“Tree of Life”, by Pharez Whitted, represents individuality and oneness. Written to remind us that while we are individuals, we are but parts of a whole, the Universal oneness. “The world needs hope and beauty”, Pharez states. “The Tree of Life” is his loving contribution. Making quite a statement with this incredible album filled with positive ideas, curiosities, creativity, and of course outstanding musicianship. At the age of 9, Pharez Whitted found a trumpet in a closet of his Indianapolis home. With the help of his older brother, he learned to play a C Major scale, he’s been hooked since. His father, Thomas Whitted Sr. played drums with Freddie Hubbard and his mother, Virtue Whitted sang and played the bass beautifully. The majority of his siblings, aunts and uncles on his mothers side (“The Hampton Family Band”) played instruments. Needless to say, music is in his DNA, and Pharez’s extraordinary trumpet playing lives up to this truth. He attended DePauw University and Indiana University with a focus on music. Pharez has worked with artists including George Duke, Elvin Jones, Slide Hampton, Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, El Debarge. Pharez’s albums “ Transient Journey” (2010) and “For the People” (2012) have made top 10 on the jazz charts. In addition to his work as a musician Pharez is a producer, composer, arranger, and educator. Presently he serves as Director of Jazz Studies at Chicago State University and is also part of the faculty at the Rivinia’s prestigious Jazz Scholar Program in Chicago.