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David Krauss Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #98

David Krauss – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #98 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter David Krauss.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About David Krauss

David Krauss is the prodigious host of Speaking Soundly, Co-Founder of ANM, and Principal Trumpet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. As a soloist, he has performed with the All-Star Orchestra on their Emmy Award-winning PBS broadcast and was praised by the American Record Guide for his “singing tone, which is luxurious and inviting.” He has performed as guest Principal Trumpet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and New York Philharmonic, as well as recorded for film and television, and played on several Broadway shows. David is a highly sought-after instructor at the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music, Aspen Music Festival and School, and other top conservatories and music festivals throughout the United States.

David Krauss Links

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Noah Gladstone Interview – The Trombone Corner #14

Noah Gladstone – Trombone Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #14 of the Trombone Corner podcast. This episode features trombonist, contractor and music entrepreneur, Noah Gladstone.

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About Noah Gladstone

Noah Gladstone wears many hats. On any given day he may be found performing on historical trombones and other bass instruments for period concert reconstructions to recording trombone for the latest Hollywood’s motion picture or TV show, to managing orchestras for high profile clients and contracting musicians for global productions and recording sessions, to producing original music for the latest video game release with millions of viewers.
In 2011, he founded Hollywood Scoring, which has quickly become one of the premiere music production companies in the industry. In addition to writing original music and bespoke compositions for a variety of global clients and brands and building stadium shows on all major continents, Hollywood Scoring also maintains and operates a state of the art scoring stage in the heart of Los Angeles. Mr Gladstone has been involved with the production of recording sessions and live music shows and events (both locally and global) for a variety of clients from NBC-Universal, Illumination Entertainment, Microsoft, Riot Games League of Legends, MiHoYo’s Genshin Impact, Netflix, Paramount Productions, The Arcane anime series, Tencent Entertainment, Adult Swim, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks and Thanksgiving Parade, Disney Theme Parks, Blizzard Entertainment, National Public Radio, among others.
As a trombonist and instrumentalist, he has performed with world class ensembles such as The Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Santa Barbara Symphony, Juilliard 415, Tesserae Baroque, Musica Transalpina to name a few. He has performed with pop icons such as Boy George and the Culture Club, Tom Jones, Michael McDonald, Pete Townshend, The Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, Pete Tong, Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian, Billy Idol, Sparks and many others. He holds a Bachelors and Masters degree in music from The University of Southern California in trombone performance. He has studied with Byron Peebles, Jay Friedman, Ralph Sauer and Terry Cravens.

Noah has been a brass instrument enthusiast since starting the trombone at age 12 and got into serious instrument collecting in high school when he found his first Bach Mt Vernon 42 and Elkhart Conn 88H trombone and developed an obsession for the art of musical instrument craftsmanship. He began working with Steve Ferguson at The Horn Guys Shop in 2001 and worked with Steve to build that store in the early days, learning a lot about the instrument business along the way and making friends with trombonists from around the world. In 2010, he founded The Brass Ark, his own music store dedicated to the appreciation, collection, restoration and sales of the best new, vintage and used brasswind instruments. It was with this goal in mind, to offer a location where brass enthusiasts could buy, sell, trade and learn about these rare horns and accessories, represented by a seller who is not only an expert and enthusiast himself in the field of vintage brasswinds. He maintains and upkeeps a museum and collection of some of the finest trombones ever made, including many rarities which have become inspiration for new models and equipment brought to market in collaboration with Noah and various makers such as Stephen Shires, Bob Reeves, Markus Leuchter, Brad Close, Stephan Schmidt and others.

Noah Gladstone Links

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Lasse Lindgren Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #95

Lasse Lindgren – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #95 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Lasse Lindgren.

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About Lasse Lindgren

Lasse Lindgren works as a jazz musician, trumpet player, composer, rehearsal leader, bandleader and lecturer. Ever since Louis Armstrong’s unique trumpet voice captured my ear at the age of five, I have tried in different ways to express myself with my own individual voice on the trumpet, an instrument I was given at the age of eight.

I was born in 1962 in Gothenburg, Sweden. I studied at the music departments of the high schools of Ljungskile 1980–81 and Ingesund 1981–83 and at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm 1984–86.

Lasse Lindgren worked busily as a freelance jazz-and-lead trumpeter during his years as a music student and in the years following during the ‘80s when he lived in Stockholm. The first band under Lasse’s own leadership was called “Outfront” and this was followed by another that among its activities toured with valve-trombonist and composer Bob Brookmeyer.

Lasse then started a family and moved to Sandviken, working as jazz-and-lead trumpeter with Sandviken Big Band 1989–1997. He also performed in the same role with Bohuslän Big Band 1991–1997 and in the following years with the Danish Radio Big Band (later “Jazz Orchestra”) 1997–2000.

In recent years he has diversified and let go of the world of employment in order to pursue his more personal dreams. The Lasse Lindgren Constellations come in a wide variety of settings and possibilities.

Lasse Lindgren Links

Podcast Credits

Mary Elizabeth Bowden Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #94

Mary Elizabeth Bowden – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #94 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Mary Elizabeth Bowden

Classical Trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden has built a rapidly ascendent career as a soloist, praised for her “splendid, brilliant” playing (Gramophone Magazine) and the clarity, purity and power of her sound. A Gold Medal Global Music Award Winner, Opus Klassik Nominee, and Yamaha Performing Artist, she has also worked to establish a new repertoire for the trumpet through creative, collaborative commissioning projects and award-winning albums.

Recent highlights include the premiere of Vivian Fung’s Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra with the Erie Philharmonic, the Spanish premiere of James MacMillan’s Seraph with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Gran Canaria, her German debut in Eisenach at the Wartburg Castle, and her French debut at the Château de Courances, both through the World and European Brass Association. She also made her Russian debut with a performance in Sochi with famed trumpeter Otto Sauter’s handpicked “10 of the Best” trumpet soloists from around the world.

Her upcoming season includes additional performances of the Fung concerto with the Santa Fe Symphony, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Shenandoah Conservatory Orchestra, and San Diego State University Orchestra. Mexican composer Gina Enríquez Morán has been tasked to write a new concerto for Mary to be premiered by the World and European Brass Association. She is slated to perform Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s American Concerto with the Las Vegas Philharmonic in 2022 and will also make her debut in Turkey, performing Lowell Lieberman’s concerto with the Izmir State Symphonic Orchestra. Mary will also embark on a five-week tour with the Kassia Ensemble, performing a program of trumpet and string quartet arrangements featuring both core classical and contemporary works.

Mary has performed as a soloist across the U.S., including with the Erie Philharmonic, Evansville Philharmonic, Peninsula Symphony (California), Chameleon Arts Ensemble (Boston), Springfield Symphony (both in Missouri and Ohio), Richmond Philharmonic Orchestra, San Juan Symphony, and at Montana’s Big Sky Festival, among many others. International soloist performances include China’s Hunan Symphony Orchestra, Croatian Army Wind Band at the Velika Gorica Brass Festival, Lieksa Brass Week in Finland, and The Banff Center in Canada. Mary has collaborated in chamber music programs at the Marlboro Music Festival, Lakes Area Music Festival, the Banff Centre, and at the Sydney Opera House (under the baton of Håkan Hardenberger).

An engaging orchestral musician, Mary is currently Principal Trumpet of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra, a member of the Iris Orchestra and Richmond Symphony Orchestra, and has served as Principal Trumpet of the Sarasota Opera Orchestra, Lakes Area Music Festival Orchestra, New Zealand’s Auckland Philharmonia, the Daejeon Philharmonic in Korea, with Seraphic Fire’s Firebird Chamber Orchestra, and the Lucerne Festival Academy in Switzerland.

Mary has released two recordings on Summit Records: her debut album, Radiance (featuring new American works), and her second solo album, Rêverie with the Kassia Ensemble. Rêverie was featured as one of the Top Albums of the Year for the Global Music Awards and on Textura Magazine’s Top Ten Classical Albums of the Year.

In addition to her acclaimed performances of core classical repertoire, she has worked to build a new repertoire for her instrument through performances of contemporary works, as well as commissioning projects with composers such as James Stephenson, Rene Orth, Catherine McMichael, Joseph Hallman, and an upcoming recording featuring works by Reena Esmail, Tyson Davis, Vivian Fung, Sarah Kirkland Snider, and Clarice Assad.

Among her many creative projects, Mary is a founding member and artistic leader of both Seraph Brass and the Chrysalis Chamber Players. Seraph Brass, an ensemble of America’s top female brass players that was awarded the 2019 American Prize in Chamber Music, has performed at the International Trumpet Guild Conference, Busan Maru Music Festival in South Korea, the International Women’s Brass Conference, and the Lieksa Brass Week in Finland. The group’s debut album, Asteria, released on Summit Records, won the Silver Medal Global Music Award, and they performed on part of singer Adele’s 2016 North American tour. Mary also frequently performs in recital both in solo programs and as the Dash Duo with her husband, trumpeter David Dash.

Accolades include the Gold Medal Global Music Award, the First Prize of the International Women’s Brass Conference Trumpet Competition, 2nd Prize of the 2019 American Prize in Instrumental Performance, and a nomination for the Opus Klassik awards in 2020.

Mary earned her Bachelor of Music degree from The Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with the principal trumpeter of the Philadelphia Orchestra, David Bilger. She was awarded her Master of Music degree in 2006 from the Yale School of Music where she studied on a full scholarship with trumpeter Allan Dean. Mary is currently Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Shenandoah Conservatory.

Mary Bowden Trumpet Links

Podcast Credits

Vinnie Ciesielski Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #93

Vinnie Ciesielski – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #93 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Vinnie Ciesielski.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Vinnie Ciesielski

Attending Towson University in Maryland, Vinnie Ciesielski majored in music performance on trumpet, which he has played professionally for over 50 years.

Since coming to Nashville in 1992, Vinnie has played on over 6000 recordings with artists such as Lady A, Lacy Kaye, Dave Barnes, Lance Neilson, Jeremy Lister(Street Corner Symphony) Fame Gang, Lyle Lovett, Travis Tritt, Tracy Byrd, Smokey Norful, Tanya Tucker, Glenn Frey, T.D. Jakes, Byron Cage, Little Milton, Marvin Sapp, Jill Scott, Hezekiah Walker, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Company, Gregg Allman, Kirk Franklin, Queen Latifah, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Demi Lovato, Grace Potter, Delbert McClinton, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, The Clark Sisters, Thomas Rhett, Nuno Betencort, Marcus Scott(Tower of Power) Steven Tyler, Vince Gill, Michael MacDonald, Keb Mo, Johnny Taylor, Bobby Blue Bland, Via Con Dios, Martina McBride, Don Was, Zac Brown band, Foy Vance, Terri Clark, Chely Wright, Stevie Nicks and many more. He has performed live with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Kid Rock, Keith Richards, Jimmy Buffett, Paul Simon, Sting, Tony Bennett, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Kenny Rogers, Shelby Lynne, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, Shawn Colvin, Eddie Floyd, Booker T. and the MGs, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Bob Hope, Frankie Valli, Sheryl Crow, Adrian Belew, Bruce Hornsby, Michael Macdonald, Carrie Underwood, Jenifer Nettles and The Beach Boys. He has also appeared on The Tonight Show, Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, The Road, SoundStage, Disney and Universal TV specials, Nashville Now, Music City Tonight, Austin City Limits, Grand Old Opry, Rosie O’Donnell, Ellen’s Really Big Show, The Dove Awards and The Stellar Awards. Vinnie has also performed on numerous Radio, Internet, TV and Movie sound tracks and Trailers. Vinnie has performed with the Nashville Symphony, Chattanooga Symphony, Orchestra Kentucky, Nashville and Knoxville Jazz Orchestras

Well known in the performance and recording community, Mr. Ciesielski’s resume includes work on over 6000 recording sessions, 50 Grammy-nominated and 25 Grammy-winning recordings and dozens of Stellar and Dove awards. Vinnie has also been the horn arranger on multiple Grammy, Dove and Stellar nominated and winning recordings.

Vinnie Ciesielski Links

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Paul Litteral Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #92

Paul Litteral – Trumpet Interview

Paul Litteral Trumpet Podcast Logo

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #92 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Paul Litteral.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Paul Litteral

Paul Litteral was born and raised in Western Kentucky and by the fifth grade he knew that he was going to play the trumpet.  After high school, he wanted to play in the Naval School of Music, so he auditioned, was accepted, and then enlisted in the Navy.  After some time in Virginia, he was invited to join the band at the duty station in New York City and, when the Navy consolidated its bands at the War College in Rhode Island, he moved there. Having completed his four year tour of duty, Paul left the Navy and returned to New York.

Hollywood Paul Litteral with the Uptown Horns

“Hollywood” Paul Litteral with the Uptown Horns

In New York, Paul gained experience and began to build his career, playing in Broadway hits such as The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, A Chorus Line and Chess.  In 1978, Paul and saxophonist Arno Hecht founded the well-known group called The Uptown Horns. As their visibility increased, the band was recruited for rock and roll gigs and played many of New York’s most famous clubs.  Paul and the Uptown Horns went on their first rock and roll tour with the J. Geils Band in 1981 and that led to many other opportunities including engagements with The Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Tom Waits, Joe Cocker, James Brown, Pat Benatar, and Ray Charles. The band lists recording credits on over 150 albums including James Brown’s Grammy Award winning “Living in America” and tracks for Joe Cocker, Albert Collins, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Palmer, Lou Reed and REM.

 Paul remained based in New York City for about thirty years, but eventually felt that he was ready for a change of scenery. The producers from the group Unwrapped, who  were signed to Hidden Records (Michael  Jordan’s Label), contacted Paul to see if he would be interested in  coming to Los Angeles to work on their new record and do some touring. The relationship led to doing three more records together and Paul deciding to permanently relocate to LA.

In addition to continuing to play music, he began writing and found critical success with Hoboken to Hollywood, which earned him the 2011 Ovation award for Musical Direction. Paul was also awarded Best Musical Direction by Stage Scene LA for Louis & Keely: ‘Live’ at the Sahara, which had a record run, playing to sold out audiences at the Geffen Playhouse. His work in Los Angeles earned him the nickname “Hollywood Paul”.

Currently, Paul is playing trumpet and flugelhorn with Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8. Angela founded the band in 2016 and Paul is one of the original members.  He plays a Maxx II trumpet designed by Charles Colin and manufactured by Kanstul Company.  When he wants a darker, lower tone, he switches over to flugelhorn, a perfect choice for ballads and medium tempo tunes.  His flugelhorn is a Custom Z from Yamaha. Even though he toured much of the world while playing with the Uptown Horns, he still enjoys travel and particularly wants to spend time in Italy, Spain and Ireland.  When taking a break from playing music and writing, he enjoys freshwater fishing, primarily as a catch and release fisherman.  Asked about favorite foods, Paul’s tastes are eclectic—he likes Asian and Indian cuisine but also loves a great steak.

Paul Litteral Links

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Philippe Schartz Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #91

Philippe Schartz – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #91 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Philippe Schartz.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Philippe Schartz

Born in Luxembourg, Philippe Schartz developed an early interest in the trumpet from listening to his father play in the village wind band. His passion was cultivated by his teachers who have included Dino Tomba, a great friend and mentor. He continued his studies at the Royal College of Music in London with the late David Mason, and then was invited to join the Special Student programme at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

A winner of many prizes and awards, he has developed a highly successful career as an orchestral and a chamber musician as well as a soloist, performing all over Europe, the USA, South America , China and Japan. As a member and Principal Trumpet of the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, and the founding Principal Trumpet of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra until the summer of 2002, and currently, Principal Trumpet of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales since 1999, he has performed to much critical acclaim under conductors such as Claudio Abbado, Pierre Boulez, and Bernard Haitink.

In 2009 he was appointed Principal Trumpet of the Solistes Européens, Luxembourg.A post he held until 2019. He has been broadcast on the BBC and numerous European radio and television networks, in addition to issuing 10 solo CDs.

An enthusiastic member of the teaching staff at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and Cardiff University, Philippe has given master-classes/recitals  and educational workshops at all the major UK music colleges as well as many leading Universities in the USA, South America, Canada, Japan and Continental Europe, including the School of Music and Sonic Arts at Queen’s University, Belfast. He made his BBC Proms debut as a soloist in 2011, and has become a Yamaha Trumpet artist since 2009.

Philippe Schartz Links

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Philip Lassiter Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #90

Philip Lassiter – Trumpet Interview

Logo for Philip Lassiter podcast episode

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #90 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter and composer Philip Lassiter.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Philip Lassiter

photo of trumpeter Philip Lassiter performing on stagePhilip Lassiter is an 11-time Grammy award winning horn/string arranger, and former section leader/arranger of Prince and the New Power Generation. 

Currently based in  L.A., Philip has quickly garnered respect as the go to arranger and trumpet player for iconic artists such as: 

Prince, Kirk Franklin, Ariana Grande,  Timbaland, Roberta Flack, Jill Scott, Rodney Darkchild Jerkins, Hamilton w/ Barack Obama, Cece Winans, Kelly Rowland, Fantasia, Anderson Paak, Yelawolf, Queen Latifa, Al Jarreau, Fred Hammond, The Isley Brothers and more.

At age 6, he unwittingly met his first love – the piano – and began belting out Amazing Grace like no other kid in Mobile, Alabama. Being the son of a preacher – a man “who sweated every ounce until he was red in the face” – Philip learned how to captivate an audience and he’s taken that spirit on his own unique mission ever since. 

A stint in St Louis brought the beauty of big band noise and an ear for improvisation. College in Florida harnessed his gift on the trumpet, provided inroads into Salsa and Merengue, and refined his natural ability as a Jazz Pianist. 

Eight years in Dallas under the wing of some of the most talented musicians and producers in the world. Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Bernard Wright, Bobby Sparks, Snarky Puppy, Erykah Badu, and many others further expanded his notoriety in the gospel and funk industry.

Several more years in Nashville further diversified Lassiter’s musical portfolio. While there, he worked with the legendary producer Tommy Sims and performed in numerous awards shows such as the Dove Awards and The Stellars.

Philip Lassiter Links

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Boyde Hood Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #89

Boyde Hood – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #89 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter Boyde Hood.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About Boyde Hood

A native of Dallas, Texas, Philharmonic trumpeter Boyde Hood received his BM degree in trumpet performance from the Eastman School of Music and master of music degree in theory and composition from Ball State University. He is a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and performs regularly with the Philharmonic’s New Music Group and the Philharmonic Brass Trio. Mr. Hood has played principal trumpet with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Royal Ballet and American Ballet Theater and has recorded extensively for major motion picture and television studios. He has been a member of the Dallas and Milwaukee Symphonies, assistant principal of the Rochester Philharmonic, and first trumpet with the Marlboro Festival Orchestra.

Mr. Hood joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in January 1982 and has appeared as a soloist with the Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl; as a conductor, he has led Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute Orchestra brass musicians in several fanfares.

Since his retirement from the LA Philharmonic and USC, Boyde taught at the Eastman School of Music for one Semester, has resumed his compositional activities, and continues to teach privately from his home and on Zoom. 

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James Morrison Trumpet Interview – The Other Side of the Bell #88

James Morrison – Trumpet Interview

Welcome to the show notes for Episode #88 of The Other Side of the Bell – A Trumpet Podcast. This episode features trumpeter James Morrison.

Listen to or download the episode below:

About James Morrison

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word. Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays piano, all the brass, saxophones, and double bass.

At the age of six he started on piano, at seven he took up brass, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed just as quickly with a debut in the USA at the Monterey Jazz Festival at age sixteen.

Following this were performances at the world’s major jazz festivals, including Montreux, North Sea, Nice and the Hollywood Bowl, playing with many of the legends of jazz – Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Quincy Jones, Ray Brown and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. James also frequents the world’s most famous jazz clubs – Birdland, The Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, New Morning in Paris, The Tokyo Blue Note and Ronnie Scott’s in London.

Now 58, James Morrison’s career has included much more than just jazz…

He has recorded with The London Symphony Orchestra, rock legends INXS and the European Brass Ensemble, performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms, written the opening fanfare for the Olympic Games, played Royal Command performances for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and for US Presidents Bush and Clinton. He has played classical trumpet at the Kremlin, was TV presenter on Top Gear Australia and on International Jazz Day 2016, James was a guest of President Obama at the White House. 

James has been appointed a member of The Order of Australia, he is a Doctor of the University at Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has received a Doctor of Music from the Edith Cowan University Western Australia and the University of Adelaide. He is an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Australia and Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow. In 2015 James founded his own academy of music in Mount Gambier, South Australia. The James Morrison Academy of Music @ UniSA is an innovative school dedicated to teaching jazz and offering both a Bachelor Degree and post graduate programs. This exciting initiative involves educators from all over the world, transforming young musicians’ lives with inspiration and a love of jazz. In 2017, the JMA partnered with The Juilliard School in New York City to offer an exclusive Honours Program.

James has also written and performed his own concerto with the Tonkünstler Orchestra at the Musikverein in Vienna and has appeared as a guest with the Berlin Philharmonic, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra at the Prague Proms and many more of the world’s major orchestras.

In 2018, James’s activities included a return performance to the legendary Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and a as special guest at UNESCO International Jazz Day at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. James and his new quartet embarked on an Australian jazz club tour to promote their debut album “Midnight Till Dawn” as well as a tour to the United States and Europe (Austria, Ireland, Portugal and the UK). In London, James presented a 4-part documentary series “Top Brass” for the BBC. James also appeared in the 2018 seasons of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.

2017 highlights included a world premier of a jazz concerto written specially for James by Gordon Goodwin on International Jazz Day, a debut at the BBC Proms in London alongside Dianne Reeves, return performances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, Ronnie Scott’s and the Jazz Cruise, a debut at The Green Mill in Chicago, headline appearances at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Canberra International Music Festival, Oslo Jazz Festival, Vail Jazz Festival Colorado and Grahamstown International Music Festival South Africa, an Australian tour with Grammy Award winning diva Patti Austin and featured appearances at the Sydney Opera House for Australia Day and the Australian Embassy in Washington DC for the Presidential Inauguration. 2017 recording releases included a recording of the Great American Songbook at Abbey Road Studios with the BBC Concert Orchestra. James also continues his education work with appearances in New Orleans at the Jazz Educator’s Network Conference and workshops at the Juilliard School, the Thelonious Monk Institute and University of North Texas’s One O’Clock Lab Band. 

Highlights of 2016 included a recording at Abbey Road Studios with the BBC Concert Orchestra for international release, sold out performances at the Prague Proms, Berlin Philhamonie, Budapest Music Centre and the Lionel Hampton Club in Paris, two sell-out return performances at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, two Australian tours, two European tours, a season with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a hugely successful solo tour all over the USA including the Miami Beach Jazz Festival, the Newport Beach Jazz Party, performances with John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton and the One O’Clock Lab Band and, of course, International Jazz Day at the White House with the President of the United States.

Other career highlights include performing with artists as diverse as Phil Collins, Chaka Khan and Sting. 

He spends much time in education, doing master classes and workshops in many countries and presenting the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship at the world’s largest youth jazz festival Generations in Jazz. 

When not writing film scores, composing or serving as patron of some of Australia’s major music institutions, James relaxes in some unconventional ways for a musician – flying his private plane or driving in a rally championship. 

In a recording career spanning 3 decades, James has released a huge variety of albums from gospel to big band to electronic fusion. Nominated for eight ARIA Awards winning ARIA in 2010 and again in 2017. In 2013, James was inducted into the Australian Jazz Hall of Fame. In 2016, James’s disc “In Good Company” charted simultaneously in both the ARIA Jazz and Popular Album Charts, remaining at No 1 in the Jazz charts for over 20 weeks. James currently records for ABC Jazz/Universal and Fanfare Jazz and is an exclusive artist for Schagerl Instruments. He is also a proud Friend of the Brand for Mercedes Benz and Brand Ambassador for Oris Swiss Watches.

In 2012 James was appointed Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival, a state-wide music initiative whose vision is to “transform lives through unforgettable musical experiences.” As part of the festival, in 2013 James conducted the World’s Largest Orchestra, breaking a Guinness World Record with 7,224 musicians at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. In 2014 James presented ‘A Tribute to Oscar Peterson’ at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival as part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations.

In 2019, James was the Co-Artistic Director (with Herbie Hancock) of International Jazz Day which was ‘live streamed’ from Melbourne, Australia to a world-wide audience of more than

With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that James Morrison must have done just about everything he could want to do – but not so…

When asked, “What is there left to do?” James’ reply is typically “This is just the warm up!”

James Morrison Links

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