We offer really amazing $$$ for your used horns when you trade them in towards a Harrelson Trumpet... because of this we have an ever growing inventory of excellent used instruments. You can see everything in our online Shop here: http://www.harrelsontrumpets.com/category_s/105.htm I've posted a few of my favorite beauties here for you. We also have a few Harrelson Prototype Trumpets in stock here as well... which are ready to ship immediately. Jason has been hard at work on the AGR - Adjustable Gap Receiver... which is also now in our online store... here: http://www.harrelsontrumpets.com/category_s/47.htm
I have been photographing and working on edits to get these up in the store... we also made a short video... and will be making another later today showing the installation process on a Bach Trumpet. Here's the other video:

The first time I saw Doc play... was before Harrelson Trumpets was even a figment of our imagination. That was at Orchestra Hall for his annual Christmas Show... If there is one thing that Mr Severinsen knows how to do... it's to put on a show.... and how to wear a suit :)
His jacket was flashy as ever... and as he walked to the edge of the stage... flirting with the women in the front row... he said... you ladies like this jacket? Well, you can't have it! The crowd erupted in laughter. Doc is a living legend... and I couldn't help but notice his set was full of sentimental pieces... introducing each with a tinge boyish defiance at aging. Before launching into September Song... he said... when you get to be my age you're in the autumn of your life... and this song is very sad and sort of talks about slowing down and quietly fading away... he said, well, we're going to do a different version of this song... and it was, very much full of life, a wild and loud september for sure... and then he added... i am going to soft shoe all the way to my grave and they'll have to push me in... the crowd roared again. 

My other favorites included a beautiful tune with a time stopping Ernie Watts solo... pure magic... and I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face... something Doc recommended the men use on their wives as a miracle cure all phrase... 

I had a hard time getting a lot of good shots... because Doc Severinsen simply does not stand still. Did you know that Doc auditioned to play with Tommy Dorsey when he was 14 years old... he said Tommy laughed at him, gave him one of the best seats in the house to that night's show and told him to come back when he got a little older... well, he did... and he did tour with Tommy Dorsey's band after he served in the army. After the show I did a little more research about Doc... Even though I used to watch him on the Tonight Show as a kid... and have seen him live quite a few times... the performance at The Dakota was a lot more intimate than any other I have ever seen. He seemed to genuinely want to share his stories... and wow people... like never before... It was by far my favorite Severinsen performance... you should read his bio... he's lived quite a life... and at 83... he can still dance, joke, dress, flirt... oh yeah... and play the trumpet... with more spunk than any young man I have ever met. BRAVO DOC! http://www.docseverinsen.com/about/

He was practicing in the hallway during the introductions... and I have it on good authority that you can often find him in stairwells before he goes on stage... that's where the best acoustics are of course... 

Last night was the first night of the United Trumpet Summit... at The Dakota! Jeremy Pelt, Leon Jordan Jr, Dr. Eddie Henderson and Randy Brecker... The night was chocked full of talent and tunes. I know I am slightly biased... but I think Jeremy Pelt has the most beautiful sound. His ballad "I've Just Seen Her", near the beginning of the set was by far, one of the most rich and almost edible pieces I have heard on the trumpet in a very long time... and I hear A LOT of trumpet. Sometimes I have to leave my office and go for a walk... because clients or colleagues feel compelled to blast away at shrill volume in a fashion that could almost be illegal... or, should be... in my opinion Jeremy plays the trumpet, the way the trumpet should be played. It was a delight.

The set seemed to flow with ease... and there was never a dull moment... Leon Jordan Jr. was my other favorite. He had a great energy and stage presence... and a sound to match. I wasn't familiar with his music and was pleasantly surprised. Even the rhythm section was at ease and the whole night felt as if I were privy to a jam between friends... you wouldn't know they all just flew in earlier that day... and had yet to rehearse... it was seamless. The cherry on the ice cream for me... was the encore... a piano solo of "Don't Go To Strangers" ... an old favorite I had all but forgotten... until that moment. I would highly recommend catching this super group one one of their up coming shows... tonight they are at Yoshi's in San Fran... not a bad joint... you won't be disappointed. 

Ok, before you start reading... flip to the track Yanghwa below and hit play... then continue... it will make for better reading... trust me...

I am very excited to announce our first ever event in DENVER! Jason and I will be on hand at The Oriental Theater on Saturday, October 19th. Joshua Trinidad and his Quartet will be opening for The Bad Plus! Jason is building Mr. Trinidad a custom Harrelson Summit Trumpet that Jason will be presenting him on stage at the show. There will also be a meet & greet with Jason and I... and plenty of Harrelson Trumpets to try out and great freebies like T-Shirts, Stickers etc! Can't wait to see you all there... and meet some of the great people of Denver! Tickets are still available here: http://www.theorientaltheater.com/event/138217

A little about Joshua Trinidad: http://joshuatrinidad.com/

Denver trumpeter and composer, Joshua Trinidad, recently teamed up with
New York photographer Chris Buck and released what was a groundbreaking album
early this last summer of 2012. Joshua Trinidad has selected ten photographs 
captured by Chris Buck and has written and recorded music for each photo in
the format of a soundtrack. “BUCK”, is an album that takes the listener not only
on a sonic journey, but is rooted in the beauty and artistry of each photo. Some of the
photos for this collaborative project include Chris’s work with Bjork, Robert 
Kennedy Jr. and many others. For a trumpeter and photographer to work
together in creating a project such as this, is beyond unique. Joshua will be 
releasing his album in Brooklyn, Denver and Los Angeles this summer.

Born and raised in Colorado, he began playing trumpet at age 7. Now 30 years 
old, Joshua is making his music heard all over the United States and beyond. 
Joshua can be heard on albums with notable artists such as Sage Francis,
Wheelchair Sports Camp, Nathaniel Ratliff, Lee Konitz, , and many others.
Over the past few years Joshua has had the opportunity to play trumpet with acts
such as: The Mars Volta, Ikey Owens, Love 45, Cake, PELA, Karl Denson, OK Go,
The United States Air Force Falconaries, The Colorado Wind Ensemble,
Fishbone, George Clinton, The Bad Plus and many others. He is one of
Colorado’s premier trumpet players and on call musician in the area. His
inspirations are as varied as the musicians he plays with; he finds the
following as inspirations as well as mentors: Ron Miles, Hugh Ragin, Fred Hess, Roy 
Hargrove, Russell Gunn, Jaga Jazzist, Radiohead, Bjork, and Mathias Eick.
While getting his formal education in music and education at The University
of Colorado he gained popularity through his performances with such artists as
Ron Miles, Hugh Ragin, Fred Hess, Dave Devine, Lee Konitz, Greg Gisbert, The New 
York Voices, Edgar Myer, The Flobots, and The Fray.

After finishing school, he was appointed by local radio station Jazz89.3FM
KUVO to create a new program that would invite new listeners to the station. The
Jazz Odyssey was created in 2005 by Joshua from which he featured music
ranging from the 1960’s to today. The program is in its eighth year of programming; 

Joshua is still involved with The Jazz Odyssey and is a guest DJ twice a
month. Joshua tours the nation regularly and has made a musical place for himself
in New York over the past 2 years and is gearing up for a European tour
through England where he will be opening for Elton John, The Wu Tang Clan, and
The Roots.

He continues with his commitment to the community as a professor for The
University of Colorado and an educator in Denver Public Schools.

I have been spending a little time with Josh's music over the last week and this one seems to haunt me the most:

Also, can I just say... he's opening for Elton John... and The Wu Tang Clan! Whoa! That's awesome!

Some reviews! http://jazztimes.com/community/articles/77175-the-creative-musician-joshua-trinidad-and-his-quest-with-his-trumpet
http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2011/08/joshua_trinidads_new_ep_weighi.php

http://www.hotcongressrecords.com/blog/2012/03/06/joshua-trinidad-and-chris-bucks-pre-album-release-party-friday-march-9th-larimer-lou

I am really digging the ethereal feeling his music has...

You can do a little research of your own here:

New York Quartet: http://vimeo.com/64216728
Denver Quintet: http://video.cpt12.org/video/2288606224
Hip Hop group: http://vimeo.com/52766930#
Solo Music: http://youtu.be/jZUfp-D3e4I

See you all in Denver! It promises to be a great night.

I had so much fun organizing the submissions for the SUMMERTIME PHOTO CONTEST! I am a sucker for the ones that make me laugh... and this contest was no different... so the winner is... Jeff Gibbens with his Roller Coaster submission.... close second place(s) go to: David Prendergast (who also is my go to guy for these contests... he always submits and they are always good), Paul Zapata, David Glover, Farnell Newton, Brent Peters, David Smith & John Walker. Thank you to everyone that submitted. If you haven't done so yet... send me your mailing address so I can send out your prizes! ATTN: JEN "PRIZES" - [email protected]

I am very excited to announce that Jeremy Pelt will be stopping by the Harrelson Trumpets Shop for an impromptu "Meet The Artist" Event on Tuesday, September 10th from 3pm-4pm. This event is FREE and Open To The Public... so bring your students and your section buddies!

The following night Jeremy will be performing at The Dakota for the Trumpet Summit - There will be two shows a 7pm and 9pm... featuring Jeremy Pelt, Randy Brecker, Dr. Eddit Henderson, and Leon Jordan Jr.

Tickets are still available here: http://www.dakotacooks.com/event/trumpet-summit-brecker-henderson-pelt-jordan/ The Harrelson Trumpets crew will be down front for the 9 'o'clock set so come say hello to us if you stop by... and don't miss the Meet The Artist Event at the shop! Call if you'd like more information or directions.