Avery Sharpe, the celebrated jazz bassist and composer, forged a career of musical versatility and unwavering integrity. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, Sharpe's musical journey began at age eight with piano lessons from his mother, a church pianist. His path wound through accordion and electric bass before he found his true calling on the acoustic bass, encouraged by jazz great Reggie Workman. Sharpe's talent quickly drew him into collaborations with jazz luminaries, including a two-decade partnership with pianist McCoy Tyner.

Sharpe's musical reach extends far beyond his accomplishments as a sideman. Since his 1988 debut as a bandleader, he has released more than a dozen albums on his own JKNM Records label, showcasing his abilities as both performer and composer. His work spans diverse formats, from film soundtracks to orchestral compositions, reflecting a drive to expand jazz's boundaries while honoring its rich heritage. Throughout his career, Sharpe has remained committed to musical exploration and personal growth, living by his maxim: "Always Expect the Best of Yourself."

Sharpe released his latest recording, I Am My Neighbor's Keeper, in June 2024 on JKNM. The work is Sharpe's response to the growing political and racial divisions in the United States over the past seven years. Through a series of compositions, Sharpe reminds listeners of our shared humanity and interconnectedness, challenging what he calls the "IGM" (I Got Mine) mentality. The multi-media project, featuring a video slide show during performances, explores values essential for uplifting one another and addresses pressing social issues such as food insecurity, homelessness, and violence.

Lawrence Peryer: What is your first memory of music?

Avery Sharpe: In Savanah, GA, in the 1950s/60s in the Church of God in Christ, with my mother, she was a piano player and choir director in the church

Lawrence: You want someone to understand you. What song or album do you give them?

Avery: Avery Sharpe, Extended Family III-Family Values.

Lawrence: What instrument(s) can you play?

Avery: Double bass and electric bass, piano and drums.

Lawrence: What is a skill you wish you possessed?

Avery: Being able to read people better.

Lawrence: What song, album, or artist never gets old for you?

Avery: John Coltrane.

Lawrence:  What music do you and your significant other disagree about?

Avery: Pop (America's Got Talent).

Lawrence: What is a creative work or artist that you love or admire outside of music?

Avery: Langston Hughes.

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Lawrence: What was your first paycheck related to music?

Avery: At 16 years old, playing for a wedding.

Lawrence: When you were 15, your favorite artist, song, or album was:

Avery: James Brown.

Lawrence: Who is the biggest influence on your musical life?

Avery: Evelyn Sharpe (my mother).

Lawrence: What are some of the places you have saved on your phone's weather app?

Avery: Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Lawrence: What artist is the most underrated or misunderstood?

Avery: Archie Shepp.

Lawrence: You are programming a music festival. What artists, dead or alive, headline Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night?

Avery: Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, and McCoy Tyner

Lawrence: What was the last concert you saw?

Avery: Wynton Marsalis.

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This piece was originally published by All About Jazz on January 15, 2012 Though two tracks from October 1960 were previously issued under McCoy Tyner’s name, they were outtakes from John Coltrane dates where the saxophonist sat out. Inception marks the pianist’s first proper release as bandleader, with the sessions

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