Philly’s Own Jay Fluellen Remembers his Jazz Roots at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. Born andraised in Philadelphia, pianist and composer, Dr. Jay Fluellen fondly looks back at his humble beginnings as a young musician in this city.
At the age of 12, he began studying at the Germantown Branch of Settlement School of music. From that point on, Dr. Fluellen’s story has unfolded into quite the list of accolades. He completed his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition at Temple University. “During much of the 1990’s I was a graduate student in music composition at Temple, I was a graduate student in music composition at Temple University. I was a classically trained pianist, but always loved jazz. But loving jazz does not make you a strong player of the music.”
When Dr. Fluellen thinks about his early experiences playing Jazz at the Philadelphia Clef Club, he modestly reminisces about how intimidated he first was. He recalls one particular event with the late McCoy Tyner where he sat in on his set, “In reality, my playing as a jazz pianist was in its infancy. I felt completely out of my league. I will never forget being able to shake McCoy Tyner’s hand.” Even though it was definitely an “I am not worthy” moment, I could feel his kind spirit. In that simple gesture, he said to me, “Keep at it.” Not taking that insight lightly, Fluellen indeed has been keeping at it.
He was honored by the Mann Center of the Performing Arts in February 2019 for his work in creating the Philadelphia Community Mass Choir and as a collaborative choir director. Dr. Fluellen also continues to teach at Northeast High School, and direct church choirs.
He remains upbeat during COVID-19, “Hungry dogs gotta eat! Philadelphia musicians are some of the most creatively resilient people in the world.” I also have several online projects as a pianist and choir director. I also hope to get into virtual choir work for several church choirs including my own St. Thomas Chancel Choir.” In addition to teaching and choir directing he also has several composition projects underway.
Though Dr. Fluellen has come far in his musical achievements, he remains an advocate of the Clef Club and its cultural impact. “The Philadelphia Clef Club has been one of my favorite places in the city.” From working with Ella Gahnt and Leon Mitchell back in the early 2000’s through today, the Clef Club continues to produce amazing music. At the Philadelphia Clef Club, “this music always welcomes those who are willing to shed the paint off the keys, dig deep into its history and respect its essence.”