Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trevarri Huff-Boone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trevarri, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
My newest project ,”The Modernist”, embodies all that resonates deeply with me: music, family, friends, sci-fi, and gaming, all harmonizing within the album’s sonic landscape. Each track paints a canvas of various life scenarios, whether they are our current realities or ones we’re destined to encounter. From declarations of love to nostalgic reflections, from dancing with abandon to confronting moments of despair, and from demanding genuine affection to mere words, the album echoes the philosophy that “The Present is The Future.” This philosophy underscores that our today molds the contours of our tomorrow, urging us to embrace the moment while sculpting a purposeful path forward.
Trevarri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Born and raised in the city of Shreveport, Louisiana, my journey into the world of music began at a young age. Captivated by jazz legends like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, I discovered my lifelong passion for the saxophone through a video on BET Jazz at the tender age of five. Although it would be a few more years before I held my first saxophone at nine, the seed of inspiration had already been firmly planted.With the support of dedicated mentors and private lessons, I delved into the realms of jazz, composition, and arranging, using the Berklee curriculum to learn arranging technics. By the age of twelve, I found myself immersed in the rich tapestry of jazz music, honing my skills not only through practice but also through performances at my local church. As I navigated through my formative years, my commitment to music deepened, leading me to pursue higher education at Loyola University of New Orleans. Here, I not only dedicated myself to academic excellence but also embraced the vibrant music scene of the city, laying the groundwork for a future beyond academia. One such pivotal moment was when I met the acclaimed musician Delfeayo Marsalis and became a member of the esteemed Uptown Jazz Orchestra under his leadership.Graduating, I embarked on the next chapter of my musical journey by pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of New Orleans (UNO).During my time at UNO, I would join the esteemed ranks of the Grammy award-winning New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO), where I honed my arranging skills and had the opportunity to work with esteemed artists such as Shelia E and Big Freedia.
Expanding my horizons beyond live performances and arranging, I ventured into the realm of studio work, lending my talents to various TV shows, albums, and movies. Collaborating under the direction of renowned maestros such as Terrence Blanchard and Branford Marsalis, I found myself immersed in projects that left an indelible mark on the music scene.
Among these endeavors, I had the privilege of contributing to Tyler Perry’s “A Jazzman’s Blues,” guided by the incomparable Terrence Blanchard. Additionally, I played a role in the sonic landscape for “Rustin,” under the direction of Branford Marsalis.
After earning my master’s degree in 2019, I embarked on my journey as a self-employed musician and dove headfirst into the rich tapestry of the music world. Today, I proudly stand as a member of the iconic Dirty Dozen Brass Band, while simultaneously delving deeper into my personal musical expression and identity.
Among my proudest achievements are the albums I’ve crafted, with a special emphasis on my latest venture, the cyber fusion opus titled “The Modernist.” Since relocating to the vibrant city of New Orleans, I’ve independently released four albums, each a testament to my passion and dedication. However, “The Modernist” stands as a milestone in my artistic evolution, pushing the boundaries of my imagination and technical abilities.With “The Modernist,” I not only took on the roles of producer, composer, promoter, and performer, but also wielded a newfound proficiency in editing and mixing to sculpt its sonic landscape. This journey challenged me to expand my skill set, immersing myself in the intricate world of mixing engineering and exploring new musical avenues, including singing, piano, and drum programming.
My ultimate aspiration with each composition is to invite listeners into the depths of my creative vision, embarking on a shared musical odyssey. “The Modernist” taught me the invaluable lesson of continually pushing the boundaries of my imagination, with the hope of captivating the imaginations of those who encounter my music.
One of the greatest joys of my musical journey is witnessing the genuine reactions of audiences, hearing them express sentiments like, “I’ve never experienced anything like that before!” It’s moments like these that fuel my passion and reaffirm my commitment to forging innovative sonic landscapes that resonate deeply with listeners.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During COVID-19, I found myself navigating through a profound low point in my life as a self-employed musician. Graduating with my master’s degree in 2019, I was still acclimating to post-academic life when the pandemic struck. As the months wore on, it became increasingly evident that the crisis wasn’t transient; it was reshaping existence on a global scale. At one point during the pandemic, I found myself questioning whether pursuing music was sustainable for me. The uncertainty was overwhelming, and I even considered leaving New Orleans for good. It was then that a close friend offered me a place to stay, providing a much-needed lifeline during this uncertain time. During my stay, I poured my heart and soul into my latest album, “The Modernist,” which became a beacon of focus amidst the chaos.
As time went on, opportunities slowly started to resurface. One day, I received an invitation from Roger Lewis himself to join the Dirty Dozen in a Cadillac commercial. Soon after, Roger asked me to join the band as a member. Suddenly, I found myself traveling the world and performing in places I had only dreamed of.
I’ve come to realize that amidst the struggles, there were hidden blessings. If I had given up, I might never have finished my album or become a part of a Grammy award-winning group. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance, even in the face of uncertainty. When things seem bleak and you’re unsure of what to do, never lose faith in yourself.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Supporting creatives is vital. Buying their music directly helps, especially since streaming services often pay artists inadequately. Even if you can’t buy albums, creating playlists on platforms like Spotify boosts their visibility. Engaging with them on social media, sharing their work, and attending their shows are also impactful. Purchasing their merchandise directly supports their livelihoods, especially during tours. Every form of support counts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.trevarri.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/trevarri
- Facebook: facebook.com/trevarrimusic/?ref=bookmarks
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thetrevarri?si=VSPdDtuD-Fn5iwfA
- Other: Email: [email protected] Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/trevarri/1218508773 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1SMaBFAsV0w8e9KKp6go4K?si=5yOfwXuPQiCTiuRJQ048Dw Bandcamp: https://trevarri.bandcamp.com/album/the-modernist
Image Credits
Cory Fontenot Sambo Jussi