James Zollar
James Zollar's Favorites
Trumpet leaning music from our Tunepike Virtuoso.
An active New York freelance jazz musician and a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra for over 40 years, James also carries film and music-video credits from Madonna to Robert Altman's Kansas City, moving easily between the concert hall and the screen.
6 albums
The albums
- 1
Happy Birthday Louis! (Live from The Newport Jazz Festival 1960)
Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars
Louis Armstrong is one of the most important trumpet players in history, and this live festival recording lets you hear why—his bright, singing tone and playful energy light up every tune. As a young brass player you'll pick up ideas about phrasing, swing, and how to really "sing" through your instrument. Listen for the way the small group trades off, with clarinet, trombone, and piano each taking a turn in the spotlight.
- 2
Roy And Diz (Expanded Edition)
Dizzy Gillespie
This is a rare chance to hear two trumpet legends side by side — Dizzy Gillespie and Roy Eldridge — as they push each other to play faster, higher, and hotter. If you play trumpet, listen for how they bend notes, shape phrases, and improvise. Even if you play another instrument, the energy of these bebop duels is exciting and inspiring!
- 3
Live 1968
Lee Morgan & Clifford Jordan
Lee Morgan was one of the most exciting trumpeters in jazz, and this live set captures his warm, brassy sound and the thrill of a band improvising in real time. If you play trumpet or sax, listen for how the soloists build their ideas and feed off the rhythm section's energy. It's a great way to hear where the notes you practice can take you.
- 4
Changes and Things
Sam Jones
If you play bass, this is a chance to hear how a bassist can lead a whole band while keeping everyone locked in the groove. The swinging horns and tight rhythm section show how jazz musicians listen and respond to each other in real time. It's a fun, energetic listen that makes you want to tap your foot.
- 5
Portrait of a Count
Conte Condoli
Conte Candoli was one of the great West Coast bebop trumpeters, and this album is full of bright, swinging lines that show off just how singing and nimble a trumpet can be. If you play a brass instrument, listen for how he shapes each phrase with clear tone and easy speed. It's a fun way to hear how bebop musicians trade ideas and keep the energy going.
- 6
The Duke Pearson Big Band
Baltimore 1969
Duke Pearson's big band shows how a whole ensemble can groove together—brass, saxophones, and rhythm section all locking in as a team. Listen for how each section gets its own spotlight, then hands off to a soloist, just like the parts you play with your own band.
