We recently connected with a few of the musicians who play with GSO Jazz! Learn more about their musical journey and interests by reading below.
Mace Hibbard, Saxophone
What made you become a musician?
I come from a family of musicians, so I suppose it is in the stars.
What instruments do you play?
Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet and Piano
Tell me about your favorite performance of your career.
Being brought back as a guest artist at my high school in Texas
What was the last song you wrote about?
My daughter
What was the best concert you’ve seen and why?
Dave Holland Quintet at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago
Where can we find your music?
Macehibbard.com, iTunes, Spotify, YouTube
Rob Opitz, Trumpet
What made you become a musician?
I grew up around music—my dad sang and played guitar and banjo. My uncles all sang around the campfire every weekend. It was around me from a very early age. My father had a profound effect on my development of musical appreciation.
What instruments do you play?
I play trumpet mostly, but I’m a fair piano player and serviceable drummer.
Tell me about your favorite performance of your career.
I suppose my favorite performance was playing with Noel Gallagher in Mexico City. We were playing in a stadium that U2 had played the week before. The crowd was providing so much energy. I can remember thinking that it was the first time that I ever physically felt the energy from a crowd on stage. There was a moment in the show where the band played “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” The crowd sang so loud that we really couldn’t hear ourselves. That level of love for what we were doing is something I had never experienced before or since.
What was the last song you wrote about?
Well, the last song I wrote was for a commercial for a soap company…but the last one I wrote for myself started out as an exercise in learning a new part of a program. But as I became familiar with the program, the music became the focus of what I was doing. It’s an orchestral work that became representative of a time when I was dismissed from a position and was not treated very well. As such, I titled the piece, “Resentment.”
If you could open a show for any other artist, who would it be?
Since there was no limitation on the question, I am going to choose someone who is no longer with us. I would choose to open for Aretha Franklin. Now, the music I do would be completely inappropriate for that venue, but it’s fun to dream. Aretha had so much life in her sound. She could sing just about anything. I understand that she could be difficult to work with, but being on the same bill would really be something.
Where can we find your music?
I have an album that features many of the people that appear with GSO Jazz regularly. It’s available on all streaming platforms, “Rob Opitz Project – The Peter Gabriel Tribute.” It features expanded and reimagined versions of a few of Peter’s songs. His music has always been a major influence of mine. This was my way of saying thank you. Maybe he’ll actually hear it someday!
Luke Weathington, Saxophone
What made you become a musician?
I chose the saxophone simply because my next door neighbor suggested it when I joined the middle school band. I never stopped playing from that moment. Through some amazing teachers, I realized that I could actually make a living as a musician.
What instruments do you play?
Woodwinds: Flutes, Clarinets, and Saxophones.
Tell me about your favorite performance of your career.
Hugh Jackman at State Farm Arena. The music was a blast, Hugh was great, the crowd was amazing, and I got to share the stage with some of my best friends.
What was the last song you wrote about?
My maternal grandfather. The tune was titled “Being Frank.”
If you could open a show for any other artist, who would it be?
Patrick Bartley.
Where can we find your music?
Lukeweathington.com. I’ve also collaborated with a lot of amazing musicians, be it arranging or performing. Their projects are available on most streaming platforms.
Get ready to hear more from these musicians at the Radiohead Jazz Project performance! To purchase tickets, click here >>
