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Preston Shepard

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Emile Martinez Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #126

Emile Martinez Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #126 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features 2-time Grammy nominated trumpeter Emile Martinez. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Emile Martinez

Emile Martinez, a Los Angeles native and two-time Grammy-nominated trumpeter, composer, arranger, producer, and educator, embodies a multifaceted musical journey that transcends genre boundaries. Graduating with a Master of Fine Arts from the California Institute of the Arts and recognized as a presidential scholar at Berklee College of Music, Martinez’s passion for the trumpet ignited at the tender age of ten.

Under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Oscar Brashear, Clay Jenkins, Ed Carroll, Josef Leimberg, Van Hunt, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Rasheed Ali, Sal Cracchiolo, PhD. James Ford, PhD. Derrick Finch, Lee Secard, and Wadada Leo Smith, Martinez’s artistic evolution was profoundly shaped, fueling not only his musical prowess but also his commitment to mentorship and education, fostering creative pathways for future generations.

While often associated with jazz, Martinez’s artistic palette is expansive, drawing inspiration from an eclectic array of genres including Hip-Hop, R&B, Neo Soul, Classical, and Soul Electronica. His collaborations with luminaries such as Anderson Paak, S.I.R., Iman Omari, Shafiq Husayn, Big Sean, Rasheed Ali and Ed Sheeran underscore his versatility and musical adaptability.

Having graced prestigious stages from the Lincoln Center to the Playboy Jazz Festival during his early years as a trumpeter, Martinez’s performances captivate audiences with their dynamic fusion of styles and infectious energy. His recent venture into production showcases a deep reverence for cultural icons such as, J-Dilla, Quincy Jones, Shafiq Husayn, Josef Leimberg, Rasheed Ali, 9th Wonder, and Madlib.

As he prepares to unveil his debut album, “Lamad,” Martinez showcases his work not only as a trumpeter and improviser but as a composer, producer, and arranger. Martinez embarks on a new chapter with his ensemble, “The Education,” comprising a collective of exceptionally talented young artists from across Los Angeles. Through “Lamad,” Martinez invites listeners on a sonic odyssey, where each track intricately weaves a narrative that transcends musical boundaries, reflecting his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and innovation.

Emile Martinez Links

Other Links Mentioned in the Show

Podcast Credits

In podcast

Aaron Smith Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #125

Aaron Smith Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #125 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Aaron Smith. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Aaron Smith

Aaron Smith is an active freelance trumpet player in Los Angeles, CA. He also writes, arranges, and publishes music through his small business, TrumpetSmith Publishing (ASCAP). In addition, he serves on the Hearing Board for the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 47 and on the Board of Directors for the Recording Musicians Association Los Angeles (RMALA).

Raised in an Army household with musician parents who played jazz and r&b, and later to receive classical conservatory training, Smith thrives on versatility, consistency, and accurate delivery of musical intent. As a trusted freelance musician in Los Angeles, he performs regularly for live orchestral events, musical theatre, films, independent recording projects, streaming, television, and video games.

He has recorded on film/tv projects for celebrated composers including Alan Menken, Bear McCreary, Branford Marsalis, Germaine Franco, Heitor Pereira, Kris Bowers, Rob Simonsen, and Terence Blanchard; on sound recordings for Adrian Younge, Austin Wintory, Charles Gaines, Dr. Dre, Joachim Horsley, John Daversa, and X Ambassadors. He has performed as a sideman in bands on the Academy Awards, Dancing with the Stars, Disney’s Encore!, Ellen, the LATE LATE Show, and The Voice. He’s also appeared as a sideman onscreen for films including Babylon and Joker: Folie à Deux; and tv commercials for Capital One and Microsoft. He’s backed major artists including Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Common, Danny Elfman, Jennifer Holliday, Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson, Labrinth, Lady Gaga, Sigur Rós, Steve Lacy, and more. He has also performed for contemporary/new music ensembles and series including Alarm Will Sound, the Industry’s Hopscotch Opera, Jacaranda, Southwest Chamber Music, wasteLAnd, WildUp, Green Umbrella, Monday Evening concert series, and Noon to Midnight Festival. In the L.A. theater world, Smith performs regularly at the Hollywood Pantages, Dolby, La Mirada Theaters and Pasadena Playhouse. Some notable shows from these theaters with Smith on solo trumpet include Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, Color Purple, Jelly’s Last Jam, Les Misérables, Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and the Wiz.

As a composer, Smith strives to curate a top-tier experience for brass players especially. The primary focus is exploring boundaries while expressing a story; both through adapted arrangements structurally sound to the composer’s intent and through his own original compositions. His work has been performed internationally. He has also created original chamber music commissioned by Marissa Benedict for University of Minnesota, Jim Self for University of Southern California, also by the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and Stomvi-USA.

Smith’s training as a music performance major includes a Master of Fine Arts degree from California Institute of the Arts where he studied with Edward Carroll and John Fumo; and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music with professor James Thompson. He is also a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy with Stanley Friedman.

Aaron Smith

Podcast Credits

In Horn Signal

Kate Warren Horn Interview – Horn Signal #3

Kate Warren Horn Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #3 of Horn Signal! This episode features an interview with hornist Kate Warren.

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About Kate Warren

Kate Warren is an internationally acclaimed hornist and music educator. She currently serves as a College Lecturer in Music at Ocean County College and is also the featured French horn soloist for the Tony and Emmy award winning Broadway show Blast!. Additionally, Kate serves as the Social Media Coordinator for the International Horn Society. Prior to these appointments she was a Yaffe Post-Graduate Teaching Fellow for the Yale School of Music’s Music in Schools Initiative. Kate has previously toured with the Dallas Brass and held positions with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, and the Sinfonia Gulf Coast.

As an educator Kate is passionate about creating resources for music students and works extensively within social media to promote music and music education through her instagram page @katewarrenmusic.  Recently Kate published her second book, 3 Week Fundamentals Boot Camp. Kate is an in-demand lecturer and researcher, regularly presenting  on gender and equity in brass playing as well as social media and entrepreneurship in music.

Kate Warren Links

Podcast Credits

  • “Haydn Symphony #31 “Horn Signal““, “Hornpipe” Water Music by Handel and “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Lohengrin
  • Audio Engineer – Preston Shepard
  • Cover Art – Meg Ryia
  • Podcast Hosts – John Snell and Preston Shepard
In podcast

Scott Belck Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #124

Scott Belck Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #124 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Scott Belck. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Scott Belck

Dr. Scott Belck currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and Professor of Music at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where he directs the CCM Jazz Orchestra and teaches applied Jazz Trumpet.

He is a founding member of critically acclaimed Tromba Mundi contemporary trumpet ensemble and has toured as a member of Grammy Award winning funk legend Bootsy Collins’ Funk Unity Band as lead trumpet. He has served as trumpet and cornet soloist with the Air Force Band of Flight in Dayton, Ohio where he also held the post of musical director for the Air Force Night Flight Jazz Ensemble. He is the Founding Artistic Director Emeritus of the Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

 

His playing credits include recordings lead trumpet/guest soloist with the Cincinnati Pops featuring the Manhattan Transfer and John Pizzarelli, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Van Dells, and jazz soloist with the University of North Texas One O’clock Lab Band with whom he recorded four CDs as jazz soloist and section trumpet.

He has performed as principal/lead trumpet with the St. Louis Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra of the Dominican Republic, the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lexington Philharmonic, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and as section trumpet with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Duluth Festival Opera.

He has performed as lead trumpet for shows/concerts of Christian McBride, Jimmy Heath, Aretha Franklin, Gerald Wilson, the Detroit Jazz Festival Orchestra, Linda Ronstadt, John Lithgow, Donna Summer, Maureen McGovern, Michael Feinstein, Lalo Rodriguez, Sandy Patti, Tito Puente Jr., Tommy Tune, Manhattan Transfer, Lou Rawls, Patti Austen, The Coasters, Yes, Ben Vereen, Doc Severinsen, the Temptations, Olivia Newton-John, Neil Sedaka, the Blue Wisp Big Band, the Columbus Jazz Orchestra, the Dayton Jazz Orchestra, the Ink Spots, the Four Freshmen, The Frankie Avalon, Fabian, Bobby Riddell, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Valli, The Maritime Jazz Orchestra of Canada as well as touring Broadway shows and regional and national recording sessions.

He has performed as a leader, musical director, or sideman with many top jazz players on the scene today including: Fred Hersch, Rich Perry, Adam Nussbaum, Lew Soloff, Randy Brecker, Slide Hampton, Jim McNeely, Claudio Roditi, John Riley, Rick Margitza, Bob Belden, Jimmy Heath, Bobby Watson, Tom Harrell, Tim Hagans, Regina Carter, Wes Anderson, John Hollenbeck, Steve Turre, Conrad Herwig, Gordon Brisker, Hank Marr, Marvin Stamm, Gerry Mulligan, Kenny Garrett, John Fedchock, Phil Woods, Ed Soph, John LaBarbera and Diane Schuur.

He has also served as the Artistic Director of the Dayton Jazz Orchestra, the Jazz Central Big Band, and the Miami Valley Jazz Camp in Ohio. He is the author of the text “Modern Flexibilities for Brass”, published by Meredith Music and distributed by Hal Leonard. In his spare time, he is the CEO and founder of Lip Slur World Headquarters.

Belck’s new book “Progressive Lip Flexibilities for Brass” is quickly becoming one of the most popular sarcastic lip slur books in the lower South-Central Ohio River valley region. Scott Belck is a Powell Signature Trumpet Artist.

Scott Belck Links

Podcast Credits

In podcast

Allen Vizzutti Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #123

Allen Vizzutti Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #123 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Allen Vizzutti. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Allen Vizzutti

Equally at home in a multitude of musical idioms, Allen Vizzutti has visited 70 countries, Japan 49 times, and every state in the union to perform with a rainbow of artists and ensembles including Chick Corea, Doc; Severinsen, the NBC Tonight Show Band, the Airmen Of Note, the Army Blues and Army Symphony Orchestra, Chuck Mangione, Woody Herman, Japan’s NHK Orchestra and the New Tokyo Philharmonic, the Budapest Radio Orchestra, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Leipzig Wind Symphony, the Slovenian National Orchestra and the Kosei Wind Orchestra. Performing as a classical and a jazz artist, often in the same evening, he has appeared as guest soloist with symphony orchestras in Japan, Germany, St. Louis, Seattle, Rochester N.Y., Dallas, Milwaukee, Buffalo, Phoenix, Edmonton, Vancouver, Seattle and Minnesota to name a few. Music lovers in Germany, Poland, England, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Australia and the United States have heard his brilliant sound over the airwaves of national television. Allen’s status as an artist has led to solo performances at the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, Newport Jazz Festival, Banff Center for the Performing Arts, Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Teton, Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge Music Festivals, the Charles Ives Center, Suntory Hall & Opera City Hall in Tokyo and Lincoln Center in New York City.

From his home in Seattle Washington, Allen’s current career activities embody an impressive schedule of recitals, concerts, recording and composing. His continued commitment to music education and the value of music in everyday life results in an extensive schedule of guest appearances throughout North America, South America, Europe, Japan, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

Allen’s many recordings include “Ritzville” featuring Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke,(available at www. vizzutti.com and on iTunes). Other solo jazz recordings include “Trumpet Summit” and “Skyrocket” from Summit Records. Classical recordings currently available (DeHaske Classical Recordings), are “The Emerald Concerto and Other Gems”, with the Budapest Radio Orchestra, “Vizzutti Plays Vizzutti” and “Vizzutti and Soli On Tour”. His “High Class Brass”, (on iTunes), is a wonderfully unique classical and jazz blend co-produced, co-written and performed with fellow trumpet artist, composer and conductor, Jeff Tyzik along with a 90-piece studio orchestra. (on iTunes) Other outstanding Vizzutti recordings are “Baroque and Beyond”, (CBS/Sony), “The Carnival of Venus”, (Summit Records), and “A Trumpeter’s Dream, (Ludwig Music Publishing).

As Artist in Residence, Allen has taught at the Eastman School of Music, the University of North Texas, the University of South Carolina, the Banff Center for the Performing Arts, Kansas State University, Ohio State University, West Texas State University, the Skidmore Jazz Institute, and the Trompeten Akademie of Bremen Germany. His extensive treatise, “The Allen Vizzutti Trumpet Method” and his “New Concepts for Trumpet”, (Alfred Music Publishing), have become standards works for trumpet study worldwide. Many more of Allen’s jazz and classical books, play along recordings, and student and recital compositions are published by DeHaske/Hal Leonard, BIM Switzerland, and Village Place Music. His writing includes solo pieces for piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trombone, tuba, and harp, chamber groups, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, and symphony orchestra.

Allen’s love of expression through composition has led to premier performances by the LosAngeles Philharmonic, Budapest Radio Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic of London, the Nuremberg Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Syracuse Symphony, London Symphony, the renowned Summit Brass, the Royal Philharmonic Brass and others. After the world premier of his “Emerald Concerto” with the Syracuse Symphony Allen’s writing was described in review: “The Emerald Concerto sparkles!…a vivacious treatment which speaks well for both his dramatic instinct and technical prowess as a composer.”

While growing up in Montana, Allen was taught by his father, a self taught musician and trumpet player, until he left home to attend the Eastman School of Music on full scholarship. There he earned the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, a Performer’s Certificate, a chair in the Eastman Brass Quintet faculty ensemble, and the first Artist’s Diploma ever awarded a wind player in Eastman’s history.

Allen has performed on over 150 motion picture sound tracks, (such as Back To The Futureand Star Trek), as well as countless TV shows, commercials and recordings with such artists as Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Neil Diamond, Chick Corea, the Commodores and Prince. His soaring sound can be heard on recent the movies, “Mirror, Mirror”, “Furry Vengeance”, “40 Days and 40 Nights”, “Unfaithfully Yours”, “Gridiron Gang”, “Scary Movie Four”, “The Hulk” and the “Medal of Honor”, “Gears of War”, “World of Warcraft” ,and “Halo” video games. More information is available at www.vizzutti.com 

Allen Vizzutti is a Yamaha Performing Artist

Allen Vizzutti Links

Podcast Credits

In podcast

Sal Cracchiolo Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #122

Sal Cracchiolo Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #122 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Sal Cracchiolo. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Sal Cracchiolo

Salvator William Cracchiolo II was born in Long Beach, California as the son of two talented music teachers.  His father, Sal Cracchiolo I, owned a music studio where he taught piano and played professional accordion.  His mother, Edith, was his first trumpet teacher and started Sal on trumpet at the age of 12.  He played in concert, marching and jazz band in high school.  By his Junior and Senior year of High School, he was attending Cerritos College playing in their jazz and concert bands.

He started working as a professional musician at 15 in nightclubs with various R & B and Latin bands.   In 1975 he started a long musical friendship with Poncho Sanchez, which ultimately let to 18 albums.  Between working with Poncho, in the 1980s, he was a member of the Pasadena City College Big Band under the direction of saxophonist, Gary Foster.  While in this band, Sal played with such jazz greats as Warren Marsh, Lee Konitz, and Peter Erskine.

In the late-80s, Poncho traveled internationally.  Since then, with Poncho and other acts, Sal has traveled to 45 countries globally.  With Poncho, he has played and recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Cal Tjader, Chick Corea, Stanley Turentine, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Clare Fischer, Gary Foster, Arturo Sandoval, Eddie Harris, Joey DeFrancesco, Dianne Reeves, Justo Almario, Andy Martin, Celia Cruz and Pete Escovedo.  He performed for and with these artists at the Monterey, Playboy, Concord, and Nice Jazz Festivals plus many others throughout the U.S., Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America, Thailand and Japan.

He has also done worldwide tours with such artists as Tom Jones, Vicki Carr, Harry Connick and Brian Setzer.

He was with the Clayton/ Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and has played with them since 2003. The CHJO has been rated as the #1 Big Band in the USA by Downbeat Magazine from 2007 to 2010.  He also performing with his own sextet featuring his wife, Melanie Jackson, on vocals  In 2001 “Fly” was nominated for a Latin Grammy. He has performed on the latest albums of Michael Buble, Gladys Knight, Joss Stone, Jamiroquoi, and Dr. Dre and on various sountracks for HBO.

In 2001,  their CD, “Fly”, was nominated for a Latin Grammy.  In 2002 they performed at the Du Maurier Vancouver International Jazz Festival.  In 2003 they will be performing for the warm-up for the Playboy Jazz Festival. In 2004 through 2006  Sal and Melanie’s sextet was sponsored by the California Arts Council.

Sal Cracchiolo Links

Podcast Credits

In podcast

Imani Duhe’ Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #121

Imani Duhe’ Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #121 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Imani Duhe’. Listen to or download the episode below:

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About Imani Duhe’

Imani Duhe’ is a versatile young musician from Atlanta, Georgia, known for her rich, soulful trumpet playing. Starting music at a young age, she’s been surrounded by different styles of music her entire life. Imani has performed regularly with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and in small solo settings as a trumpeter for over 12 years. Through her love for the trumpet and music she also discovered a talent for composing songs, which she performs with her ensembles. Imani has performed on podcasts, in multiple large music venues including the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall. She has had the opportunity to play for live televised events and popular music festivals and continues to make her name known as a sought-after musician. She has worked with artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Ani Difranco, Daniel Pemberton, Metro Boomin, T-Pain, and more. Imani also teaches for the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles as a trumpet instructor and brass specialist and gives master classes around the greater Los Angeles area. Ms. Duhe received her Bachelors from Manhattan School of Music and her Masters at the University of Southern California.

Imani Duhe’ Links

Podcast Credits

In Horn Signal

Dylan Skye Hart Horn Interview – Horn Signal #2

Dylan Skye Hart Horn Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #2 of Horn Signal! This episode features one of the busiest studio horn players in Los Angeles, Dylan Skye Hart.

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About Dylan Skye Hart

You may not know Dylan Skye Hart by name, but you have heard him play horn. Proud Latino and Los Angeles native, Dylan is a busy freelance musician. Depending on the day, he can be found recording for video games, motion pictures, theme parks, or television shows.

He has recorded films with many great composers including John Williams, Hans Zimmer, John Powell, Randy Newman, Alexandre Desplat, James Newton Howard, Bruce Broughton, David Newman, and Alan Silvestri. Some movie titles on which Dylan can be heard playing principal horn include: Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Jungle Cruise, Onward, It 2, Call of the Wild, Ready Player One, Deadpool 2, Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi, Violent Night, and The Jungle Book. Dylan has also recorded albums and appeared on television with music legends Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bublé, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Wu-Tang Clan, M83, Gladys Night, Yo-Yo Ma, Neil Young, and The Beatles. His solos can be heard on his namesake Bob Dylan’s albums Shadows in the Night and Fallen Angel. 

Dylan has toured with John Williams’ Star Wars in Concert, Eden Espinosa of Wicked, and The Who, doubling on horn, trumpet, trombone, Wagner tuba, and mellophone. In the orchestral world, Dylan is principal horn of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and recently won a one-year position as associate principal horn of the Minnesota Orchestra. He also performs regularly with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Symphony, and San Diego Symphony. Dylan is a member of the Los Angeles Horn Quartet and Modern Brass Quintet.

In addition, Dylan co-produced the 75-minute film documentary entitled 1M1: Hollywood Horns of the Golden Years which recounts the history of the Los Angeles film studios told through the eyes of the legendary horn players of the golden era. In addition, he translated and published a book for musicians called In Tune: Exercises to Improve a Musician’s Performance and Quality of Life. Dylan is known for making French horn music videos as seen on his YouTube Channel and specializes in giving masterclasses on a variety of topics ranging from physics and anatomy to motivation and mental health.

As an alumnus of the University of Southern California, he studied with Vincent DeRosa, James Thatcher, and Richard Todd. Dylan currently teaches horn at California State University, Northridge. When not performing, Dylan, a “foodie”, enjoys cooking, playing ice hockey and soccer, golfing, and hanging out with his wife and fellow hornist Annie Bosler.

Dylan is a Conn/Selmer Artist and owns several vintage Conn 8Ds and currently plays on a C-series that his friend and fellow instrument junky Noah Gladstone helped him find. He also developed a signature mouthpiece line with the help of Brett Kendall at Bob Reeves Brass.

Dylan Skye Hart Links

Podcast Credits

  • “Haydn Symphony #31 “Horn Signal““, “Hornpipe” Water Music by Handel and “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” from Wagner’s Lohengrin
  • Audio Engineer – Preston Shepard
  • Cover Art – Meg Ryia
  • Podcast Hosts – John Snell and Preston Shepard