Ologists (trumpet players)

Walter Simonsen, Trumpet, Leader, Arranger, Emcee

James Blackwell, Trumpet

Brian Mantz, Trumpet (Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)

Cameron Summers, Trumpet (Tracks: 1, 2, 9)

Tim Gill, Trumpet (vocals on 10)

Brian Owen, Trumpet

Rhythm-ologists (rhythm sections)

Kait Dunton, Piano (Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)

Adam Bravo, Piano (Tracks: 1, 2, 9)

Alex Frank, Bass (1, 2, 9)

Cooper Appelt, Bass (Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)

Adam Alesi, Drums (Tracks: 1, 2, 9)

Jake Reed, Drums (Tracks: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11)

About the Album, the Music, & the Musicians fromThis is Trumpetology

TRUMPETOLOGY is an ensemble of 5 trumpets and rhythm section led by emerging jazz trumpet player, arranger, and composer, Walter Simonsen.

Trumpetology’s exploration of landmark jazz recordings are as accessible as they are recognizable, but progressive in their unconventional ensemble configuration and sound.  This is Trumpetology, offers a fresh perspective on the way American jazz is presented.  The group’s debut album release features tracks with 5 trumpets: Walter Simonsen, James Blackwell, Brian Owen, Tim Gill, and Brian Mantz or Cameron Summers and 2 rhythm sections: Adam Bravo (p), Alex Frank (b), Adam Alesi (d) & Kait Dunton (p), Cooper Appelt (b), and Jake Reed (d).

Jazz enthusiasts will hear tunes from well-known recordings, melodies they recognize from famous improvised solos all notable in the jazz repertoire. The trumpets perform harmonized passages of legendary trumpet solos, such as Kenny Dorham: Prince Albert, Chet Baker: Autumn Leaves, Miles Davis: So What & Milestones, Lee Morgan:  Sidewinder.  This is Trumpetology is more than an anthology of famous solos; the arrangements are carefully crafted to feature each trumpeter’s individual voice as well as the powerful rhythm section. 

Some of the tracks incorporate the original arrangement from landmark recordings.  Others were reimagined in a way that highlights individual musicians and the unique Trumpetology instrumentation while staying true to the original song form. Trumpetology finds new ways to make jazz accessible and engage audiences by incorporating popular sounds.  Walt’s childhood listening inspired the crossover and mix between jazz and old school hip-hop, so an arrangement of I Wish also landed on the album.

Trumpetology always leaves their audience with a smile by taking them back to something they know.  For Walt Simonsen, a few laughs take the audience anywhere.  For straight-ahead jazz lovers, groove and old school hip-hop rap lovers alike, be ready to be introduced to Trumpetology.  We promise This Is Trumpetology: the study of great music, and the study of great trumpet players everywhere.