An ancient trumpet from 2,000 B.C.
Jazz Notes with Judy Adams/ Jazz Trumpets Lead the Way
The trumpet is one of the original instruments in Jazz. As the loudest and highest pitched member of the brass family, it often takes the lead voice in an ensemble. It dates back to around 2000 B.C. and evidence of early trumpet type instruments has been been found on virtually every continent.
Trumpeter, Don Cherry was a unique artist who blended centuries-old folk music with modern improvisational Jazz.
The trumpet has played a prominent role in Jazz throughout its history. It’s bright, exuberant sound has made it one of the most well loved instruments used in Jazz since the beginning of the art form when most instruments were portable as they were used in gatherings such as parades and other processions.
Trumpeters paved the way for Jazz styles such as Swing and BeBop. Louis Armstrong was one of most significant trumpeters in Jazz along with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie.
Photo of Louis Armstrong : Pinterest.com
From the late 1890’s to the mid-1920’s the trumpet led the band lineup which also included cornet, clarinet, trombone, banjo, bass, and tuba and only occasionally the saxophone which rose to prominence after the advent of the big band an swing era.
Some of the music’s most important artists have been trumpeters including early Jazz pioneers King Oliver, and Louis Armstrong. The multi-faceted trumpeter/composer Miles Davis had a major influence on Jazz for five decades which included the founding of Be Bop in the 1940’s along with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie who helped create Latin Jazz. For more than 30 years, award winning Wynton Marsalis has been one of today’s top Jazz performers and has devoted his career to promoting the music to both Classical and Jazz audiences worldwide.
Other significant Jazz trumpeters who made their mark over the years include Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Bix Biederbecke, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Quincy Jones, Hugh Masekela, Eddie Henderson, as well as Detroiters Donald Byrd, Lonnie Hillyer, John Douglass, Rayse Biggs and Howard McGhee and Pontiac’s Thad Jones to name a few.
There is also a treasure trove of Jazz trumpeters performing and recording in the world today. The partial list includes such notables as Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Chris Botti, Tom Harrell, Dave Douglas, and Arturo Sandoval. Most of Detroit’s current Jazz trumpet stars have all played The Dirty Dog Jazz Cafe with the world renowned, late great Marcus Belgrave heading the list that also includes, Rayse Biggs, late great Johnny Trudel, Sean Jones, and Dwight Adams.
Our goal with Jazz Notes’ is to discuss the many facets of the music to provide some context to further enhance the listening experience. The more we are conscious of, the more we can appreciate. It’s like a great meal!
