Trombone-playing singer-songwriter Aubrey Logan hails from the Seattle area. Raised by her two music-educator parents, she began her artistic endeavors as a child singing in theatre and in church. She credits her singing mother and trumpet-playing father for early influences like singers/songwriters Billy Joel and Carole King, as well as the soulful musicianship of American horn bands such as Chicago, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Steely Dan, and more. And, at the age of 12, things took an intriguing turn when she picked up the trombone, igniting her passion for the jazz tradition.

Aubrey possesses a distinct yet truly unique voice, able to take a song from practically any era or genre and really making it her own. Her accolades are as impressive as they are extensive, from clinching victory in the prestigious Shure Montreux Voice competition in 2009 to securing a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she stands as an alumna.

The media refer to Aubrey Logan as “The Queen of Sass,” and it’s easy to see why. Her concerts are a mix of excellent musicality, jaw-dropping vocals, expert trombone-playing, a breathtaking array of originals and original takes on cover songs and, well…fun! Her heart wrenching musical stories has audiences in tears just before her comedic relief has them in stitches. Both of these elements can be found in her latest album “Aubrey Logan & Her Bigger Than Average Band” dropped November 1 via MWO Records.

Our delightful and enlightening conversation, coupled with samples from her new release, will surely make you want to know and hear more from this self-described, genre bending artist who calls herself “a pop singer who uses a contemporary voice and sings jazz.”

Jim Morgan is a dynamic music industry professional with over two decades of experience spanning performance, event management, and competition oversight. He began as a drummer in Australia at age 16, later transitioning to the U.S. music scene in 2000. Jim played a pivotal role in the Boston Music Awards and NEMO Music Conference, and co-founded the International Songwriting Competition and Unsigned Only Music Competition. Currently, he oversees operations for both competitions, including the recruitment and management of high-profile celebrity judges. He is passionate about fostering new talent and promoting musical excellence.

The International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is an annual contest whose mission is to provide the opportunity for both aspiring and established songwriters - covering all genres of music - to have their songs heard in a professional, international arena. ISC is designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote excellence in the art of songwriting. Amateur and professional songwriters and musicians from anywhere in the world are invited to participate, and 74 winners share in awards that include cash and prizes. Categories include: AAA (Adult Album Alternative), AC (Adult Contemporary), Americana, Blues, Children's Music, Christian, Comedy/Novelty, Country, EDM (Electronic Dance Music), Folk/Singer-Songwriter, Hip-Hop/Rap, Instrumental, and Jazz - both instrumental and vocal. Importantly, entrants retain all ownership rights to all submitted songs. ISC will not have any ownership rights to any songs or lyrics submitted.

Highlighted by a truly stellar panel of celebrity artist judges from all music genres, and also a wide array of music industry professionals including representatives of major recording labels and publishing companies, ISC offers a great opportunity for songwriters, musicians, and performers to further their music careers. For complete details, including how to enter, the specific categories in all genres, who past winners have been, and the impressive list of world-renowned judges, go to https://www.songwritingcompetition.com/

While ISC covers the breadth and depth of all music genres, the role it plays in finding new talent is a story we couldn’t resist amplifying, and one that’s truly inspiring.

More than 25 years ago, I met tenor saxophonist Javon Jackson who was raised in Denver Colorado and that meeting made a wonderful memory and a deep impact that still resonates with me today. It impressed me that he took the time out of his very busy and impressive career to offer his time in a very giving manner to help a small-town, non-profit radio station. But that is just the kind of person he is, one who gives back and makes a difference. He is still doing that today as the Chair of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford since 2013.

Besides being a dedicated educator, Javon has also been a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers; he has recorded over two dozen albums as a leader and has also recorded with such jazz legends including Ron Carter, Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Louis Hayes and of course, Art Blakey and others.

It was serendipity that led to Javon forming a friendship and collaboration with the influential poet and activist Nikki Giovanni. Giovanni was invited by Javon to lecture at the University. Discovering they had a shared love of jazz music which resulted in this duo recording an album together called ‘The Gospel According to Nikki Giovanni.’ The relationship between the two has only deepened through the years, and from that, other shared passions have emerged. One of them, American cinema, is referenced in the title of their recent and much-anticipated follow-up album called ‘Javon and Nikki Go to the Movies.”

This is the subject of my conversation with Javon Jackson which begins with a reference to another one of Jackson’s musical influences...Sonny Rollins.