All Of It: Anthony Hervey Performs Live (Get Lit) Hosted by Alison Stewart | Release Date: January 31, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are treated to an intimate conversation with Anthony Hervey, an acclaimed jazz trumpeter and composer renowned for his regular performances at Lincoln Center. Alison Stewart sets the stage by highlighting Hervey's exceptional talent, noting that Wynton Marsalis has praised him as "a beautiful trumpet player of the first magnitude" (00:34). The episode culminates with a live performance by Hervey, offering a blend of insightful dialogue and captivating music.
Journey to Harlem and Musical Roots
Anthony Hervey shares his personal journey from Florida to New York City, driven by his aspirations in music. Relocating for his education at Juilliard, Hervey explains, "I moved up to New York City for school... and a lot of musicians actually live uptown, so it was kind of a place that I naturally gravitated towards" (10:01). Growing up in a musical family, Hervey was the only sibling to play the trumpet, while his brothers and sisters favored the saxophone. He recounts how his mother's memory of her grandfather, a trumpet player, influenced his initial reluctant choice of the instrument: "My mom... made me play trumpet and I reluctantly agreed to do so. But I didn't know it was going to be something that I fell in love with" (10:27).
Inspiration and Realization
Hervey reflects on the pivotal moment that solidified his decision to pursue music professionally. In sixth grade, he watched a documentary on Blue Note Records featuring a clip of Freddie Hubbard, which left a lasting impression: "That 20 seconds of him playing is literally why I'm in New York City" (11:05). This encounter with Hubbard's mastery of the trumpet ignited Hervey's passion and commitment to his craft.
Educational Growth at Juilliard
During his time at Juilliard, Hervey emphasizes the significant personal and professional growth he experienced. He describes the environment as nurturing, surrounded by incredible musicians: "I was really fortunate to be surrounded by a lot of incredible musicians at the school. And so I feel like we all kind of collectively grew together" (11:39). The rigorous schedule of classes and late-night sessions fostered a strong work ethic and camaraderie among his peers, many of whom are now making notable strides in the music industry.
Integration of Poetry and Music
Hervey delves into his unique approach of intertwining poetry with his musical compositions. Although he modestly assesses his own poetry skills, he acknowledges the profound influence of poets on his work: "I take a lot of inspiration from, like, poets" (12:20). An example of this synergy is his song "Crystal Stair," inspired by Langston Hughes' poem "Mother to Son": "Sometimes I'll take little things like that and put it in my music" (12:20). This blend of literary and musical artistry enriches his compositions, adding depth and narrative to his performances.
Debut Album and Future Projects
Hervey celebrates the release of his debut album in 2023 and shares his excitement for upcoming projects. Currently, he is "in the process of working on my second album" and plans to begin recording by summer (12:57). Hervey is committed to maintaining a thoughtful and unrushed creative process, focusing on crafting new music that continues to build on his established foundation.
Live Performance Preview
Anticipating Valentine's Day, Hervey introduces a special performance of "The Nearness of You" by Hoagy Carmichael, one of his favorite composers. He expresses his admiration for the song, describing it as "a beautiful song" (13:16). This performance not only showcases Hervey's technical prowess but also his ability to convey deep emotion through his trumpet.
Live Performance: "The Nearness of You"
The episode features a live rendition of "The Nearness of You," performed by Anthony Hervey accompanied by pianist Will Hill (09:44). Hervey's interpretation of this classic piece highlights his exceptional skill and expressive style, providing listeners with a memorable musical experience that encapsulates the essence of his artistry.
Conclusion
Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by commending Anthony Hervey's live performance and expressing gratitude for his participation in the January Get Lit Book Club event. She invites listeners to engage with the All Of It community, anticipating future episodes that continue to explore the rich tapestry of New York City's cultural landscape.
Notable Quotes
- "Wynton Marsalis has said of him that he's a beautiful trumpet player of the first magnitude." — Alison Stewart (00:34)
- "That 20 seconds of him playing is literally why I'm in New York City." — Anthony Hervey (11:05)
- "Sometimes I'll take little things like that and put it in my music." — Anthony Hervey (12:20)
Timestamps
- 00:34 – Introduction of Anthony Hervey
- 10:01 – Hervey discusses moving to Harlem and Juilliard
- 10:27 – Hervey explains his choice of the trumpet
- 11:05 – Inspiration from Freddie Hubbard
- 11:39 – Growth at Juilliard
- 12:20 – Integration of poetry into music
- 12:57 – Debut album and second album plans
- 13:16 – Introduction to "The Nearness of You" performance
- 09:44 – Live performance begins
About Anthony Hervey
Anthony Hervey is a distinguished jazz trumpeter and composer based in New York City. A Juilliard alumnus, Hervey has garnered acclaim for his performances at prestigious venues like Lincoln Center. His work seamlessly blends musical virtuosity with poetic inspiration, creating a unique and compelling sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
Connect with All Of It
Join Alison Stewart and the All Of It community for more engaging conversations and performances that delve into the heart of New York City's vibrant cultural scene. Tune in weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM on WNYC.