There is an obvious reason NPR has penned its series of musical performances, Tiny Desk Concerts. The small and intimate space is where world-renowned musicians from all genres come to play. The sounds emanating from the room, though, are larger than life. That was especially true when Kenny Garrett came to town. The award-winning saxophone player headlined a performance, with University of Oregon School of Music and Dance assistant professor Keith Brown, on the keys. “It was a really cool experience,” Brown said. “It was a privilege to not only play on the world stage that is NPR but also with someone like Kenny who I have looked up to all of my musical career.” 

Kenny, Keith, and the rest of the band were invited to play at NPR Music while Kenny was in town to receive the National Endowment for the Arts’ highest honor in jazz: the 2023 NEA Jazz Masters award.  

During the 17-minute concert, the band performed three works. In the first song, “When the Days Were Different” you can hear “that spiritual belief along with gospel elements of the Black American church,” writes NPR. “Hargrove” has a “hard bop infused R&B groove that builds momentum right up until the end” (NPR) and “For Art’s Sake,” the final song in the set, “embraces both modern jazz and Afrobeat influences” (NPR). 

Keith says playing alongside Kenny is challenging, but fun. “It’s a great experience,” he said. “As a master musician, it’s an intense learning experience to play with him and he has a lot to teach us younger musicians.” 

While Keith has only been with Kenny’s band since June 2022, their history goes far beyond that. Keith’s father, Donald, played in several bands with Kenny, and they still work together from time to time when Donald produces some of Kenny’s records. Keith and Kenny have also gigged together, so when Kenny’s band was looking for a pianist, he thought of Keith right away.  

Since he began playing jazz at the age of 18, Keith has performed and recorded with a who’s-who of jazz luminaries. He hopes his continued experience gigging professionally will benefit not only him but also his SOMD students. “It’s one thing to teach scales and it’s another to help students tap into the emotional and spiritual element of playing music, which I tap into every time I step on stage.”