A member of the Sonoran Brass Quintet, Joshua Whitehouse has studied at the Eastman School, the Tanglewood Institute, the Curtis Institute, the University of Maine and Arizona State University. Until recently, he was a professor of trumpet and music theory at the University of Maine, where he served as director of Maine Summer Youth Music. Josh Whitehouse is well known as an outstanding performer and teacher throughout the Northeast. Over the years, the trumpet repertoire has tended to be limited to just a few well-known composers such as Haydn, Hummel and Arutiunian. Even the repertoire of the trumpet’s cousin, the cornet, has been restricted to the showy variations by Arban and Clarke. Fortunately, there is a treasury of gems for the trumpet and cornet by lesser-known composers, wonderful solo pieces many of which are showcased on this album.

Simplicity. The word expresses what this recording is all about. Three is an homage to the great trumpeter Chet Baker and his trio from the late 1970’s, which included Doug Raney on guitar and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen on bass. By channeling the power of simplicity from those landmark recordings, Brian Swartz’s trio infuses life into the concept of interpreting standards. For his trio, the Los Angeles based trumpeter chose two world-class sidemen: Larry Koonse on guitar and Darek Oles on bass. Displaying both mastery of their respective instruments and strong interdependence, the musicians explore fresh, fluid ideas while maintaining a granite-like foundation of tempo and feel. To put it succinctly, THEY SWING!

Scott Neumann’s various musical experiences include work with Woody Herman, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Maria Schneider, Kenny Werner, Eddie Gomez and more. David Berkman is anticipating the release of his fourth recording as a leader for Palmetto Records, and his previous recordings have garnered high critical acclaim, placing in the JazzTimes and NY Times Top 5 Records of the Year.

Jiggs Whigham is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, bandleader and educator. He first came to the attention of critics and fans in the early ’60s, as featured soloist and first trombonist with Glenn Miller then with Stan Kenton. Over the years, this soulful, intuitive musician has compiled an impressive history.

Learn more about Floyd Cooley.