We planned to meet for a coffee the next day to chop it up, but understandably, they were exhausted (as was I after fashion week), so instead we texted about it! Read the exchange below:
Tell me about the Jazz band that opened the night, that was fun.
Iza El Nems— and I went to elementary school together (PS9). I remember him at 5 years old, carrying around his saxophone all around town, which at the time was the size of his whole body. Emilio ended up being a crazy tenor saxophonist and composer and is currently the lead sax player in the bands of Stanley Clarke N 4EVER and City Blackman Santana.
He was a member of the late Wallace Roney’s Quintet for the final three years of his life, sharing the bandstand with Ron Carter, Jimmy Cobb, Buster Williams, Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Lenny White, Gary Bartz, Steve Turre, Christian McBride, Rene McLean, Antoine Roney, Donald Harrison, and so many more. He’s always on the road with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra on the road in the United States.
Okay enough gassing but just giving credit where credit is due. Anyway, when it came time to put the show together I literally was like there is no one else I want to do a live performance on opening night and called him up immediately. He was on tour when I called but timing worked out and he graciously agreed to perform with a few of his bandmates. It was a full circle moment. Brought tears to my eyes. That shit was beautiful. Can’t believe we were running around causing havoc during recess together. Two of us curly haired kings.
Sophia Wilson— The jazz band was completely Izzy’s idea! Emilio is Izzy’s friend from childhood. The second she suggested to him I was immediately sold. Live music brought the perfect elegance to the evening, and Emilio was even a born and raised New Yorker.