TRUMPETOLOGY: EPK, INFO, QUOTES, DOWNLOADS
“Walt Simonsen has come up with a clever and swinging rendition of jazz classics orchestrated for a trumpet section and rhythm that sounds terrific!
The playing and writing are first rate.
”
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.
Jazz enthusiasts can expect to hear tunes from well-known recordings, melodies they recognize from famous improvised solos all notable in the jazz repertoire. On their debut album, This is Trumpetology, released October 2015, 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. Trumpetology also 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, groove, and old school hip-hop, so arrangements of hip-hop standards are infused throughout sets of well-known jazz.
Trumpetology has played at many of the jazz and art music venues in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas including the Blue Whale, 7 Grand, the Dorthy Chandler Pavilion, Cooks Chapel, Barley Forge, Jazz Explosion Festival, and The Lighthouse to name a few.
Walt was recently featured on the Jazz Access Podcast, sponsored by AllAboutJazz.com, prior to the release of the album. He is an active freelance lead, and commercial/jazz trumpet player in the Los Angeles area. Recent notable jazz performances include Playboy Jazz Festival with Gerald Wilson Big Band and the Sinatra 100 celebration with George Benson, Renee Olstead, and Jane Monheit. Walt can also be heard on the recently released single Nobody but me from Michael Buble. You can see Walter Simonsen’s full bio here.
