Judson Green

Feature CD Review: Judson Green's "Discover"

For Release: February 5, 2020
Review by Malvin Massey, Jr., 2/5/2020

This Feature CD Review is from Judson Green, jazz pianist, composer and performer. The album is titled simply "Discover" and it is a fresh, fun, contemporary work of art.

Judson Green has studied, composed, and performed since childhood. Born in Quincy, Illinois, he started playing piano at the age of four. He aspired and trained through his college years to be a professional musician.

He holds a degree in Economics from DePauw University, and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. His career in music had to wait however, as he spent nearly 20 years with the Walt Disney Company.

Ten of those years he served as President of Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Walt Disney Company.

He since has served as President and Chief executive Officer for NAVTEQ Corporation, a NYSE Company, leading them through a successful IPO in 2004 and ultimate sale to Nokia in 2008.

Those are major business credentials to be sure, but in his own words he says that:

"From the time I was a young boy learning to play the piano, music has had a defining impact on my life. Music has enriched my life in ways that I could never have imagined. I have vivid memories of certain moments that have become milestones in my life. Although I chose music as an avocation instead of a vocation, I was blessed with certain musical talent and a wonderful training which resulted in music being a focal point in my life."

Judson uses jazz as a platform to entertain and teach lessons in leadership and creativity. In 2006, the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts at DePauw University was established. Since 2009, they have sponsored Yo-Yo Ma as the Creative Consultant for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Judson Green has released 3 CDs prior to this one. The two released in 2013, "Jazmin", and "Mojito", were instant hits with the jazz audience here.

The music that he composes is intricate yet easy to understand. It is entertaining and exciting, with strong melodies and skillful arrangements.

He is accompanied on this latest album by Daniel Jordan on woodwinds, Ron Jenkins on bass, Walt Hubbard on drums, and Fitzroy Harris on percussion. All excellent musicians who compliment each other on each track.

I think that, as a listener, you can feel a personal connection to Judson through his music. It is truly music that is pleasing to the ear.