I love connecting with people, says young trumpeter Josh Shpak. Whether they be teenagers or your grandma, if I can see that theyre feeling the music, Im happy. This breaking of generational gaps has become somewhat of a habit for the 19 year old. With a rich style evident with influences from classic jazz to electronica, Shpak has made himself a wanted commodity in the music world. This cross-generational quality has launched a career playing with jazz heavy-weights, such as Cedar Walton and Jimmy Heath, soul legends Tower of Power, and young cross-over innovators like Esperanza Spalding and Christian Scott. A protégé of jazz icon Clark Terry, Josh Shpak is dually driven by a great respect for the past, and a drive to put his own mark on the future. Every great musician in history has been completely present in his or her own time period, while using their knowledge of the tradition to drive their creative forces. Among his numerous awards and accolades are being named the 2012 Yamaha Young Performing Artists jazz trumpet winner, the 2012 NFAA YoungArts jazz trumpet winner, one of 3 finalists in the 2012 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, one of 4 trumpet finalists for the 2012 Monk Institute.