Developing as an improviser means knowing the history of the important players and recordings that came before you – and a crucial part of this musical history centers around jazz trumpet players…
Today we’re going to dive into the world of jazz trumpet, giving you a stream-lined guide so you can quickly find the players that speak to you and can start building your musical foundation.
Let’s jump in…
The History of Jazz Trumpet
The history of jazz trumpet is in fact the history of jazz – and for any serious musician, the great trumpet players are a gateway into the inner layers of this music, regardless of which instrument you play.
You see, each great player encompasses a world of music – a sound, a style, famous recordings, notable solos, important compositions, and connections with other prominent musicians and rhythm sections…
Diving into one player will immediately lead you to different albums, stylistic eras, and musicians. discovering music that you might not know and strengthening your connection to each facet of this music.
The deeper you know this music, its landmark players and important recordings, the more complete you’ll be as an improviser.
Below we’ll highlight twelve important jazz trumpet players and provide some useful recordings, transcriptions, and in-depth lessons that will expand your knowledge…
12 Jazz Trumpet Players to know
There are many notable trumpet players to get on your radar, but to make things easier, we’ll start with just 12 jazz trumpet players.
Depending on your history, you might make some new discoveries or gain even more insight into the musicians and albums that you already know. The goal is to turn these famous names that we all recognize into music that you know intimately.
Let’s get started…
1) Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong was the quintessential soloist and trumpet player – the father of what we think of as the modern improviser.
“Pops” is one of the most influential figures in jazz history and fundamentally changed what it means to play a solo…
In fact, the traits we that seek out as improvisers today – virtuosity, sound, time, phrasing, and undeniable musical feeling – can all be found masterfully displayed in any Louis Armstrong solo.
Take a listen to his timeless solo on Struttin’ with Some Barbecue:
Some prominent recordings to check out – The Complete Hot Fives and Sevens, Ella and Louis, The Complete Decca Recordings.
Learn more about Louis Armstrong in this lesson: 6 Surprisingly Modern Solo Techniques from Louis Armstrong
2) Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie is one of the founding voices in bebop along with Charlie Parker. Known for his virtuosic technique and sophisticated harmonic & rhythmic approach, Gillespie left an indelible mark on this music.
He is known for compositions like A Night in Tunisia and Groovin’ High and also for incorporating Afro-Cuban elements into jazz, found in his tune Manteca.
Check out his famous solo on Hot House from 1952:
Some prominent recordings to check out – Groovin’ High, Bird and Diz, Sonny Side Up, Birks Works: The Verve Big Band Recordings.
Learn more about Dizzy Gillespie here: The Ultimate Guide to Bebop Tunes: 30 Essential Songs
3) Miles Davis
Miles Davis is the iconic improviser and arguably one of the most innovative and influential figures to ever play this music…
His career spans from playing with Charlie Parker and Tadd Dameron, to his famous quintets with John Coltrane or Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock, all the way to fusion and beyond.
Miles is renowned for his constant reinvention and played a pivotal role in shaping multiple musical styles. Take a listen to So What from Kind of Blue, one of the most recognized jazz solos of all time:
His iconic albums, such as Kind of Blue, Bitches Brew, and Birth of the Cool, Walkin’, Cookin’, Relaxin’, Round About Midnight, Milestones, Miles Smiles remain “milestones” in music history.
Learn more about Miles Davis in these lessons:
- Miles Davis: The Power of the Triad
- Miles Davis Chromatic Tactics: 3 Key Phrases to Know
- Learn Doxy from Mile Davis
- Modal Jazz 101 – Tricks, Tips, and Approaches from Miles Davis
- The Forgotten Side of Jazz Phrasing: A Lesson with Miles Davis
4) Fats Navarro
An important voice in bebop, Fats Navarro was a trumpet player with exceptional technique and superbly architected solos that influenced scores of players, notably Clifford Brown.
His composition Nostalgia, a contrafact of Out of Nowhere, is also a familiar jazz standard. Take a listen to his solo below on Tadd Dameron’s The Chase:
Seek out his recordings with Tadd Dameron and the 1950 Charlie Parker record One Night in Birdland.
Learn more about Fats Navarro in these lessons:
5) Clifford Brown
Clifford Brown was another prodigious talent to emerge after bebop, possessing a warm sound and other worldly melodic approach.
Many of his compositions like Sandu, Joy Spring, or Daahoud are also a central part of the jazz standard repertoire, and his solos are often required study for students looking to learn to improvise.
Check out his famous solo on his composition Joy Spring:
A few recording to seek out are Study in Brown, Clifford Brown and Max Roach, Brown & Roach Inc., Clifford Brown with Strings…
Learn more about Clifford Brown here:
- 8 Easy Ways to Play Minor Chords Like Clifford Brown
- The Clifford Brown Workbook: 11 Exercises on Joy Spring PDF (Premium)
- 4 Steps to Mastering the Solo Break: A Lesson with Clifford Brown
- How to Play Cherokee Like a Pro (Premium)
6) Freddie Hubbard
Freddie Hubbard crafted the modern trumpet sound that has influenced scores of young trumpet players following in his footsteps.
With unparalleled technique, a powerful sound, and harmonic sophistication, Freddie was an integral part of the 60’s Jazz Messengers and went on to craft a style all his own with collaborators like Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, and Herbie Hancock.
Here’s the opening to his iconic solo on Hub-Tones:
Some prominent recordings include Hub Tones, Ready for Freddie, The Body and Soul, Red Clay, Backlash…
Learn more about Freddie Hubbard in these lessons:
- Learn the Secrets Behind This Crazy Freddie Hubbard Line
- A 2-Step Approach to Jazz Language That’ll Take Your Playing from Good to Great
7) Chet Baker
Chet Baker is an important jazz trumpet player, but also a vocalist, and cultural icon who was known for his lyrical playing style and distinctive voice.
A part of the West Coast cool jazz movement, he is instantly recognized for his performances of My Funny Valentine and his collaborations with Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan.
Baker had a natural gift for melodicism and a lyrical approach to improvising. Take a listen to his solo on Lady Bird:
Some notable recordings – Chet Baker Sings, Stan Meets Chet, Chet Baker in New York, It Could Happen To You…
Learn more about Chet Baker in these lessons:
- A Lesson with Chet Baker: But Not For Me
- The Art of Jazz Phrasing: 6 Secrets from Chet Baker (Premium)
- Tune Up – 3 Legendary Solos
8) Kenny Dorham
Kenny Dorham, often called the “uncrowned king” was a prominent figure in bebop and hard bop, performing with legends like Charlie Parker, Art Blakey, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, and others.
A noted composer and master at harmony, Dorham’s compositions like Blue Bossa, Una Mas, Short Story, Lotus Blossom, and Escapade have become important jazz standards.
Check out his solo here on the tune Straight Ahead:
Some prominent recordings – Quiet Kenny, Una Mas, Afro-Cuban, Show Boat, Whistle Stop…
Learn more about Kenny Dorham in these lessons:
9) Lee Morgan
Lee Morgan epitomized the hardbop esthetic of trumpet playing with a soulful and harmonically hip style of improvisation…
Another noted member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Morgan went on to collaborate with Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter, and many other prominent players in the 60’s.
Check out his iconic solo on his tune Ceora:
Notable recordings to check out – Blue Train (John Coltrane), Moanin’ (Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers), The Sidewinder, Cornbread…
10) Clark Terry
The great Clark Terry possessed the rare combination of exceptional technique, melodicism, and a highly personal sound and style.
Terry’s resume is unmatched in this music – an alumni of Count Basie and Duke Ellington Big Bands, he has recorded with Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson, Bud Powell, and nearly every other master in this music.
Take a listen to Cee Tee play over Straight No Chaser…
Some prominent albums to check out – Clark Terry, Oscar Peterson Trio +1, In Orbit (Thelonious Monk), Clark Terry and Bob Brookmeyer Quintet.
11) Wynton Marsalis
From the 1980’s onward, Wynton Marsalis became the most well known jazz trumpet player and musician in the world.
Armed with impeccable technique and a deep respect for the tradition of this music, he has recorded numerous albums over the years and has been a tireless educator of this music.
Take a listen to the opening to his more recent solo on Delfeayo’s Dilemma:
Some notable albums – Black Codes from the Underground, Standard Time Vol. 1, Live at the Village Vanguard…
12) Roy Hargrove
Roy Hargrove is the ideal modern trumpet player – connection to the tradition, accepted by the masters, and fearlessly incorporating the music of his generation into his musical approach and sound.
Roy had it all – check out this early solo on Crazeology…
Recording to check out – RH Factor – Hard Groove, Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall, Parker’s Mood, Earfood, Birds of a Feather (Roy Haynes)…
Learn more about Roy Hargrove here:
- 5 Roy Hargrove Phrases to Master Yardbird Suite
- 3 Roy Hargrove Minor Exercises on What Is This Thing Called Love
This is just the beginning
There are many more jazz trumpet players, new and old, to discover and explore…
However, these 12 jazz trumpet players are a good starting point on your journey. Take your time to really “know” each players’ sound and style, beyond simply recognizing their names.
Dig into their records, the musicians the collaborated with, and the numerous details in each of their solos. No matter which instrument you play, there is valuable information that can get you to your goals!