November

Product Description

MAXJAZZ is pleased to present trumpeter Jeremy Pelt in November, his fourth recording for the label as part of its horn series. Pelt wrote and arranged all of the compositions on this acoustic, straight-ahead release. November features Pelt’s working quintet including tenor saxophonist JD Allen, pianist Danny Grissett, bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gerald Cleaver (special guest percussionist Jeff Haynes).

Review

“Pelt is among the most interesting young trumpeters in jazz.” —
U-Entertainment

“Jeremy Pelt leads a pack of young trumpeters that demand attention.” —
DownBeat

From the Artist

“I’m very pleased to present you, the listener, with the debut of what I think is a very exciting new group in Jazz! In the past few years, I’ve done quite a number of interviews, and the one question that always is asked is whether there’s anything “new” happening in Jazz (musically speaking). One thing about me is I’m an optimist about this music. I have to be…WE have to be, because if we’re not, the music will indeed disappear into the deepest recesses of obscurity without hope of retrieval. With regard to the question, there are many interesting concepts and groups in this music that could be groundbreaking if explored to the fullest by committed individuals. I’m honored to have four of the most committed musicians that Jazz has to offer in JD Allen, Danny Grissett, Dwayne Burno, and Gerald Cleaver. The music that you’re listening to on this disc (probably whilst reading these notes!) is, if you’ll allow me, what I consider to be some of my best material in years, and I do sincerely hope you enjoy every minute of it!”

About the Artist

Born in California in 1976, Pelt started playing the trumpet while still in elementary school. At first, he played only classical but once in high school, he joined the school jazz band and was hooked. After high school, he moved to the east coast to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied film scoring in the day and cut his teeth playing at local clubs at night. After graduating from Berklee in 1998, he moved to New York and quickly began playing with many distinguished artists. Profile, his debut CD as a leader, followed soon thereafter and commanded attention for his stellar performance and high-energy playing, as well as for his catchy original compositions. His second CD, Insight, also featured mostly original compositions, a rarity for such a young musician. Pelt has appeared on over 30 recordings as a sideman and also calls upon his musical training and experience as an educator at The New School University in New York City. “November” follows his previous MAXJAZZ releases “Shock Value” (2007), “Identity” (2005) and “Close To My Heart” (2003).
The jazz industry is well aware of Pelt’s talents and has recognized him in many ways. Pelt topped the 2007 DOWNBEAT Magazine Annual Critics Poll for Rising Star on Trumpet for the fifth consecutive year, and the Jazz Journalist Association awarded him the “Up and Coming Musician of the Year” honor in 2005 after being nominated in 2003, and 2004 as well. He’s won the ASCAP Young Composers Award and has performed with an impressive list of music luminaries including: Jimmy Heath, Jimmy Cobb, Wayne Shorter, Louis Hayes, Frank Foster, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Lewis Nash, Bobby Short, Keter Betts, Charlie Persip, Gary Bartz, Cedar Walton, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, and bands honoring Cannonball Adderley and Charles Mingus.