Derrick Gardner facts for kids

Derrick Gardner is an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and arranger. He was born on June 3, 1965, in Chicago, Illinois. He is known for his amazing trumpet playing and for leading his own jazz group. This group is called Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets.

Who is Derrick Gardner?

Derrick Gardner is a talented musician who plays the trumpet. He also writes music and arranges it for other musicians. He has played with many famous jazz artists and orchestras.

Early Life and Music Journey

Derrick Gardner started playing the trumpet when he was just 9 years old. He grew up in Chicago, where he first learned about music. In 1991, he moved to New York City. This city is a big center for jazz music.

After moving, he joined several important music groups. He played with the Count Basie Orchestra. He also performed with Frank Foster's Loud Minority Band. Other groups included Harry Connick, Jr.'s Big Band and the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.

Playing with Jazz Stars

Derrick Gardner has worked with many legendary jazz musicians. These include the late Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, and Nancy Wilson. He also played with Tony Bennett, Joe Williams, and James Moody.

Music experts have praised his playing. They say he plays with great feeling and smart ideas. One critic called him "Soulful and Intelligent." They also said he has "a tremendous talent."

His Own Band: The Jazz Prophets

Since 1989, Derrick Gardner has led his own jazz group. It is a six-person band called Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets. He writes and arranges music for this group.

In 2008, his band signed with Owl Studios, a jazz record label. They released two albums with this label. The first was A Ride to the Other Side in 2008. The second was Echoes of Ethnicity in 2009. Echoes of Ethnicity won an award for Best Jazz Album. This was at the 9th Annual Independent Music Awards.

Teaching Music

Besides performing, Derrick Gardner also teaches music. As of 2011, he is a professor at the University of Manitoba. He teaches trumpet in their Jazz Studies program. He helps young musicians learn about jazz.

Derrick Gardner's Albums

Derrick Gardner has released several albums with his band, The Jazz Prophets. He has also played on many albums by other artists. Here are some of his main albums:

• 2003: Slim Goodie (with Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets)
• 2008: A Ride to the Other Side... (with Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets)
• 2009: Echoes of Ethnicity (with Derrick Gardner & The Jazz Prophets)