Justin Kauflin was born in Silver Spring, Maryland but has spent most of his 29 years in Virginia Beach, with the love of music driving his life. He began Suzuki violin at age four, and was performing in public by age 6.
While his musical awareness was growing, his sense of sight was fading and by age 11, it was gone completely. This took nothing away from his drive to pursue music, but it did steer him away from the classical scores that demanded sight reading, to the more improvisational realm of jazz. He studied at Norfolk’s Governor’s School for Performing Arts and received a Presidential scholarship to New Jersey’s William Paterson University.
It was here that Justin met legendary trumpeter Clark Terry who became his close friend and mentor…their relationship would be the subject of a heart-rending documentary about Terry’s failing health and Justin’s musical prowess called Keep On Keepin’ On. During filming, Justin would meet Clark Terry’s first student, iconic impresario Quincy Jones, who has taken Justin under his wing and on multiple world tours.
So Justin Kauflin’s pedigree is an impressive one…but just wait ‘til you hear him play the piano. With Richmonder Billy Williams on drums, and New Yorker Christopher Smith on bass, recorded on September 15, 2015, we spend the full hour with the unforgettable Justin Kauflin.
In Your Ear offers a chance to discover new artists and appreciate the “in the moment” creativity, inspiration and soul of live music. Studio A is a “great room,” a haven for artists with intimate, friendly and informed audiences and peerless audio fidelity. Host Tim Timberlake and In Your Ear studio president Carlos Chafin produce the programs, which feature three acts, reflecting the diversity and range of these special concerts. The eclectic selections cover many genres -- including bluegrass, jazz, blues, old time, Celtic, gospel and singer-songwriters of many styles. Artists range from superior local and regional talents, to premier acts from all over the country.
Production Funding of In Your Ear is made possible, in part, by... the Dean Foundation, presenting the Old Dominion Barn Dance, Digital Video Group, Infinity Financial Partners, Threshold Counsel, PC and Will and Molly Perkinson. Artist accommodations courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn and the Hampton Inn West.
