Isaiah J. Thompson is the winner of the 2023 American Pianists Awards and the Cole Porter Fellowship in Jazz of the American Pianists Association. Originally from West Orange, New Jersey, the pianist, bandleader, and composer began studying at the Calderone School of Music from an early age. Soon after, Thompson continued his studies with Jazz House Kids and NJPAC Jazz For Teens and was later admitted to the Juilliard School graduating with both his Bachelor’s in 2019 and Master’s of Music degrees in 2020. At TLI, Isaiah J. Thompson will present Modern Jazz Ministry premiering his most recent work, a suite entitled The Book of Isaiah. There has always been an intersection of jazz and faith that’s been explored throughout history. From Duke Ellington to Mary Lou Williams to John Coltrane, many musicians have placed spirituality at the core of their music. The Book of Isaiah continues this tradition by channeling faith in God through jazz.