By Robin James
Contributing Writer
For one-night only on September 11 (sets at 7 & 9) at the Dakota, jazz fans are in for a rare treat with a performance featuring the United Trumpet Summit consisting of some of today’s most respected and celebrated modern trumpet players including Randy Brecker, Eddie Henderson, Jeremy Pelt, and Leon Jordan, Jr.
You may recall trumpeter Randy Brecker performed with the JazzMN orchestra not long ago, and Jeremy Pelt appeared at the Artists’ Quarter a few years back. It’s good to welcome them back to the Twin Cities in a whole new setting.
Brecker is the brother of the late influential saxophonist Michael Brecker. The versatile musician is at home playing everything from jazz, and rock, to R&B. And like Pelt, Brecker also played with the Mingus Big Band. His album credits include work with everyone from Horace Silver, Frank Zappa, Frank Sinatra, to Steely Dan and David Sanborn.
Eddie Henderson hails from San Francisco and was trained to be a doctor before deciding to pursue music full-time. He has worked with Joe Henderson, Art Blakey, Charles Earland, John Handy, Tyrone Washington, and also had a brief stint in the Herbie Hancock Sextet (1970-1973). Henderson is perhaps more well-known for his hard bop playing.
New Yorker Jeremy Pelt is counted among the top-flight trumpeters of our time. The HighNote recording artist has recorded a number of excellent albums as a leader. His experience includes work with such artists as Cedar Walton, Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Ravi Coltrane, Winard Harper, Jimmy Heath, and John Hicks, among others.
A native of Philadelphia, Leon Jordan Jr. is an up-and-coming young trumpeter that has collaborated with a variety of acts such as Bilal, Musiq Soulchild, and Kindred the Family Soul. He graduated from Philly’s University of the Arts in June 2009.
Based on the range of talent and accomplishments of Brecker, Henderson, Pelt, and Jordan, it’s likely this summit of successful trumpeters will cover a vast array of musical styles and eclectic compositions with dazzling technique and a true spirit of adventure.
For more information, and tickets visit www.dakotacooks.com, or call 612-332-5299.
Robin James welcomes reader responses to jamesonjazz@spokesman-recorder.com.
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