For those in the know he’s an icon and for new listeners a revelation: Tom Harrell’s trumpet sound is among the most beautiful and sophisticated ever. His precision and sense of harmony are unparalleled and his solos sound like thoughtfully composed lines. Furthermore, he keeps on innovating. For example, Infinity is his first album with a quintet with tenor sax and guitar. At the BIMHUIS he will perform with the same musicians, including tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, who has previously played sold-out shows here with Fly.
Tom Harrell has won many awards as a trumpet and flugelhorn player, and he has also earned his place as a composer. He has written and arranged for jazz bands as well as ballet, symphony and chamber orchestras. His arrangements include classical works by Debussy and Ravel. He has collaborated with legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Bill Evans and Horace Silver, with diva’s such as Dianne Reeves and Cassandra Wilson, and with heroes of the current jazz generation such as Esperanza Spalding and Ambrose Akinmusire.
‘A supreme trumpet/flugelhorn player, Tom Harrell has an endless flow of bubbling, intricate
ideas conveyed with an almost serene delivery. His equal ability as a formidable post-bop
composer remains in full flower. From dangerous tearups to near abstract to conventional balladry, Harrell is a master’ (Mojo Magazine).
20:00 – 20:20
Interview on stage by jazz journalist Koen Schouten
Tom Harrell trumpet, Mark Turner tenor sax, Charles Altura guitar, Ben Street bass, Johnathan Blake drums