Kisor Jazz – Raw and Unleashed

jkisor | March 31, 2011

(from Willie Thomas) The amazing music on this page is played by two of the worldʼs top jazz trumpeters. This incredible collaboration in itself is a confluence of extraordinary events and circumstances that defies duplication. The Kisor brothers, Ryan and Justin had just finished a concert with the Navy Commodore Jazz band. Justin is now a member of that band and his brother was the guest artist for this special International Trumpet competition performance in D.C.

Since 1994, Ryan has been a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The brothers see each other on family occasions in Sioux City, IA. To my knowledge, they have never been featured or even played together at a major event like this one. So, you can imagine how thrilled Justin was to have this opportunity to play and hang out with his brother Ryan for a few days. Back at Justinʼs apartment after their performance, they “Skyped” their old friend and mentor since the mid 80ʼs for a nice chat and visit. The three of us did some reminiscing about my time at their school and in their house with their family, the hours playing together and the many other encounters I had with both boys through the years. Just before we signed off, I ask Justin and Ryan to make Uncle Willie a little video before they went to bed. The next morning when I checked my e-mail, voila, there they were, two wonderful gems recorded at about 3:00 AM with harmon mutes in Justinʼs apartment complex. When you hear the music they play, youʼll feel that brother to brother competition that has helped shape their unbelievable talent. Youʼll also here the sheer joy and pure genius of these two brothers making music together with love and inspiration. Enjoy!