10 Underrated Trumpet Players Any Serious Musician Should Know | bernie's bootlegs

[@comm56ful]

Don Ellis should be on this list and Every Trumpet List. Ellis was Decades ahead of his time. Even today there are very few if any players that could compose, arrange, teach and orchestra and play the music that he did. And in my opinion his music was Beautiful.

[@flycres415]

Bobby Shew is not only one of the best jazz trumpet and flugelhorn players, but is also a fantastic person. He is a also a master educator and arranger. And he is still going strong in his mid-70s! Thanks for giving him just a small piece of the credit he is due.

[@terryobrien9846]

I saw him perform a few years ago. Mind blown.

[@JGlassy]

Love that you included Blue Mitchell. His renderings of Park Avenue Petite and Nica’s Dream have always put me in a special place. This is a great service to all these horn players named.

[@billpresing5568]

Check out Kinda Vague by Blue.

[@richardlopez46]

I think that you listed some of the Giants of Jazz trumpet players, but I think that one of the most underrated trumpet players in my mind every time I hear him is Jack Sheldon. I think that maybe because of his singing and joke telling people don't take his trumpet playing serious, but I think he is so talented.

[@crtune]

Yes. Jack Sheldon deserves much greater attention especially since he has such a long and productive career and was so central to the scene at the Lighthouse and West coast jazz generally. He can be found with Bill Holman and the all starst.

[@The80sBoy]

Definitely Dusko Goykovich. Had the pleasure of hearing him live in the 80's in Bristol, UK. A great player and a true gentleman. Had a beer with him after the gig. Heard lots of amazing stories of Dizzy, Chet and Woody Herman.

[@larrykemp9290]

Larry Kemp: A wonderful list to provoke such a discussion about people we're in danger of forgetting. The only problem is that the list is too short. There are about a thousand underrated trumpet players.

[@trevorheadrick4966]

Sometimes people forget about Art Farmer and how truly great of a player he was. I don't know if he would be considered "underrated" though.

[@jondingwall5941]

Malachi Thompson , Cecil Bridgewater, Tomasz Stanko , Ted Daniels, Dusko Goykovic, Hugh Ragin, Charles Jefferson, Harry Beckett, Eddie Gale, Stanton Davis, Roy Campbell and many many more

[@WELLBRAN]

Eddie Gale great player

[@NUR_WAHRES_SCHOENES_GUTES]

Yeah!

[@fr0103]

There's an 11th underrated section player pictured at 14:30. His name was Snooky Young.

[@mauriciohernandez7022]

I would say he was quite well known amongst many big bands. Lots would try to hire him when he’d go into town.

[@jazzbob57]

He was well known in jazz circles. He played the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson for years.

[@stevecallas6608]

fr0103 gmailcom I met him in Cincinnati in 1976 at a Doc Severinson Concert. Cool dude and most modest. And his reverence for Doc was undeniable.

[@dubinlives]

Snooky could play jazz. To call him a "section" player is not incorrect, however, it falls short of the whole truth. He was one of the preeminent LEAD players of all-time.

[@tomshields7836]

I would like to mention the great player, guru and music/trumpet teacher Jimmy Maxwell.

[@bishopmarsh6084]

So happy Booker Little is on this list!!

[@JonSkelton]

I got to play with Bobby Shew in college. He, Rich Matteson and the "Red Snapper" Don Menza were featured soloists at one of our concerts. One of the greatest gigs I've ever played.

[@geraldnichols2722]

Truly underrated--- Don Goldie!

[@AustinCasey]

Bobby Hackett should be in this list. He is far and away the most underrated of the legends.

[@geraldnichols2722]

Hackett is a "great," but I think "under-rated" should be defined.

[@dwsan1tx]

Met Bobby Shew in the late 80’s in college. He put on a master class and performed with our stage band. To me he will always be know for circular breathing and his “Shew Horn”, a double bell trumpet with a thumb trigger to switch bells. He played the Parking Lot Blues on it. Go Shew Man!

[@russellziske7385]

Interesting that the song Bobby plays here is Blue, which he wrote as a tribute to Blue Mitchell.

[@funnylittlehorn891]

Wilbur Harden (lyrical flugelhorn) Tony Fruscella (low register bebop), Bill Hardman (dry sound, creative intelligence), Benny Bailey (big heart and big sound), Jabbo Smith (nearly forgotten, ahead of his time), Ruby Braff (pure beauty).

[@johncoffin9354]

I'll double Fruscella, who I've just heard the first time recently. Bailey and Jabbo Smith too.

[@anthonycallender2317]

yes, Wilbur Harden was terrific- Savoy recordings including those with Trane are great but then he vanished. Love his album of music from the King and I

[@TJ_ATC]

Another fantastic post! My listening list grows daily thanks to this channel. Suggestion: When you do these kinds of posts it'd be helpful to leave the "#1 Blue Mitchell" on screen for the duration of the artist. Maybe go from front and center at the start of their clip to smaller text in a corner.

[@jimharkel9463]

Pete Condoli was a beast. He could do it all.He also was the most neglected in being recognized

[@michaelhassler7446]

I suggest a greatest female trumpet players list. Talk about underrated there!!!🎺😻🤘👍😎

[@bushlizard2992]

Amazing set ... Thanks for posting Bootlegs.

[@Jazztpt]

Surely Bobby Shew is not underrated, one of the greats.

[@Gorgula]

Jazztpt there is a reason he was used on the thumbnail...

[@maynardphistlewhite6895]

I played Bugler's Holiday with him, and he pretty much sucked.

[@johnellen9173]

@@maynardphistlewhite6895 are you joking?

[@michaelobrien8219]

good selection - 'sweets' is fantastic!

[@darlingfarm9525]

I got to attend a masterclass in small group playing taught by bobby shew in the spring of 2017. That guy is a monster player and such a gracious, rad, enlightened human being

[@johndough9763]

I got to play with Bobby Shew when he did at master class at DePauw University in 1993 or 1994. Maybe 1995. Tons of fun and as you said he was very gracious.

[@je224]

Had the chance to rehearse / play with him and a big band about 25 years ago and fully agree. Unforgettable experience.

[@jameswallis9043]

Stu Williamson who played with Shelley Manne and Charlie Mariano.Ryan kisor and Gerard Presencer from the modern day players.

[@radiokid2]

This is really a good list. In spite of their years of playing and teaching, I think they're underrated simply because jazz is underrated.

[@michaelhassler7446]

Because it's a instrument driven genre instead of vocals. How the hell is country music bigger than jazz? Makes no sense.

[@jcwilliams9806]

I like your thoughts. Also because a great player doesn't have International recognition or lots of records doesn't lessen their talents & skills, in my opinion.

[@zackwoods5077]

Just one lesson from Bobby Shew boosted my range from a consistent high Eb to a consistent high F# (some call it double F#) and massively improved my tone.

[@raidermike94536]

I gained an octave in a month after playing the trumpet for 40 years incorrectly. Just one lesson!

[@billpresing5568]

Blue Mitchell..thanks for counting him in. The Boss Horn !!

[@treaks123]

If this list got expanded, I would want to include Ernie Royal.

[@BigPapa37663]

Ernie Royal Jr. was my best friend growing up. I knew Big Ernie and his wife Flo very well and spent a lot of time at their house since they lived just up the block. Big Ernie was in demand for record dates. He was known for his high note work.

[@retrorex]

Here's More: Cecil Bridgewater, Bill Hardman, Kenny Baker, and the most Underrated of them all, RICHARD WILLIAMS! Man, why wasn't he more popular in jazz circles?

[@vintasgeport]

Wild Bill Davison, one of a kind. One writer described his playing as " a hurricane being forced through a small opening." Very roughhouse Chicago style. He held his horn at a very considerable angle to his lips, the result of a serious injury when someone threw a beer mug at him. The result is a very gritty tone, which only adds to the brio of his performances.

[@richnichols2137]

Nice compilation! I'd add Jimmy Owens, Charles Tolliver, Richard Williams, Virgil Jones, Ted Curson, Joe Wilder, Bill Hardman, Jack Walrath- for starters...

[@AustinCasey]

Yes, Joe Wilder. One of the most unique sounds/style to ever come out of a trumpet.

[@satishrobertson8771]

Rich Nichols Ted Curson was a mentor of mine. Right up til the very end his playing KNOCKED ME OUT. Truly underrated.

[@stefanofratta7648]

Carmell Jones, Woody Shaw, Shake Keane...

[@AntilopeDisecado]

Woody Shaw isn't underrated. Ted Curson is.

[@PatrickHislop]

Don Sleet, Kenny Dorham, Howard McGhee

[@barrypoupard7009]

What a fantastic video. Wonderful playing from all these gentlemen. Let's hear honourable mentions for Kenny Wheeler, Ray Davies, Kenny Baker, Paul Esherby ... s'all 'bout opinions. Tank you for posting this.

[@Herehear49]

Thanks so much for giving these players some notice!

[@alexandretassel]

Nice selection !

[@tetsuyatatsumijazz]

Thank you for sharing video of Eddie Henderson which is uploaded my old youtube account. I had coordinated his gigs in Tokyo around that time.

[@crtune]

Also Don Rader Bob Summers and Carl Saunders come to mind. Bob and Carl and I were on lots of jazz dates and they were amazing. Bob was also not only creative but also uniquely funny in an unusual way. Rader was just stupendous.

[@henridelagardere4584]

T(rumpeters)DWR Kenny Dorham, Brian Lynch, Dusko Goykovich, Billy Butterfield, Alex Sipiagin, Bobby Hackett, Howard McGhee, Ted Curson, Buck Clayton, Jabbo Smith, to name but 10. _(Guys like Sasha Sipiagin or Bobby Hackett are certainly far from being underrated, still their fantastic playing should be even more appreciated. Kenny Dorham is quasi synonymous with underrated, though.)_

[@AustinCasey]

Bobby Hackett really is underrated though. Any kid can play by memory a KD or Blue Mitchell solo but ask them to play a Hackett solo and they'll either not know who he is or not be able to play one. And they'd certainly be more likely to know a Brian Lynch solo sooner than a Hackett solo. Of course in Hackett's time he wasn't underrated... but I think in 2017 he definitely is.

[@henridelagardere4584]

99% of the Swing Era musicians are underrated. It's my _spiritual_ home base, so, in my world Bobby is at the very top, with Bunny, Roy, Charlie, Cootie, and even Pops. But you're unfortunately right, he has been underrated for decades. Anyone reading this should definitely check him out, for hours and hours. There certainly never was a sound (and phrasing) so effortlessly and delicately beautiful as his.

[@josephshahady8308]

So glad this video finally came out!

[@allenwardjr9222]

Richard Williams

[@johnpedicone7795]

Lee Morgan.

[@sbaiar]

Bobby Shew... still one of my very favorite trumpet players. His lines and feel for phrasing is totally killin'!

[@bravehome4276]

I wondered if you'd include Bix here. I was first introduced to him via my Dad's 78s in the early 50s, but only later came to appreciate his seminal influence on the jazz ballad style and his prescient melodic lines. There are a lot of influential voices in this list, glad to see Bix and Louis (two of the earliest influential voices for modern jazz trumpet) included here.

[@leeachim]

Are you sure, Bix and Louis are underrated?

[@biscuitbum1482]

Bobby Shew was one of the masters of the Flugelhorn, as here.

[@badddnote]

Ted Carson, Richard Williams and Chuck Mangonie’s (whom everyone knows as a POP flugelhorn player) trumpet playing on the Art Blakey Album Rucerdo. Try nailing that one on a Blue Note blind listening test! His playing with Blakey was super.

[@johntrimmel1051]

Lou Columbo, whom Dizzy used to listen at the club. Don Fagerquist, west coast jazz

[@armthealiens]

With Sweets Edison on the list I would say underrated means “a great trumpet player who did not achieve the status of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis or Clark Terry”. That’s a lot of players. Bring them on! Happy to see Tommy Turrentine there. But there’s so genius out there: Henry Red Allen, Marvin Stamm, Bjørn Ingelstam.

[@billymay70]

Good list! Nice clips. I would add Carmell Jones, Don Fagerquist and Joe Wilder.

[@freddobbs8702]

Tony Fruscella-I’ll Be Seeing You. Dupree Bolton-on the album The Fox

[@mrMATRIXGURU]

On the trail! So swingin

[@tonytothe8544]

Great vid. Thanks for this!!

[@loganivancik2086]

Check out Ron Stout! He plays mostly around the LA area now. Severely underrated .

[@albenoit2812]

Ron is also has a very distinct style and tone.

[@msotil]

I'm surprised no one seems to remember Jonah Jones. He was sometimes called King Louis II (a reference to Louis Armstrong).

[@jakeupson23]

Jonah a great trumpeter and the nicest man I ever met

[@edwardevans652]

@msotil I just discovered his album, “Jumpin With Jonah” and it’s magnificent. Jonah was a talented player / singer, but I believe he did not have a consistent run of strong, hit albums as the one I mentioned and that is why he’s forgotten.

[@msotil]

@@jakeupson23 I just saw your comment. I also met him at some New York City gigs. Yes, he was the nicest person, accessible and friendly. His band sent you back to the best of the '40s and '50s. Most fond memories from the Rainbow Room.

[@paulbin]

Very good list

[@waynecolburn8849]

I heard blue Mitchell in person in Oakland ca in 1977. The greatest I ever heard.

[@dfusselman]

People should recognize Danny Stiles. He played a lot with Bill Watrous. You can listen to the entire Tiger of San Pedro album on KZbin.

[@L33M_0]

I actually got to see bobby shew a few years back!

[@hustlaus]

Happy to see Nat up there. I think sometimes he gets overshadowed by his brother. However, I'm disappointed not to see my main man Roy Hargrove.

[@Bigandrewm]

Great list of greats. I'd humbly suggest adding a 2nd list including Jack Sheldon. That dude was an incredibly soulful musician. And a great comedian!

[@sydpotter]

"Was"? Still is!

[@sfmac313]

Along with Conte Candoli was his brother, Pete, who was quite a player. as well.

[@MrAlberto4567]

Great list ! Is it possible to have the titles and may be which concerts ? Antoine Caen help ? Thank's

[@svm9066]

Some to add; Tom Harrell, Bobby Rodriguez, Chuck Findlay, Don Rader, Buddy Childers, Snooky Young, Rolf Ericson, Charles Tolliver

[@hustlaus]

I was happy to see/hear Max Roach twice.

[@canoedist]

#4: Also check out Conte's solo on a "new" Buddy Rich chart "Nutville." A first performance with the Tonight Show band on Carson's show. Rich on Shaughnessy's kit. Also a killin' Lew Tabackin tenor solo. (Sorry, I went a bit off topic!)

[@modernjazzclassics172]

Great choices; no disagreements here. I, personally, think the greatest virtuoso and most underated trumpeter in the modern jazz era was Lee Morgan. Many people who are not jazzphiles don't even know who he is.

[@jamese1045]

Clark Terry is often overlooked even though in style (unique), technique, creativity, and contribution anybody who played trumpet knew him sight unseen within a few seconds! “Mumbles” was a master!

[@Eliarra]

Booker Little!

[@jamesf1525]

Very good list. Nat was a monster but was in his brother's shadow. Bobby Shew- great lead AND jazz player as well as great teacher and "chop doc".

[@russellziske7385]

Great list. Id add Fagerquist, Marv Stamm, Ira Sullivan, Mike McGovern, Dizzy Reece, Joe Newman, Pete Candoli…

[@IndianOutlaw1870]

Pete Candoli was good, but his brother was great (when in his prime).

[@Nuxunumo]

Oh shit nice Booker Little footage

[@jacobruiz97]

Now you should do top ten underrated trombone players video

[@finnohea982]

Blue Mitchell was my first thought of an underrated trumpet player when I saw the title, good job Bernie. Little, Edison, Wheeler, Turrentine all have such different styles but are definite masters of the art. I might include Dorham, Byrd, Mcghee and Harrell but they get plenty of praise from anyone who's listened to them. Perhaps for your next video you could do the top 10-15 modern trumpet players. Sean Jones, Terrell Stafford, Alex Sipiagin, Nicholas Payton, Wynton, Kisor, and many other would definitely be in that discussion.

[@AustinCasey]

The J@LCO cats would fill up a top 10 list pretty easy. Lol Maybe a top 10 under 30 list would be a little more interesting and original.

[@albenoit2812]

A few more of the modern guys could be Brian Lynch, Scott Wendholt, Scotty Barnhard, Jim Rotondi.

[@lbird2]

Don't mean to be a jerk but all but one of these trumpet players would likely come up in casual talk among a group of good trumpet players discussing some of the greats. Underrated? Not among any trumpet player I know. Better examples of underrated trumpet players would be Don Fagerquist, Jack Sheldon, George Graham, Charles Sullivan, Idrees Sulieman.

[@nitroxdanarwhal9908]

4:52 Jay Leno is killing it!

[@jzzft11]

Johnny Coles! Richard Williams.

[@COLTRANE2019]

That's right!

[@canoedist]

#1: Blue Mitchell in Horace Silver's group?

[@paxwallacejazz]

Kenny Wheeler a Wayne Shorter level composer

[@gertnood]

I really enjoyed some of his combo gigs, interesting player.

[@waynecolburn8849]

Bunny Berigan was my grandfather. Swing era.

[@bach1958]

Bunny was the greatest player of the swing era and beyond.

[@trumpet_gabo]

Nice list, but I think Nat Adderley, Bobby Shew and Thad Jones are not underrated players. Harry Sweet Edison was a famous big band player. Tommy Turrentine was a very good sideman. Blue Mitchell was excellent leader and sideman too. My favorite is from this list is obviously Booker Little. All time underrated trumpet player is Bill Chase :)

[@letlive8014]

Growing up in the 60's-70's, I recall hearing a section of music involving a trumpet(er) as the focus for the conclusion of "I love you truly". It is instrumental (with orchestra?) but he concludes it. Beautiful piece, haven't heard it in years, do you have any idea who it might be credited to?

[@djtrendsetta5766]

Cat Anderson. I think he kind of gets lost in the shuffle among all of Duke's other greats. Those high notes are like candy to my ears.

[@hfmarti]

James Morisson, the great Aussie virtuoso

[@pixelman6451]

Wait, isn't Bobby Shew playing a Flugelhorn in this??

[@Andresthielenmusic]

Most people who play flugel play trumpet they are pretty similar

[@davidtung6036]

I am hoping Al Hert in the 63's recordings to be provided as soon as possible, much appreciated! - David T.

[@albenoit2812]

Al Hirt indeed was a great trumpet talent but I think well recognized in his time, but not necessarily so much in jazz circles though he had great chops for that too.

[@garyleming3820]

Booker Little!!!

[@normaninnes1274]

Conte Candoli was wonderful with Live TERRY GIBBS DREAM BAND.

[@SeanLeonDrumz]

Thank You!

[@normaninnes1274]

Jack Sheldon: listen to SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE from the movie Night of the iguana!

[@wyhop6071]

Isn't that song from the movie of the same name, "The Shadow Of Your Smile?"

[@PaulRodericks]

What about Cootie Williams and Jonah Jones? Both great trumpeters for their individuality.

[@edwardevans652]

@Down-to-Earth I just discovered Jonah’s album, “Jumpin With Jonah” and it’s magnificent. Jonah was a talented player / singer, but I believe he did not have a consistent run of strong, hit albums as the one I mentioned and that is why he’s forgotten.

[@philiplevering5732]

All great. Look for INGRID JENSEN to join the list in the not too distant future!

[@PacmanRocks100]

Any chance you could do a "top young jazz trumpet players" video?

[@rapete2]

Yeah. Sean Jones would be at the top of my list of favorites. Of course Wynton and Roy would be on there, but I just love Sean's musical voice.

[@danielr.camacho7643]

rapete2 wynton and roy are pretty old by now

[@AustinCasey]

I think by "young" he means high school and college age players.

[@jazzbob57]

Wynton is an old dude now.

[@WELLBRAN]

christian Scott?

[@passionfreakz6827]

Carl Saunders and Stu Williamson

[@albenoit2812]

Yeah, though any trumpeter who's been around knows Carl is a monster player.

[@LuisMandragora]

Joe Wohletz is another underrated trumpet player.

[@aqlyte8232]

Ahhh that "wail' quote at 0:19 cute af

[@barrypoupard7009]

Does anyone know the name of the pianist accompanying Conte Candoli?

[@desperatetimes5873]

Barry Poupard Pianist Ross Tompkins. Also, Jack Sheldon is a great trumpet player. Listen to soundtrack og The Sandpipers, Johnny Mandel soundtrack. Sweets is one of my faves.

[@MrF3502]

Sweets is my favorite. I had a chance to meet him a few times & chat. He comes by the name "Sweets" naturally , not only the way he sounds, but also one of the sweetest guys you'll ever meet. You forgot Tom Harrell!

[@javierenriquenunezandrade7523]

THAD JONES !!!!!GREAT TONE

[@CaptainQueue]

Good list but only for jazz niche. Others could be Faddis, Soloff, Phil Driscoll, Botti, Vizzutti, Morrison, Findley brothers, and the great Derek Watkins.

[@stevenconner1709]

Underrated players it says. All of the players you mention are rated players.

[@davetrimble7494]

CaptainQueue 76

[@geraldnichols2722]

Agree on Phil Driscoll as underrated.

[@MrBbaker57]

When we say “underrated “ are we talking about public recognition or the very discriminating inner trumpet circles.

[@michaelhassler7446]

Almost all trumpet players are underrated, because vocalists are overrated (IMO).

[@davidbridenstine6358]

Great players all. But underrated seems to mean "recorded, but almost (or not quite) famous". So, lacking charisma or showmanship, the players on the list didn't achieve the widespread commercial success of Louis, Dizzy, Maynard, Doc, Arturo, Wynton, etc. I suspect there are hundreds if not thousands more. Start with Bunny Berrigan, end with James Morrison, and throw in Lew Soloff, Alan Vizutti, Wayne Bergeron, and Jack Schantz (a great NE Ohio regional player). The pyramid is really large once you step down from the top. It should be enough to make me put my horn away forever, but I love it too much.

[@jazzbob57]

If you didn't lead your own groups, then your name wasn't known as much. Plus, if you played in shows, like Las Vegas, you wouldn't be known either. Some monster players there.

[@klatchmo]

Jack Schantz is truly great!

[@deeblue984]

Whaaaa ?? Bobby shew on the list ?

[@psoceke]

Cootie Williiams should be on and I would place Bix at #2.

[@detroitmusicman]

Marcus Belgrave of Detroit should have been on this list. Also Thad Jones and Nate Adderley should not be called unknown or underrated.

[@scotttinkler]

detroitmusicman Marcus is heavy as, and I agree, Thad and Nat are very well known, so are Kenny and Bobby. But a great list of players, I just think lists, especially numbered, are a bit silly.

[@djtrendsetta5766]

"Marcus Belgrave of Detroit should have been on this list." Yes, "Gemini" is, well, a gem.