JUSTIN KAUFLIN

Excerpt from "Jazz Goes to School, the College Jazz Scene" by Frank Mulvaney in Jersey Jazz Magazine, May 2007

“As usual a student group opened for the featured artist. This time it was the Miles Davis Ensemble. The septet, represented by students from six different states and Chile, naturally played two Wayne Shorter compositions: “Pinoccio” and “Fall.” They completed their set with the Davis classic “ESP.” I really dig modern jazz and it was a treat for me to hear these talented young people do a fabulous job with the material.
All the players showed great virtuosity, but the blind sophomore pianist Justin Kauflin was exceptional. This young man has a great future ahead of him.”

The Sinnett Hearings "First Impression marks 19-year old Justin Kauflin's recorded debut, and what an impression the young pianist makes in this trio setting...Kauflin takes full advantage, roaming the keyboard with controlled abandon as he draws on the chordal complexities of McCoy Tyner and the mesmerizing melodic methodology of Bill Evans and Chick Corea." Jim Newsom, Port Folio Weekly 2006

"First Impression, Kauflin's sole cameo, is poetic and rhapsodic by turns..." Mike Joyce, The Washington Post, February 2006

SUFFOLK NEWS-HERALD
Trio enthralls audience at jazz concert - by Evelyn Wall
About 80 fans of jazz music turned out last Saturday evening to see the Jae Sinnett Trio at the Cypress Cove Country Club in Franklin...The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the Suffolk Shelter (for the Homeless)... "Most amazing was the trio's guest keyboard player, Justin Kauflin...Although completely blind, Mr. Kauflin plays the piano with gentle, playful and technical expertise and finesse that foretells with certainty that he is a master-in-the-making" Terry Miller, October 2005


If you just listen--not thinking that he's blind or that he's 17--you'll be amazed. In many ways, he's playing better than some of the top musicians in the state. And it's from memory." J. Sinnett, The Virginian Pilot 2004


"His sense of interpretation is like no other student I've ever encountered." Jae Sinnett, Port Folio Weekly 2003

"Kauflin has unexpected reach and range, and a feeling for jazz that belies his age. His talent is even more amazing when you realize he can't see the keyboard or read music."
Jim Newsom, Port Folio Weekly 2003