Dear Trumpet Friends...
As I write this... the current temperature outside my office door is 5 degrees... this is sad for a lot of reasons... but for me, the number one reason this is so depressing... is that I am actually HAPPY that it's so warm out. As a "lifer" in Minnesota... I am not stranger to cold weather... heck, I am even morbidly a little proud of the fact I have survived 34 of them already... ya... we're a little weird here... but, quite frankly... perhaps our brains are frozen? Anyway... I love a good photo contest... and I feel like if I don't see some sunshine... I might implode. So I am holding a photo contest this week... Send me your Sizzling Sunny Summer Trumpet Photos PLEASE! Be creative... be funny... some of my favorites from our last contest are included in this post... (here's a hint... if you make me laugh your chances are better) this contest is open to anyone... even if you don't play trumpet... Contest begins RIGHT NOW and ends Wednesday, February 5th at noon (my time)... I will pick my top 10... all of which will receive a gift pack... filled with Harrelson SWAG... T-Shirts, Stickers, CDS?, who knows what I will find around here.... First prize will get all of the above and a $100 gift certificate good towards anything in our online store. Please send your submissions to: harrelsontrumpets@gmail.com with the Subject: SUNSHINE or post directly on this facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jason.harrelson.5?fref=ts with the caption SUNSHINE PHOTO CONTEST READY, Set, GOOOOOOOOOO!
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Saturday Night 12.07.13 ICEHOUSE in Minneapolis was alive with what can only be described as a NEW SOUND... or perhaps a NEW SOUND UNDERGROUND. These guys are truly blazing a new musical trail and it's exciting to watch. (oh, and hear) New Sound Underground Is: Kevin Gastonguay ~ Keyboard/Organ/Synthesizer Trent Jacob Baarspul ~ Electric Guitar Christopher Ray Hunnicutt ~ Electric Bass Kenyari Steele-Jackson ~ Drums Sten Johnson ~ Trumpet/Flugelhorn/Trombone Nelson Devereaux ~ Saxophones This was their last show in Minneapolis until 2014... but you can see them in Chicago ... for the CD Release show by their opening band Saturday night... Spare Parts on January 31st. www.newsoundunderground.com www.sparepartsmusic.com The NSU has been described as a SUPERFUNK band... and I am here to tell you they are that and then some. They shape shift from one genre to another seamlessly... I caught up with Sten Johnson... who manages to play not one but THREE instruments in this super-group... our conversation and some photos from Saturdays gig... ME: When did you start playing trumpet? Sten: I started playing when I was 10. I was lucky enough to have a school band program that started in 4th grade. ME: Why Trumpet? Sten: I actually wanted to be a drummer. My father played the drums, and was always tapping out rhythms around the house. But, when everyone was choosing their band instruments in 4th grade, all of my least favorite classmates and none of my friends chose drums. So, being 10 years old and very shy, I decided to pick the next best thing, which in my mind was the trumpet. I remember not choosing saxophone because 'people only pick saxophone so they can play the blues' - ha! It turns out that I hated playing my cornet so much that I once threw it out in the street hoping someone would come by and steal it so I wouldn't have to fill out practice sheets anymore. No one stole it, and I still had to practice, so here I am still playing. ME: How did you get started with NEW SOUND UNDERGROUND? Sten: The band started in 2009 as a hip-hop open mic night under the name 'P.B. and the Jam'. Eventually, the core rhythm section coalesced around a funkier, more jazz influence sound. I had known a few of the founding members through our time at McNally Smith College of Music, and when they were looking to expand their sound with a couple horns, I jumped at it. I joined the band full time in 2012, and shortly thereafter we all decided that the group and the music were both taking on a new shape, so with new members and new musical influences we became New Sound Underground. ME: What's your favorite song you currently perform with the band and why? Sten: That's really tough. One that's for sure at the top of the list is Trent's tune 'The Great Escape'. I get to play all three horns on that one. It starts with a flugel cadenza, goes to the main melody on trombone, and finishes with some great high stuff on trumpet. It's a real challenge keeping the chops centered on all that switching up, but the fun of changing voices and tones is worth it. ME: Do you play music full time? Sten: I wish, I've being focusing a lot more on doing creative gigs, and teaching has had to pick up the slack income wise. I used to do a lot more jobbing, and I've also done a lot of arranging and orchestration, but I've found that in order to keep my sanity the music I play has to push me in a creative direction. ME: What did your parents say when you said ... "I want to be a musician"? Sten: They might have worried about how I was going to pay for things, they probably still do! But they have always been very supportive. I spent my first year of college as a math major, but was driving over two hours home most weekends to play shows in the Twin Cities. So when I told them that I wanted to stay in St. Paul and drop the math major, I think they understood that I was making an informed decision. I'm not really sure I was, but that's the way it worked out! ME: What's your favorite style of music to play? Sten: I love to be actively engaged in listening and improvising with other musicians. That's really just it. I do love salsa music though, that's what I came up in the scene playing. But to me salsa doesn't have a lot of room for exploration. It's definitely popular music with great cultural depth, but on a dance gig there's not a lot of room for exploration. ME: Do you play any other instruments? Sten: Right now I'm trying to get good at trombone. I picked it a few years ago after being inspired by the sound of the trombone in salsa music. Then I heard Trombone Shorty and James Morrison just destroy both horns, and I decided that's what I'm have to do too. I also play French horn and I'm proficient enough with piano to compose more or less freely. ME: How many days a week/month do you perform? Sten: It can vary quite a bit. When we're on the road we're playing almost every day. But the majority of the time I'm still in town, and there's enough things going on that I'm often playing 15-20 shows a month. ME: So I am curious... what do you listen to? Sten: As a trumpet player, Roy Hargrove and Sean Jones have been really influential lately. The underlying currents of blues and gospel music in their playing speak to me in a powerful way. As a composer, Snarky Puppy is number one for me right now. That's leaning heavily on more popular forms of music, but for more jazz-oriented stuff I'm really digging Avishai Cohen and Cuong Vu. I really get into music that takes the listener on a journey, so I've been gravitating towards music that is more through composed. ME: Do you go to a lot of live shows? Or do you get tired of live music... and just like some peace and quiet when you're not gig-ing? Sten: I always have this goal of getting out at least once a week, but only sometimes do I live up to that for any amount of time. There are a lot of creative people in this town, and it's so great to check out what's going on, so I'll make that my New Year's resolution yet again. ME: Tell me about Spare Parts.... how did you team up with them? Sten: As we try to take our music into other cities, it's really great when we can make a connection with local musicians. Spare Parts are from Chicago - we've known about there music for a while and decided it would be great to team up for a couple events in Minneapolis and Chicago. So we're playing Icehouse together tonight and then in January we'll be with them in Chicago for there CD release. I'm actually meeting them for the first time tonight, and can't wait to hear them live. ME: What's next... for you musically... Sten: I've been thinking a lot about how the intersection between 70's rock a la Led Zeppelin and free improvisation would pan out. I really dig what groups like Dave King Trucking company are doing - I think they find a great balance between out and in, serious improvisation around accessible tunes. If I can make time for that type of project, it'll probably be what's next. ME: And now for the most serious question... if your trumpet was an animal... which animal would it be?
Sten: An owl. I've had some strange experiences with owls. Same with the trumpet. I like to think I have my finger on the pulse of the music scene here in Minneapolis. I have been to hundreds of shows in the last few years... all over the city... I've heard rock, punk, soul, country, jazz, folk, electronica, djs, rockabilly, surf guitar, hip hop, shoe gaze... the list goes on and on and on... but Minneapolis... you've surprised me once again... there's a straight up funk scene going on here. When did that happen? Again? I mean... I thought prince was all we had left... looks like I was wrong. Last night I danced to 3 awesome Funk bands in the 7th St. Entry... This isn't your father's funk. These bands are filled with 20 somethings and talent. They do jazzy mashed up hip-hop-funk versions of new and old stuff all twisted with a bit of soul. McNasty Brass Band infused the night with some classic brass band music... They dance their way on and off the stage... and all of these guys are friends. It's refreshing to see so many people having so much fun making music. I've been to so many rock shows where it looks like everyone is on the verge of tears... you know... because it's cool to look depressed. After the first band ended the lead singer came down on the floor to dance... by the time the last band went on the saxophonist was shaking it too. It reminded me of the time I saw George Clinton and Parliament at First Ave a few years ago... a feel good party... and you're all invited. Don't take my word for it though... dust off your dancing shoes and get to a show... For more information check them out here: PHO www.phofunk.bandcamp.com McNasty Brass Band http://mcnastybrassband.com/ The Tasty Tones https://www.facebook.com/TheTastyTones Get some brass in your diet. It'll help fend off the cold. And here's a bunch of black and whites... because I couldn't decide which I liked better...
Last night Jazz Central Studios in Minneapolis partnered with us for our first ever Harrelson Trumpets Summit. And what a success it was! When Jason and I were first discussing this idea... we had a few logistical questions/concerns... but the one thing we never worried about was the music. We are fortunate to have many friends and clients (usually if you're a client you end up a friend in this business)... that are outrageously talented. The photo above contains the best of the best... Todd Tanji, Jason Harrelson, Geoff West Senn and Mark Bobnick. All of these guys are rock stars in the trumpet community. If you're a Jazz fan or a Trumpet fan... or just a fan of seeing the fruits of a lot of devotion, hard work and practice poured out on stage... then I wish you'd have been there last night. It was magic! I can't think of a better cast of characters to usher Harrelson Trumpets into a relationship with Jazz Central... Every one of these men is extremely devoted to their music. The tunes were a healthy mixture of standards and originals... new arrangements... even some tango! (I love a good tango)... It was a warm and cozy night in Minneapolis' best kept secret... Jazz Central has the feeling of an underground club... as someone asked... "what's the password"... It does feel like that... like you've just happened upon a hidden gem. Or, like the best trumpet players in the Midwest just stopped by your friends basement to give you a personal concert. Each of these guys has a very distinct style... and I know, because they told me, that they hand picked every single piece of music that came off the stage last night. So, as you can imagine there was quite a variety of sounds... but there is one thing that they all have in common. They speak through their instrument. They paint you a picture, sing you a love song... break your heart... all without saying a word. Well done gentlemen! Thanks again for everything.
Well... I have been out of the office for about a week now... I took a much needed vacation... but just before I left town... I had the pleasure of visiting the new shop space in Denver! Everything looks really great and Jason is up and running! The visit was in conjunction with a special event we did with Joshua Trinidad, and The Bad Plus... Joshua's set was captivating and I was personally impressed by his comfort level with his new Harrelson Trumpet... considering he had just received it the day before. Here are a few snap shots from the event... Denver has welcomed Harrelson Trumpets with open arms... just this morning an interview with Jason came out on Westword... check it out... http://blogs.westword.com/backbeat/2013/10/harrelson_trumpets_custom_trumpets_denver_colorado.php This beautiful "pigtail" HT3 Prototype came back from plating last week... I LOVE the inlays! This is available in our online store here: http://www.harrelsontrumpets.com/product_p/ht37-trumpet.htm And we have a demo video of it in action... with Jake Baldwin In other news... Jason will be back in the shop all of next week and we are hosting an OPEN HOUSE here at the Harrelson Trumpets Shop in New Brighton from Noon to 6pm. We are located at: 60 Cleveland Ave SW, New Brighton MN 55112 ... please feel free to give us a call if you get lost... it's a little tricky to find... 651-330-7774 We are also excited to announce an exciting partnership with Jazz Central Studios here in Minneapolis. We are sponsoring the first ever HARRELSON TRUMPETS SUMMIT... Next Friday night from 8:30-11:30... This is FREE and Open to the Public. Jazz Central is located at 407 Central Ave SE in Minneapolis. For more information: http://jazzcentral.squarespace.com/ or give them a call at (612) 281-2591 Hope to see you all out at one or more of these great events! Oh, and Happy Halloween :) ~jen
Not only do we make some of the most beautiful and most playable trumpets on the planet... we also accept trades towards our custom instruments... making us an excellent resource for anyone searching for a used instrument. We frequently receive high quality... like new Bach, Yamaha, Taylor and Monette Trumpets... as well as just about every other brand out there.
We currently have a great selection here: http://www.harrelsontrumpets.com/category_s/105.htm If there is something specific you are looking for please let us know as well... we have a constant stream of inventory coming through the door and often receive a few trades/week. Call us if you'd like to stop by and try any of these out: 651-330-7774 and as always we're happy to answer any questions you might have either by phone or email us at harrelsontrumpets@gmail.com 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.
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Jennifer SandquistI am the PR, Advertising, Marketing, Web and Social mind at Harrelson Trumpets. When I am not at work- I paint: Archives
February 2018
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