Q&A with jazz, R&B and soul artists the Justin Kauflin Trio

On the keyboards that Justin Kauflin plays, he finds a mix of jazz, R&B and soul.

The former Salem High School and Governor’s School for the Arts student soon will graduate from William Paterson University in New Jersey with a bachelor of music degree in jazz performance.

Kauflin, who turned 22 this month, was born with an eye disease that caused internal bleeding and eventually took his sight at age 11.

The loss of vision wasn’t an obstacle, he said. “It was more of a catalyst after I lost my sight, because before then music was something I liked but not something I was as serious about.” It made music more meaningful in his life.

What are his plans after graduation? Finding a place in New York to live, and coming back here to visit family and perform . He’s also recording a CD of original material, as well as his take on some standards.

Kauflin can been seen solo or with his trio, which includes Chris Brydge on bass and Billy Williams on drums.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I remember at age 2, I was picking out simple melodies like “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and simple praise and worship songs on the piano. It seems that I’ve always been quite drawn to the piano.

What was the best live show you ever attended?

The first time I saw the Terence Blanchard group performing at the Village Vanguard in New York about six or seven years ago. It was the first show I had seen in New York, and the type of fire that all the musicians were playing with truly moved me.

What inspires you?

My faith and spirituality. I feel that I have been blessed with this love for music and this passion to become a musician. … I also find inspiration from life in general. Without life experiences, the music is nothing. … One last thing that I find especially inspiring is the type of feeling that I get after a great show. There is this pure joy that exists in good music that communicates itself to people, and this is what I want to be able to spread to audiences.

What’s one thing people should know about you? I like music a whole lot, so I’ll keep on trying at that.   

Reach Patty Jenkins at (757) 446-2298 or patty.jenkins@pilotonline.com 

IN PERSON

8 and 10 tonight, The Boot, 123 W. 21st St., Norfolk. Free before 10 p.m., $5. (757) 627-2668.

ON THE INTERNET

Web site: www.justinkauflin.com