This is a little belated, but deserves mention nonetheless.  Roy Hargrove, one of the most amazing modern jazz trumpeters of our time, recently passed away at age 49.  If you haven’t heard of this guy, do yourself a favor and check him out.  His career spans several musical styles, from straight ahead jazz to neo-soul/R&B to funky jazz to even hip-hop, and his mark is easily discernible in the sometimes obtuse jazz world.

Although primarily known as a “hard bop” player, my favorite period of his is around the turn of the millennium when he developed the sound of the “RH Factor”.  This was his foray into the funk, R&B, soul and hip-hop worlds.  The band I was with at the time started to perform some of his tunes and we were all digging the sound.  (It always cracked me up that the band leader never knew the names of Roy’s tunes, so he would just yell out “Hargrove” and we would play whichever latest Roy Hargrove tune we knew at the time.)  Needless to say, after performing several of his tunes, I was hooked.

Many years later I actually got the opportunity to see Roy at the Telluride Jazzfest, as the guest of honor.  I was so excited to see him on the main stage that we bought tickets to what ended up being a super intimate show at the Sheridan Opera House.  Unfortunately, he was having health problems at the time and seemed to be quite subdued overall, not playing a ton of his horn but instead letting his band be in the spotlight.  I have to admit, I was expecting more in your face funky jazz so I left a little disappointed.  However, after learning of his health issues I remember being glad to see him at the time–you never know where life is going take you next!

More recently I got back into Mr. Hargrove, adding a few tunes to the setlist from his 2005-2008 period.  Fyi, there are some awesome live shows from this time period–2003 & 2009 North Sea Jazz Festival, 2005 Stuttgart Jazz Open, 2005 Montreal Jazzfest, just to name a few.  He also took the stage with such legends as Herbie Hancock, Chucho Valdez, Michael Brecker and many others during the decade.  In fact, if you peruse through his career you’ll be challenged to find a jazz great he didn’t perform with!

A true genius and innovator, and most of all an incredible trumpet/flugelhorn player, Roy Hargrove will be missed in the jazz community.  Preserve his legacy by adding his influence to your collection–you won’t be left wanting for more!