Jared Stone is the Stone’s Stew. He’s an all around hero. He’s played with country music stars, studied music formally, owned jazz clubs, and served in the USMC. He recently discussed jazz with us, his formal music education, learning from unknown country musicians and much more. Catch him with New Stew on Tuesday, May 10th at the Hamilton in Washington, DC (Tickets & Event Info).

You formally studied the music and what clubs did you learn the most about playing jazz? 

I studied music at Georgia State very very briefly then at VCU in Richmond, VA. You learn something every night when playing out! Some good, some not so good. I learned mostly what a musician and patron expect in a club setting. What not to do.

What makes jazz different from any other genre?
Well there a lot of things. To me it’s the clear understanding of the top and bottom of the best. Some people just don’t get it.

From your experiences in running clubs and playing shows, what are some of the key constant things that have remained the same in the industry despite its rapid transformation over the years?

I would say one constant is that Tickets just don’t sell themselves! You have to work at selling a show and your band. Those that don’t are either really lucky or out of business.

What are the best moments in live music you’ve ever been a part of? That you have seen as a fan?

There are a lot, as musician it has to be learning from some of the greatest unknown country players in the world at Donk’s Theatre in Mathews County, VA. Those were my teen years and I will never forget them. As a fan watching the Tedeschi Trucks Band pull off the Mad Dogs and Englishman show at the Lockn’ Festival last year.

When did you first fall in love with the drums, who are your musical heroes that inspired you?

I don’t remember the exact moment. I do have a remember my very first drum set was a Mickey Mouse play set that my parents got me for Christmas when I was 4 or 5. Those drum heads did not make it very long.

What are your favorite projects you’ve gotten to see the other guys perform in? 
I love Matt Slocum with Aquarium Rescue Unit, Roosevelt with Oteil Burbridge, Dave Yoke with Scrapomatic.

In general, why do you think Live at Carnegie Hall is still an album that still “speaks” to people even after nearly a quarter of a century?

It’s the sheer genuine emotion that Bill and band pour out on he stage. He’s yelling real life stories and the people in the audience feel that connection. You can sense that listening to the album.