want people to know is that I am committed to doing whatever it takes to share that power with others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Obviously, Colorado has never-ending outdoor experiences. I would take my friend to some of my favorite outdoor locations, like Estes Park. I love hanging out at the Stanley Hotel, and as long as they weren’t scared of ghosts, I am sure my friend would too. If the time is right for it, I always enjoy catching a Rockies game. Although I must make it clear that I am a Yankees fan at heart, I will say that Coors Field is one of the best ballparks around. I am biased, but I would also make a point to get my friend out to Dazzle Jazz Club in Denver as well as Muse Performance Space in Lafayette. Those two places have been the home of some of the best music I have ever seen, as well as my own highlight musical experiences. To show my guest some good food, I may take them to Cosmos Pizza or The Cherry Tomato, or treat them to some sushi at Sushi Sasa. There are so many things to do in Colorado, and I am sure I’ve missed some, but the things I just mentioned are definitely among my favorites.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, Joe and Theresa Mazza. They are both musicians, so they have helped me so tremendously in my musical journey, as well as given me great examples of how to carry myself. I look up to them both so much and they have provided so much for me. From drum lessons, to performance opportunities, to rides to and from school, they have ensured that I have every tool available to me to get to where I want to go as an artist and human being. I cannot thank them enough.

Website: jjmazza.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirswingsalot/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JJMazza

Image Credits
Kit Chalberg