Sean Jones (trumpeter) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sean Jones
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| Background information | |
| Born | May 29, 1978 Warren, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, bandleader |
| Instruments | Trumpet, flugelhorn |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels | Mack Avenue |
Sean Jones is a talented American trumpet player and composer. He was born on May 29, 1978, in Warren, Ohio. Sean Jones is well-known for his amazing jazz music. He even played on a Grammy Award-winning album called Turned to Blue in 2007. This album featured the famous singer Nancy Wilson.
As a bandleader, Sean Jones has released eight albums with Mack Avenue Records. He travels around the world, performing with his own music groups. You can often find him playing at big jazz events. These include the Monterey Jazz Festival, the Detroit International Jazz Festival, and the Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Sean's Musical Journey
Sean Jones's first experiences with music were in church. He listened to gospel music and sang in the choir at Saint James' Church in Warren, Ohio. When he was young, he started playing the drums. But in fifth grade, he switched to the trumpet. His grandmother told him that his grandfather played the trumpet during World War II.
Around the same time, Sean became interested in jazz music. His band teacher gave him two albums by the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis. These albums were Kind of Blue and Tutu. Listening to them helped Sean discover his love for jazz.
Becoming a Professional Musician
By the time Sean went to Warren G. Harding High School, he knew he wanted to be a professional musician. He studied both classical trumpet and jazz. In 2000, he earned a master's degree from Rutgers University. There, he learned from Professor William Fielder, who also taught other famous musicians like Wynton Marsalis.
Sean has played with many well-known musicians and groups. He has performed with Tia Fuller, Joe Lovano, Marcus Miller, and Jimmy Heath.
In 2004, Sean joined the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. After six months, Wynton Marsalis offered him a permanent spot. Sean started as the third trumpet player and later became the lead trumpet player. Around that time, he also became a music professor at Duquesne University. He lived in the Pittsburgh area for several years.
In 2011, Sean performed in a special concert called “A Tribute to Miles.” He played alongside jazz legends like Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and Marcus Miller.
Teaching and Leadership
Sean Jones has held many important teaching and leadership roles in music. He was the Interim Artistic Director for the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra. From 2012 to 2013, he was an associate professor of Jazz Trumpet at Oberlin Conservatory.
He was also a member of the SFJAZZ Collective from 2015 to 2017. Before that, he led the Brass Department at Berklee College of Music. Currently, Sean is the chair of the jazz studies department at the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. He is also on the board of directors for the Jazz Education Network (JEN).
Sean's Music Albums
Sean Jones has released many albums as a bandleader. He has also played on albums for other artists.
Albums as a Leader
- 2004: Eternal Journey
- 2005: Gemini
- 2006: Roots
- 2007: Kaleidoscope
- 2009: The Search Within
- 2011: No Need for Words
- 2014: im*pro*vise: never before seen
- 2017: Live from Jazz at the Bistro
Albums as a Contributor
Sean has played on many albums with other musicians, including:
- 2003: New York, New Sound with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra
- 2005: In My Time with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra
- 2006: Turned to Blue with Nancy Wilson
- 2007: Healing Space with Tia Fuller
- 2007: Monterey Moods with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra
- 2009: Detroit with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra
- 2011: Legacy with the Gerald Wilson Orchestra
- 2019: Soul Awakening with Brandee Younger
- 2022: Uptown In Orbit with Emmet Cohen
Compilation Albums
Sean's music has also been featured on compilation albums:
- 2006: Legends & Lions: Blues
- 2006: Legends & Lions: Swoonin'
- 2006: Legends & Lions: Swingin'
- 2014: Live From The Detroit Jazz Festival - 2013
- 2014: It's Christmas on Mack Avenue
Awards and Recognition
Sean Jones has received several awards and nominations for his musical talent:
- 2007: Downbeat Magazine Rising Star
- 2007: JazzTimes Magazine Reader's Poll Best New Artist
- 2007: Jazz Journalists Association Trumpeter of the Year (Nominated)
- 2006: Downbeat Magazine Rising Star
