Mikayla Gilbreath - Jazz Saxophonist and Journalist

News & Announcements

On September 15, 2010, Mikayla interviewed trombonist, producer, and composer Clifton Anderson. The resulting article was published Nov. 14, 2010 - "Clifton Anderson: Leading The Way."

In August 2010, Mikayla's article "Russel Blake: Transcending Expectations" became the runaway #1 Most Recommended Jazz article of All-Time on AllAboutJazz.com, the web's premier Jazz website.

On June 14, 2010, Mikayla hosted the 2010 JJA Jazz Awards - Phoenix Satellite Event.
In June 2010, world renowned jazz critic and journalist Nat Hentoff published his book "At The Jazz Band Ball" which includes a chapter featuring Mikayla.

On March 1, 2009, Mikayla (age 15) became the youngest person in history to write liner notes for a jazz album, with the release of Ray Vanderby's CD Orange Not Blue.

The following articles written by Mikayla have all hit #1 on AllAboutJazz.com's "Most Read" List:

     ♦ "Russel Blake: Transcending Expectations"
        ♦ "Candy Dulfer: Prodigy Turned Pro"
    ♦ "Nick Colionne: Making a Difference for the Future"

READ MIKAYLA'S MOST RECENTLY PUBLISHED ARTICLE

Comments about Mikayla

• SONNY ROLLINS applauded and exclaimed "ALRIGHT! Very good. BRAVO! Very fine! ...Wow, that's good. She's got talent! She's got talent! "

• BENNY GOLSON remarked "Onward and upward as you routinely retrieve Excalibur from the rock at will." and "She just might be on the road to becoming famous. I wish her well as she sets out to vigorously ply the future. My compliments."

• JIMMY HEATH called Mikayla and her sister Briana "the future of jazz."

• DR. LONNIE SMITH also called Mikayla "the future of Jazz" and told her "I'll always be there for you!"

• CLIFTON ANDERSON told Mikayla "You sound good. I hope to be able to call you up on the bandstand one day in the near future."

• DAVID SANBORN commented "Wow, this girl is on the inside. She really knows what she's talking about!"

• CANDY DULFER called Mikayla "supertalented" and told her "You're better than I was at your age!"

• SLIDE HAMPTON said "It's an honor to see someone keeping the flame alive. Thank you, Mikayla! Keep up the fantastic work!"

• ALPHONSE MOUZON declared "You are awesome! You are extremely talented and intelligent beyond your age! ...Bravo Mikayla on the impeccable interview article you did on me! You are THE BEST!"

• NICK COLIONNE stated "Mikayla, you are the best. I am proud of you, keep up the great work."

• MARION MEADOWS remarked "That is fantastic!! Incredible for only playing 20 months!"

• JOE LOVANO's agent, Tom Korkidis said "Quite impressive for a young saxophonist to improvise at that level after only playing for less than two years!"

• KEEP SWINGING jazz blog in the Netherlands labeled Mikayla the "young US Candy Dulfer."