Recipient Information
Location
Miami, Florida
Project Title
Kreyol Jazz
Year of Award
2025
Grant or Fellowship
Jazz Road Creative Residencies Grant
Grant Amount
$28,375
Kreyol Jazz by Jean Caze, a residency at ArtServ in Fort Lauderdale (Aug–Sept 2025), will premiere five original works blending American jazz and Haitian music, featuring collaborations with Jason Matthews and David Chiverton, two public workshops, and a recorded live performance to promote cultural dialogue.
About the Artist
Jean Caze – Trumpeter & Global Jazz Artist
“With a sound compared to the likes of Miles Davis, it’s no wonder Jean Caze has achieved such astounding success as a trumpet player.” – Carl Saunders
Jean Caze has emerged as one of today’s most compelling jazz voices, captivating audiences with his unique sound and artistry. He has performed with legendary artists such as Herbie Hancock, Aretha Franklin, Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Al Jarreau, Roy Hargrove, Arturo Sandoval, and George Duke.
A millennial jazz and world music artist, Haitian-American trumpeter Jean Caze blends cultures and influences to create a truly global sound. Born and raised in Queens, NY, he discovered his passion for the trumpet at age nine. He recalls, “The most amazing feeling I remember in music was my first concert at nine years old. When I played my solo, the audience came alive. I was shocked to discover I had the power to connect through music— I felt empowered.”
This passion propelled Jean toward early recognition as a trumpet virtuoso. He earned scholarships to prestigious programs, including the Juilliard MAP (Music Advancement Program) and Queens College CPSM (Center for Preparatory Studies in Music). His talent led to awards such as a free trumpet from VH1’s Save the Music program and a spot in the Grammy High School Jazz Band, performing at the 2000 Grammy Awards. In his senior year, he made his national television debut, performing live with Chicago on NBC from Rockefeller Center.
Jean continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music, earning his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance in 2004. That same year, he won the National Trumpet Jazz Competition, followed by a first-place finish in the 2006 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition.
With an ever-evolving sound that blends jazz tradition with global influences, Jean Caze continues to push boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide.