If you’re a Stevie Wonder fan, you have to give jazz pianist and bandleader James Austin, Jr’s music a listen. His 2018 debut album, Songs in the Key of Wonder, reinterprets Stevie Wonder’s beloved catalog with a Jazz spin, creating beautiful new tracks.

Originally from Chicago and based in New Jersey, James began playing piano at age 3, went on to study under acclaimed jazz teacher Barry Harris, and was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano competition. In addition to performing and carrying on his mentor’s work in Jazz education, Austin is also the curator of NJPAC’s monthly Jazz Jam Sessions.

Austin will perform at the Grunin Center for the Arts on Sunday, May 19th, and he spoke with us about his love of Stevie Wonder, arts education, and his upcoming concert.

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