By Rob Hochschild

October 18, 2013

With influences that range from Louis Armstrong to Radiohead's Thom Yorke, trumpeter Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah '05 is not only on a jazz innovator, he's a musician whose unique vision makes him a must-listen pioneer no matter what you think your preferences are. His music combines New Orleans stomp, indie rock guitar, unforgettable melodies, and social commentary. His latest album, Christian aTunde Adjuah, is a double album so packed with ideas that you may be tempted to take a break halfway through just to absorb what you've been hearing.

Only 30, Scott aTunde Adjuah has already released seven albums as a leader, and played on dozens as a sideman. He headlined at last month's Berklee BeanTown Jazz Festival, and took the time while he was in town to chat about his latest recording, the current state of the industry, and the myriad ways the culture of his hometown New Orleans is evolving these days. He also reflected on a master class and clinic he gave for Berklee students while in Boston.

Although he left Berklee years ago, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah—whose uncle Donald Harrison also attended the college—remains close to the college community, often referring to the people on campus as his "family." Learn more about this intense, articulate, and passionate musician on Inside Berklee.

Producer: Rob Hochschild

Engineer: Ryan Walsh

Recorded at the BIRN Studios