If you’re new to jazz, you might quickly discover that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea — yet its influence runs deep in the foundation of modern music. For those who master jazz, it becomes a versatile tool, easily blending into other genres and adding layers of complexity, diversity, and freshness.
One such musician is former Death guitarist Bobby Koelble, who is not only known for his work in metal — particularly his contributions to Death’s influential 1994 album “Symbolic” — but also for his deep roots in jazz. Koelble has built a dual career as a professional guitarist and educator, currently teaching jazz guitar at the University of Central Florida since 2007 and Rollins College since 1998.
In a recent interview with Guitar World, Koelble spoke about his experiences working alongside talented jazz faculty:
“I’ve been very fortunate to have taught jazz guitar at the University of Central Florida since 2007, as well as at Rollins College since 1998. The Jazz Professors are the performing faculty at UCF; it’s a great learning experience to work and play with such wonderful musicians.”
Koelble also shared insight into how he integrates jazz into his metal playing, drawing attention to both the differences and connections between the two genres:
“Jazz and metal can be very intense in different ways, though the vocabularies of the music are obviously very different. I still try to apply what I’ve learned from the jazz language to playing heavy music, and do my best to put my own twist on it.”
By combining the improvisational complexity of jazz with the power and precision of metal, Koelble demonstrates how two seemingly contrasting genres can coexist and enhance one another — a fusion that continues to inspire both his students and fans.
