Whoo hoo, it’s Friday again! And with the warm weather we’ve been having this fall, it feels like it might be time for an impromptu vacation to the lake house! But before you gather your friends and family up, don’t miss our Friday Feature about the extraordinary jazz trumpeter and flugelhornist, Joseph Magnarelli!
Raised in Syracuse, New York, Magnarelli went to SUNY-Fredonia for his bachelor’s degree and then moved to New York City, where he began playing the trumpet and flugelhorn in the late eighties. In 1987, he joined Lionel Hampton’s ensemble, which was a big band popular in the 1940s. He also worked with Brother Jack McDuff, an organist known for his hard bop and soul jazz.
In the mid-nineties, Magnarelli became more independent in his music career by cofounding the New York Hard Bop Quintet and leading his own ensembles. In addition, he’s worked alongside numerous other renowned musicians including Toshiko Akiyoshi, Harry Connick, Jr., and Maria Schneider!
We were lucky enough to interview this superb musician about his life and performances, while also learning a few fun facts about the man behind the trumpet!
Read on…
How did music influence your life growing up?
My parents loved music and would play records on the stereo all the time.
What is one of your favorite live performance experiences?
Mostly Broadway show records. I saw Harry James and Maynard Ferguson and Earth Wind and Fire when I was a teenager. All three I won’t forget.
What is your favorite season/time of year?
Summer!
Do you have any particular influences you think are noticeable in your playing style?
I think my main influences are Kenny Dorham and Charlie Parker.
What is your favorite book or movie?
Groundhog Day
What’s your advice to young musicians just starting out?
I would say to a young person: develop your ear, as well as the instrument you’ve chosen. Practice every day!
By now you’re probably wondering where you can listen to this accomplished musician’s tunes, especially during that drive to the lake house, log cabin or campsite. Well, wonder no more because Joe Magnarelli is featured in Night is Alive’s album, High Noon: The Jazz Soul of Frankie Laine, which is available for instant digital download in our store and on all major music platforms!