Gift of Jazz Presents: A Centennial Tribute to Kenny Dorham

Musical Style: Jazz

Trumpeter Kenny Dorham (1924-1972) was famous throughout his career for not being famous enough. Overshadowed by Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, and Lee Morgan, Dorham’s accomplishments tended to be underrated and overlooked during his lifetime. But now, with the hindsight of history, it is easy to note that he was one of the most significant trumpeters of the 1945-1965 period, a distinctive stylist and a fine composer who had a musical message of his own.

From Derek Banach: When I began to seriously study the major Jazz trumpet players of the last century, I began with Louis Armstrong and moved forward through the decades. My years of listening and record buying eventually led me to Kenny Dorham. Most notably the recordings: "Max Roach Plus Four" (1956), Joe Henderson's "Page One" (1963), and "Point of Departure" by Andrew Hill (1964). I discovered that Kenny could not only play tastefully in his understated way over more "conventional" chord changes, but he had an adventurous side which he demonstrated alongside Eric Dolphy on the Andrew Hill album. I am also intrigued by Kenny's ability to play fluidly over fast tempos and still play melodically (as opposed to simply running scalar-type lines). His composition, "Escapade" is one of many that I often play in my live Jazz performances. Kenny's controlled and thoughtful delivery in his trumpet playing was appealing to me and impacted the way I play today.

Colorado native Derek Banach has performed professionally for 35 years in a variety of settings from Jazz to Hip Hop, Salsa, Classical and Reggae. His roots are firmly set in the Hard-Bop stylings of 60's period icons such as Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. Derek's quintet album, "Tugende" displays his composing talents and personal approach to trumpet playing, He has recorded with Italian producer Nicola Conte, Quintetto X, Paul Mulliken and has performed with Wynton Marsalis, Richie Cole, Joe Bonner and Ron Miles.

Derek Banach, Trumpet

Keith Oxman, Tenor Sax

Dave Hanson, Piano

Andrew Rose, Bass

Todd Reid, Drums

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