How long has the band been playing together?

The band was formed in 1988. This year 2008 we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Wow! 20 years… my, my, my, when did those years go by? The band has even survived all the ups and downs of being musicians. I can honestly say that the years have been very rewarding to us. To live a life of music is a wonderful experience and a precious gift. To continue working with these amazing musicians is an honor.

Would you please share a few highlights from the years together?

We love the process of each new recording project and release. The intervention of ideas, the collaboration of musicians, creating the jazz sound that is Airborne today. Bringing life and love to each new composition. Keeping faith and watching the growth in the band’s material and popularity.

Recording and producing for other artists in genres as Gospel, Jazz, and R&B.

To perform at jazz festivals, concerts, and clubs with different jazz artists and groups. To share words, thoughts, stories, and just to listen to musicians from all over the world. Music is truly an international language.

Where is the band based and how does your location factor into
your music?

We are from New Haven, CT, USA. Tri-State Area - Urban based. I guess you can call us city dwellers. There is a magic in the city that absorbs many musical art forms. The sounds of the city are cool but hot. Influences of Jazz, R&B, Latin and Blues are all around you capturing your inner emotions.

We also have a passion for the music of the Caribbean. When someone asks what kind of music we do we tell them contemporary jazz with an island passion and urban emotion. Picture the band performing jazz on a street corner shaded by a palm tree.

You refer to yourselves as a "multi-cultural" jazz band... how
come?

Our hometown of New Haven is very rich in ethic and cultural diversity. Each member is unique and brings these diversities and backgrounds to create the jazz sound. Airborne has been praised as being a living spirit of musical brotherhood. The love of jazz is shared by many cultures.

Can you give us an idea of how deep the band's commitment is to
the recording arts and education?

We do support the Arts. We are on the New England Foundation for the Arts and the CT Commission on the Arts performing arts touring rosters. We bring “A Century of Jazz” an Arts in Education program into the schools. A demonstration of a variety of jazz forms and styles, supported by a historic narration, a musical insight, a question and answer session, and an inspirational workshop.

This program instills a positive attitude and direction towards musical and social growth. The no limits approach combined with a structured musical lesson plan illustrates the value of jazz education in our society.

Jazz Education is very vital for our newer generations. Teaching thoughts of imagination, personal expression, and self discipline to help them achieve whatever goals they dream. Emotions soar high in young hearts and jazz music gently provides an enrichment and fulfillment to their wandering passion. Jazz is a true American art form.

Your latest CD is called TURBULENCE... What's the story there?

Our world is overwhelming… filled with physical, emotional, political, and economical distress, disaster, and confusion. That you can say is “turbulence.” We are not saying that music is a solution. The answers are found in our society. In that awareness and attitude are very important factors for everyone.

The message we want to convey is that we can all make a difference in this world of need. If we try to help, support, and mostly understand. Only then can we find and achieve peace and global unity. I guess the message is love.