Tony Exum Jr. is a talented musician with strong knowledge of contemporary jazz, R&B, and Funk, with smooth but rocking instrumentals. He gained international recognition in 2019 for his single, “My Name’s Tony,” hitting Smooth Jazz Network for 12 weeks.
Exum, who recently performed at the International Jazz Fest, responded to questions during his visit to Tulsa for the event on June 7.
Who were you inspired by getting into music, specifically into the jazz genre?
My first inspiration was an uncle of mine. He was my mother’s younger brother, and he played sax in high school and then in the 4th ID Ft. Carson Army Band. An incredible player he was. Grover Washington Jr. was my primary influence as I got serious about my pursuit. I also heard a lot of David Sanborn and Ronnie Laws, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane growing up. I loved George Howard.
Your first hit single back in 2019, “My name is Tony,” was in the Top 100 for the Smooth Jazz Network. What led up to you releasing it?
It spent about 12 weeks on the Smooth Jazz Network Top 100. Joel Del Rosario, a guitarist and producer, came up with the idea initially. He is an incredible artist and really hones in the artist he produces from a creative yet personal vantage point. He created a mantra for me. I had to release it. I was going through a challenging divorce at the time, and he said you need a theme song, and it made me feel good just to hear the track. I feel like I finally had something that was going to do well, and we both enjoyed recording that. Also, it is kind of star-studded… Greg Manning is playing keys. Veteran drummer Eric Valentine, who plays with Euge Groove and Peter White, is on drums. Julian Vaughn is in the mix. And of course, Joel Del Rosario is on all the other instruments. That is a strong squad if you ask me. Grateful for that is an understatement.
Who is your favorite artist to perform with?
So many to choose from. It is hard to say! Among them, I would say the R&B group Surface, Julian Vaughn, Dee Lucas, Nathan Mitchell, Marqueal Jordan, and Tao Soprano (formerly of Dru Hill), among others. A standout (performance) was performing years ago with the Temptations and the Four Tops in the horn section. That was amazing!
What is your favorite part of doing your performances across the country?
Meeting great people and seeing various parts of this great country. So different yet similar all over. Incredible musicians I get to meet, too; there is so much talent around. Each place is different in how they approach this music. That makes it fun and exciting yet challenging.
Which song of yours did you enjoy creating the most?
I think my last single, “Hold My Hand” (produced by David P. Stevens). It was so straightforward and direct that it was done in a few takes. (It is) a feel-good song. I think I had a smile on my face the whole time I was recording it.
How do you start creating your songs and knowing what feels right to continue writing and finishing the song?
It is a variety of ways. Sometimes it just starts with a riff or motif I am hearing. Other times I am just writing to a track that is presented to me. Sometimes I am sitting at the piano constructing the whole song from start to finish, and when I come up with a good hook, I know it’s okay to keep going. If I’m struggling with the hook, then sometimes I question whether or not I need to continue it, or if I’m stuck on a certain part and I can’t figure out what the bridge is going to be or any other arrangements, I may put it on the back burner and go for something that’s coming to me a little stronger.
What are your plans for your next single or album to be released? What would you like to say to the people of Tulsa and other upcoming musicians?
This summer! New single and EP. One of those I will be debuting at T.E.G.! T-Town! I have missed you…. one of my favorite cities. Do not ask me why, but I just enjoy being in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There is a certain vibe there that I just tap into, and its great food, also great people. I have always had an exciting time in Tulsa. So, anytime you want me to come there, you don’t have to pull my leg to do it! Up and coming musicians? Stay consistent, take your music to the people and be very patient…. it will come.
For more information about Tony Exum Jr., click here. For Exum’s tour dates, click here.