Louis Armstrong said, “What we play is life.” It’s true there is perhaps no other form of entertainment that can speak to the soul the way music can, and, if you follow that logic down the road a bit, you’ll find that no other genre sums up the human experience quite like jazz music. Jazz – saturated in culture and comradery – will outlive its greatest musicians, its greatest songs, and the greatest civilizations. After all, jazz is more of something you tap into than create; more of a way of life than a string of notes.

Perhaps, this is why Rubin Spann Jr. has always felt such an intrinsic bond to jazz music. Growing up listening to the greats like the timeless George Benson, Al Jarreau, and Diana Krall, he knows well the impact jazz can have on life and culture. A visionary and accomplished professional in his own right, it’s tough to track down the exact reasons Rubin Spann Jr. has found such a deep connection to this powerful form of music. Perhaps it’s due to the impact it had on him as a child, the simple appreciation of real-life stories and bold personalities, or the intrinsic sense of smooth energy he embodies in his life. But as the saying goes, “You are what you listen to,” and in this case, the saying rings truer than ever.

In addition to the great vocalists, Rubin has a deep love for jazz pianists, too. Ramsey Lewis, the three-time Grammy award-winning and cutting-edge jazz pianist is among his top favorites, and he is quick to mention his “soft spot” for jazz piano. More than a casual listener, Rubin Spann Jr. is a committed jazz enthusiast, traveling far and wide to track down his favorite shows.

Believing that great musicians and great music are meant to be shared with the masses, Rubin Spann Jr. decided to start this blog. Here, he longs to chronicle some of his favorite artists, songs, and instruments, all the while letting the music speak for itself. So, without further explanation, let’s let it do just that.

After all, as the great Monty Alexander said, “We don’t talk music. We just play.”