A comment I made in a prior article about "Fly Me To The Moon" by Tony Bennett got me started on this subject as I jumped to my favorite trumpet version by Al Hirt and then it took off from there...
 
Anyway, here are resource links to information about the trumpet and some of the best and most popular virtuoso trumpet players I experienced via recordings during my lifetime.
 
My opinion isn't worth much, but below are my selections for the best, most popular North American virtuoso trumpeters of the later half of the 20th Century and first part of the 21st Century...in order of appearance...
 
* Louis Armstrong: Jazz, Blues, Dixieland, Popular [trumpeter, vocalist]
* Raphael Mendez: (originally from Mexico, became a U.S. citizen): Classical, light classical, Mexican folk [trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator]  [article]
* Harry James: Big Band, Swing, Jazz
* Al Hirt: Popular, Jazz, Dixieland
* Maynard Ferguson: Big Band, Jazz (Canadian)
* Allen Vizzutti: Classical, jazz [trumpeter, composer, studio musician, educator]
* Doc Severinsen: Big Band, Jazz, Symphonic [trumpeter, arranger, band director] [interview]
* Winton Marsalis:  Classical, Jazz [trumpeter, educator]
 
As you can see, my choices tend toward the classical, popular and big band.  I know many will demand that Miles Davis, Chet Baker, etc. etc. are included, but this is my list of virtuoso players I have listened to repeatedly and have enjoyed.  I enjoyed Davis' earlier "Cool" and "Blue" periods, but not his later more experimental periods. I'm not implying it wasn't good, just not my taste or style. Neither Davis nor Baker, while extremely talented and skilled musicians, were known primarily as "virtuoso" players. 

I originally had Don Ellis (jazz, avant-garde, electronic [trumpeter, drummer, composer, innovator, band leader]) as part of the group.  Ellis always had interesting and challenging music, but he is not someone I turn to when I want to just relax.  I could not include trumpeters such as Herb Albert, even though he was a good musician with a talent for arranging, promotion, development and producing, and who created the popular "Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass", which I also enjoyed, but not in the same way as those on my list.  
  
This list does not include Brass groups, with excellent trumpet players as members, such as The Canadian Brass or the Empire Brass.
 
A couple of younger International contenders:
Allison Balsom: Classical (British, up and coming - very good tone, clean technique, light touch without being weak).
Sergei Nakariakov: Classical (excellent technical skill and good clear tone, also plays flugelhorn).
 
 
What would be your choices ?


Online Resources for the Trumpet:
Trumpet-Stuff - all about trumpet players: audio, video clips, links, interviews, pictures and more.
The Trumpet Herald: The Trumpet Herald strives to bring trumpet performers of all ages and skill levels together in a meaningful and constructive way. (Forum, Marketplace, Schedules, Jobs, Registry)
International Trumpet Guild: The International Trumpet Guild is a non-profit  organization, founded in 1974 to promote communications among trumpet  players around the world and to improve the artistic level of performance,  teaching, and literature associated with the trumpet.
Trumpet Lecture: History of the trumpet
The Trumpet Gearhead: FAQs about the trumpet.
Trumpet Page: Links to other trumpet resources and information.
Trumpet Think: Trumpet playing thoughts, FAQs, How-tos,  instructional video.
National Trumpet Competition: official site.
The Trumpet: the physics of the trumpet.
Trumpet Home Pages: Information and links to some of the world's greatest trumpet players.
Roddy's Trumpet Web Site: Training, tools, resources.
Dictionary: Trumpet - picture view, parts of the trumpet labeled.
Virtual Trumpet Studio: History, training, resources.
Trumpet Center: A site for trumpet players, teachers, students and more.
Trumpets Website: a jazz trumpeter resource originating from New Jersey.
Classic Encyclopedia: Trumpet.
Trumpet Catalog: Sheet Music for the trumpet.
How A Trumpet Is Made: the manufacturing process of trumpet making.
Brass Instrument Samples: Trumpets
RawBrass: information gateway for trumpet players.
Bach Trumpet Page: information about Bach trumpets.
Conn-Selmer: manufacturer, including subdivisions LeBlanc (Holton) and Bach.
David G. Monette Corporation: manufacturer of trumpets and mouthpieces.
Getzen Trumpets: manufacturer.
Trumpet Master: Resources and communications for trumpet performers.
Pops Trumpet College: training for trumpet players by Clint 'Pops' McLaughlin, including embouchure.
BrassReview: a players guide to information about brass instruments, including trumpets.
Cornet Compendium: online history of the 19th century cornet.
 
 
Click here for more music education and enjoyment resources provided in previous blog articles.


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