Trumpet with Patrick H.

I began the trumpet at the age of 8 while in elementary school in Monroe, CT. I learned to read music at the age of 6 while playing the Tin Whistle. Irish music was offered at the Gaelic American Club my family was apart of. While in CT, I played with several groups: Litmus, an experimental jazz group, The Prognostic Mutation Orchestra, a free jazz large ensemble, and Arlido Desouza, a Brazilian guitar player who played many of the Brazilian standards. I was also apart of the Ska scene in the mid 90’s. My first Ska band was The Snappers who recorded Trick Noisemakers which was released independently. After meeting Terell Stafford at the Litchfield Jazz Camp as my ensemble coach in 1999, I became aware of Temple University highly acclaimed jazz program. Two years later at 23, I attended Temple University and went on to receive my degree. While at Temple University under Terell Stafford, I was afforded the opportunity to perform with Jon Faddis with the Big Band at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Once I reached Philadelphia, I found a large amount of music that varied from hard-bop, singer/songwriters, free jazz, swing bands, Balkan brass bands, gypsy music, Big Bands, and experimental rock groups to play with. I performed with The Wildness (a Louie Prima tribute group), OudBlues, Naja, Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, and many other local Philly bands. For the last 10 years I have been performing in the West Philadelphia Orchestra, a traditional Balkan style 14-piece brass band with an original twist. By the end of college I met Melody Gardot and began performing with her, touring world wide. We had the opportunity to record at Abbey Road, appear on various late night performances, and attend a number of jazz festivals around the world. Next was releasing my debut album "Herevibe" in 2009, with one vocal track described as "a neo-soul meets Chet Baker tune". The music blends the cool and aggressive parts of jazz and, "Soulful relaxed trumpet backed by Philly-based jazz musicians with a few twists from traditional bop". My second album, "Invitation to Connect", will be releasing soon!