Speaking Soundly: Aaron Deal – A Fusion of Classical Precision and Jazz Improvisation

Episode Release Date: October 15, 2024
Host: David Kraus, Principal Trumpet of the MET Opera
Guest: Aaron Deal, American Pianist

Early Life and Musical Influences

Aaron Deal's journey into music began in his early childhood, immersed in a rich tapestry of both classical and jazz influences. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Aaron was surrounded by his parents' diverse record collection, which included stalwarts like Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, and classical legends such as Beethoven and Bach.

[03:48] Aaron Deal: "Music was always a part of my early childhood... I remember hearing Bach, like, whoa. I mean, I didn't really understand what was going on at her time. There's something about that really moved me."

His initiation into the piano started at the tender age of seven, playing in an African American Catholic Church. This unique environment blended traditional Mass with black American gospel music, fostering Aaron's appreciation for genres that defied strict categorization.

[07:50] Aaron Deal: "When we're playing music, it's not about us. It's about being in service of whatever the function of the music is."

Transition to Jazz

Aaron's passion for jazz was ignited during his summers at Interlaken, an arts camp in Michigan. A pivotal moment was his encounter with Eldar Jangiro, a peer whose dedication to jazz inspired Aaron to delve deeper into the genre. His grandfather, a jazz musician himself, further encouraged Aaron to engage in jam sessions, despite his initial apprehensions.

[11:40] Aaron Deal: "I was always very shy about it. It's very intimidating... But when I was at Interlocking and I heard Eldar, I said, wow, that's okay. I can't let this little kid outplay me."

This period marked a significant shift from Aaron's classical roots to embracing the expansive language of jazz, laying the foundation for his versatile musical career.

Professional Breakthrough

At 16, Aaron's exceptional talent caught the attention of the Columbus Youth Jazz Orchestra's director, Todd Stoll. His rigorous practice regimen—six to eight hours a day—earned him a coveted spot to perform with John Ulrich, a revered stride piano master in Columbus. This experience underscored Aaron's dedication and ability to maintain focus amidst challenging environments.

[14:12] Aaron Deal: "When I have music in front of me, in my surroundings, it's like all else is irrelevant."

Shortly after, Aaron faced a career-defining decision. Wynton Marsalis offered him a spot in his band for a European tour following Aaron's participation in Jazz at Lincoln Center's Ellington competition. Choosing to honor a prior commitment to the Jazz Snowmass Institute in Aspen over the prestigious Marsalis tour, Aaron demonstrated his integrity and commitment to his musical growth.

[15:31] Aaron Deal: "I had a previous engagement in Aspen... and I said, I can't do it, sorry."

Despite the initial intimidation of touring with seasoned musicians, Aaron learned invaluable lessons about spontaneity and the importance of letting go during performances.

[17:42] Aaron Deal: "Maybe if I don't think so hard about it, maybe there's a path to where I could feel a bit more comfortable... just letting go and just immersing myself."

Educational Pursuits

Following the tour, Aaron transitioned from the professional sphere back to academia by enrolling at Juilliard. This move allowed him to further hone his skills and forge lasting relationships with fellow musicians, an experience he describes as both relieving and enriching.

[19:15] Aaron Deal: "I was very fortunate to go into the program at that point in time with so many great musicians and develop over the years, musical connections and relationships."

Balancing education with ongoing professional work, Aaron continued to build a robust and dynamic career in music.

Parallel Passions: Music and Flying

Beyond music, Aaron nurtures a passion for flying airplanes. He draws parallels between piloting and musical improvisation, emphasizing the need for real-time decision-making and adaptability in both fields.

[20:38] Aaron Deal: "When you're flying an airplane, you're not thinking, well, how does this work? Why does this work... you have to be focused on how to get the plane from point A to point B."

This duality highlights Aaron's ability to navigate complex scenarios, whether composing intricate chord progressions or managing the variables of flight.

Insights on Performance and Collaboration

Aaron's artistry is characterized by his ability to blend precision with spontaneity. He speaks fondly of performances where he captures the essence of jazz greats, such as John Lewis, creating moments that resonate deeply with audiences.

[22:43] Aaron Deal: "It's just indescribable, that feeling. ... sharing this experience with not only other musicians, but with listeners at the same time."

His dedication to evoking genuine emotion over showcasing technical prowess underscores his philosophy of music as a communal and transformative experience.

Conclusion

Aaron Deal's narrative is a testament to the harmonious blend of discipline and instinct, classical mastery and jazz improvisation. His journey from a young pianist in Columbus to performing alongside jazz luminaries and excelling at Juilliard showcases a musician committed to both his craft and the emotional connections it fosters.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Deal [02:28]: "Some of the greatest musicians are the ones who kind of abandon those principles of controlling everything... that's scary, but it's important."

• Aaron Deal [09:06]: "I have to play something that sounds good. What do I have to do in order to recreate that sound that I'm hearing?"

• Aaron Deal [17:42]: "Maybe if I don't think so hard about it, maybe there's a path to where I could feel a bit more comfortable when I was able to let go..."

• Aaron Deal [20:38]: "When you're flying an airplane...you have to be able to do that. In flying, you have a lot of variables."

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