John Raymond Ensemble

Harlem in the Himalayas

Friday February 1, 2013 @ 7:00 PM
$18.00 in advance / $20.00 day of
Member Price: $16.20

“A dynamic and soulful musician, both as a trumpet player and a composer. John Raymond uses his knowledge of the jazz tradition to forge a style that honors the masters of our music as well as being creative, unpredictable and compelling. John has a unique voice, and he is definitely saying something that is worth listening to.” - Jon Faddis

"Strength & Song signals the arrival of an exciting new trumpet personality poised for greater things." - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

John Raymond, trumpet, flugelhorn 
Dan Tepfer, piano 
Linda Oh, bass 
Austin Walker, drums

Labeled “a prepossessing young trumpet player…” (Nate Chinen, The New York Times), John Raymond is quickly making a name for himself as an up-andcoming artist to keep an eye on.  A featured artist at the 2012 10th Annual FONT Festival (Festival of New Trumpet) and the 2013 Winter Jazz Festival, Raymond has already performed as a leader at some the nation's top venues including Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, the Dakota Jazz Club, the Jazz Showcase, Smalls Jazz Club and the Blue Note Jazz Club. He has collaborated or performed with musicians such as John Abercrombie, Chris Potter, Ben Williams, Maria Schneider, Gilad Hekselman, Linda Oh and Otis Brown III among others. John has performed at notable events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and on NPR's Toast of the Nation New Year's Eve celebration, and he has toured internationallly in China, the UK and the Dominican Republic. Raymond has also distinguished himself as an elite horn arranger, working with top gospel and R&B artists across the country and most clearly evidenced by the three GRAMMY-nominated songs that he has arranged and recorded horns for.

His debut album Strength & Song, released in February 2012 and produced by legendary trumpeter Jon Faddis, has already attracted national and international attention (“Soaring. A strong early work…very complete and well intentioned” -NextBop.com). The album features Raymond's carefully-crafted original compositions that draw on jazz, rock and hip-hop influences, creating emotionally engaging music with affecting, memorable melodies.

Raymond’s voice on the trumpet is equally as notable – his expressive sound, intricately-woven melodies and story-like phrasing come together to lead the band to routinely transcend to new heights. Combined with the interplay from a cast of “who’s who” of rising star musicians, Raymond is proving that he is well on his way to becoming a major force in the music industry. "Possessing a forte that few seasoned musicians have attained…a brilliant talent whose luminosity is endless” (Birmingham Times).

Buy Now