On the occasion of two recent live stream concerts at the jazz clubs Smalls and Mezzrow in New York, I would like to share some music by four great trumpeters who not only make beautiful original music, but also play an instrument that was made in Switzerland. This was also the case for Roy Hargrove, who was and will always be a great inspiration for all of them, myself included.
Theo Croker
I’ve known Theo for a while now and have heard him play live a bunch of times. He’s a versatile trumpeter with a unique voice that is very contemporary but embraces the history of jazz and trumpet.
Instrument made by Inderbinen Blasinstrumente in Buchs, Switzerland
Jeremy Pelt
I have been following Jeremy for many years. He’s an important voice on our instrument. I always find it exciting when musicians are well rooted in the tradition and have even learned it directly from important artists in jazz history, but also write their own music. Jeremy also has his own sound that can be both powerful and gentle, but always with a lot of soul. About four years ago he contacted me because he was looking for a new instrument. So we visited my friends at Egger in Basel. Since then he has been playing a trumpet from this company.
Instrument made by Blechblas-Instrumentenbau Egger / Galileo Brass in Basel, Switzerland
Marquis Hill
I think I first heard of Marquis when he participated in and won the Thelonius Monk Jazz Competition in 2014. He’s an amazing trumpet player who plays in the jazz tradition, but also pursues his own musical path. Finally saw him play live when I first visited the Festival Of New Trumpet Music in New York. Since he’s pretty much the same trumpet nerd as myself, we’ve been in close contact over the past few years.
Instrument made by Inderbinen Blasinstrumente in Buchs, Switzerland
Giveton Gelin
Giveton is a young trumpet player who has already found his own personal sound at this young age. I first met him at the Festival Of New Trumpet Music in 2018 and have followed his career ever since.
Instrument made by Spiri / da Carbo in Winterthur, Switzerland