JD Pate: Humble Horn in the Heart of MOJO

What if in an interview with a jazz musician, the musician talks more about "the wealth of jazz musicians around me" and speaks of "the world class musicians I work with in Springfield?" And what if the musician speaks less and less about himself, with the conversation turning to the highlights of his musical career while playing with others he considers more notable? If that were the case, then the musician would be the self-effacing JD Pate, tenor saxophonist with the Missouri Jazz Orchestra (MOJO). He has played with the group since 2009.

Sometimes the best artists are the ones who are less concerned about "tooting their own horns" but more about acknowledging the influences of others. JD Pate is such an artist.

According to him, the journey to Springfield, Missouri, was "a long and winding road" beginning in Beaumont, Texas. At age three, he vividly recalls his grandmother playing Peter and the Wolf, a musical symphony introducing children to each instrument, representing a different character. The young boy was drawn to the sound of the cat, played by a clarinet. Thanks to his grandmother, "the cat and the clarinet are imprinted in my head." Later he was drawn to another woodwind, the saxophone.

He attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where he majored in English. He now earns a living as a creative copywriter in advertising, sometimes traveling across the country. "I'm comfortable as a writer and reader." He continues reading voraciously, conversant with a wide range of literature.

In post graduate work at the University of North Texas, he studied linguistics, but played in one of several jazz bands in the music department -- no small feat since jazz studies there is the country's number one program. He speaks modestly of his playing there, but the experience surely helped foster his skills and love of jazz.

Does his ability to write correlate in any way with his music playing? "Yes. Improvisation in jazz is based on a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals. One can't improvise without first knowing the ins and outs of the basics. The same is true of writing."

Improving and stretching out in both disciplines involve rigor and discipline. "I'm a good sight reader of music, which is the essence of what we do in the Missouri Jazz Orchestra. But I get better by sitting next to outstanding players, like Randy Hamm" -- MOJO's leader -- "and Bob Swanson." (Both, by the way, attended the University of North Texas jazz studies program.) "I'm honored to play with such people." He likes to quote Miles Davis: "You have to play with players better than you."

JD is eager to add, "I especially owe a great deal to my wife Carla's support of my musical endeavors."

What is it like playing with the Missouri Jazz Orchestra? "It's a pleasure and a stressor. We are  asked to push beyond what we think we can do. Randy Hamm brings in charts that challenge us. But growing requires effort. MOJO is where my heart is. Lots of talent. If I couldn't play, I'd lose a part of myself."

MOJO has played with famous musicians, such as Branford Marsalis and John Pizzarelli. "After one of my solos," JD says, "Brandford walked over and gave me a fist bump. Now that was exciting!"

"It's hard to believe, but while at the University of North Texas, Cab Calloway came thorough and wanted some of us to play with him. He must have been in his 80's or early 90's. He still had it. A thrill."

The future of MOJO and JD's continued contributions seem bright with a 501C3 nonprofit shared with the Gillioz Theater, bringing jazz outreach to the community, participating with several high school bands in the area.

"MOJO is the ideal destination for someone like me," JD says.  He may be uncomfortable "tooting his own horn" about himself, but MOJO knows his worth. JD holds a prominent and steady position in the swing and sway of the Springfield jazz community. And in all likelihood he will continue to be an integral part of this outstanding music. 

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Written by: Michael Pulley

Michael Pulley is a writer based in Springfield, Missouri, known for his novels, short stories, and columns in the Springfield News-Leader. His 2023 novel, When All Else Fails, follows a family's journey through faith and societal pressures, blending humor with darker themes in a seamless narrative.

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