Local trumpeter Geechi Taylor takes the stage at Amnesia for a mash-up of works by hard bopper Roy Hargrove. Includes Front Burner session on the life and times of Roy Hargrove, led by SFJAZZ Education Director Rebeca Mauleón.
About Roy Hargrove
One of America’s premier trumpeters, Roy Hargrove’s inclination for straight-ahead hard bop has given him a long-lasting career. Originally introduced to the jazz community by Wynton Marsalis in 1987, Hargrove would soon be performing with the likes of Bobby Watson, Ricky Ford, Carl Allen and Superblue. In 1990, his first release for Novus was followed up by several years of touring with his own group.
By 1995, Hargrove had moved onto experimenting with the likes of Christian McBride, Stephen Scott & Joshua Redman. When the 2000s came along, he began mainstream collaborations with soul artists D’Angelo, Q-Tip and even rapper Common who all appeared on his jazz-meets-hip hop group named The RH Factor. Still fairly active, you can now find Hargrove fronting his Roy Hargrove Big Band that tours frequently.
About Geechi Taylor
Trumpeter Geechi Taylor is a Bay Area gem, an exceptional sideman who’s able to deliver on everything from jazz to hip hop. According to Examiner.com, “Geechi is clearly well trained with a rich musical base…saturated with the history of African American culture.” Playing music with meaning and purpose has allotted him the opportunity to travel the world, helping to spread his positive message through every song. Currently teaching for Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program, Geechi passes on the tradition of the jazz and blues to Bay Area youth.
