151: From Church to the Grammys | Hank Bilal

What happens when a trombone placed in your hands at five years old becomes the instrument that takes you all the way to the Grammys?On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with trombonist Hank Bilal for a conversation about gospel roots, jazz, mentorship, and building a career around an instrument that deserves a little more attention.Hank grew up in a musical family where church played an important role in developing his sound. He started playing trombone at five, continued studying music throughout school, and eventually majored in music in college. But one of the biggest moments of his career came much earlier. At just 17 years old, Hank performed during the gospel portion of the Grammy Awards alongside Aretha Franklin.We talk about how that experience affected a young musician coming from rural South Carolina and how gospel gave Hank the musical foundation and confidence he would later bring into jazz.Hank also explains why he believes the trombone is one of music's most expressive instruments and how its ability to mimic qualities of the human voice gives it a sound unlike anything else.Our conversation also explores mentorship and collaboration. Hank talks about his relationship with Gerald Albright, who has become both a collaborator and trusted musical mentor, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people whose opinions you respect.Beyond performing, Hank is also an educator introducing another generation to music. We discuss what his students think about seeing their teacher perform, his approach to music education, and why exposing young people to instruments like the trombone can change what they believe is possible.From church to the Grammys to contemporary jazz, Hank's journey is a reminder that sometimes the instrument people overlook is the one capable of making you stand out.Connect with Hank: https://www.hankbilalmusic.com/