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Jim Pugh

Jim Pugh is a distinguished trombonist, composer, and educator. The inspiring virtuosity and wonderful versatility he has demonstrated during the course of his career has caused Jim to be often honored as the "musician’s musician". Whether he is performing as a concerto soloist in a symphonic setting, recording and touring with legendary artists in the fields of classical, jazz, & rock, or bringing forth his own exciting new compositions that expand the role of brass in contem¬porary music, his creativity knows no boundaries.

Early years:

Jim began studying piano at age five and trombone at age ten. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music, Jim toured extensively with the Woody Herman Band and with Chick Corea before deciding to settle down and make New York City his home.

As a performer and recording artist:

Jim became New York’s top-call freelance trombonist for film scores, records, and music for television and radio advertising: over the past thirty-years he has lent his special talent to more than four thousand recording sessions.

His trombone can be heard in collaboration with leading classical and popular artists and orchestras such as Yo-Yo Ma, Steely Dan, Eos, Concordia, St. Luke’s Orchestra, André Previn, Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Pink Floyd, and Frank Sinatra.

Jim has been called on to add his sound to feature film soundtracks including A League of Their Own, When Harry Met Sally, and Meet Joe Black; and on hit Broadway cast recordings City of Angels, Fosse and Victor/Victoria.

In 2003 Jim “re-premiered” the Nathaniel Shilkret: Trombone Concerto to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops Orchestra. This mid-twentieth century masterpiece, originally written for Tommy Dorsey, can be heard in its first totally accurate recording, along with Jim’s own Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra, on his new CD, X Over Trombone.

Jim Pugh is the only recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Virtuoso Award for Tenor trombone, awarded after being voted Tenor Trombone MVP by the New York recording community for five years.

As a composer:

Jim’s original music and arrangements can be heard on National Public Radio, in film scores, on "jingles", and on record. His composition, Lunch with Schrödinger’s Cat, received a Lincoln Center premier in 1989 by Marin Alsop and the Concordia Chamber Orchestra. Jim premiered his Concerto for Trombone and Orchestra in May 1992 with the Williamsport Symphony. It received its New York premier in March 2000 with Joseph Alessi as soloist and Leonard Slatkin conducting the New York Philharmonic. A founding member of the Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble, several of Jim’s compositions can be heard on two recent Signum recordings, The Graham Ashton Brass Ensemble Plays The Music of James Pugh and Daniel Schnyder, and Scenes of Spirits.

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3
Album Review

The Sons Of The Soul Revivers: Live! Rancho Nicasio

Read "Live! Rancho Nicasio" reviewed by James Nadal


Founded in 1970, by Walter Morgan Jr., The Sons Of The Soul Revivers carry on the traditional gospel legacy started by their father Walter Sr., with the original Soul Revivers, in the 1960's.Walter Jr. is joined by his brothers James and Dwyane, supported by their regular backing band, taking the music to that sacred space where religion encounters rhythm. Produced under the auspice of Little Village Foundation, founded by keyboardist Jim Pugh as a commitment to discovering and recording original ...

230
Album Review

Eijiro Nakagawa & Jim Pugh: E 'n J -- Legend and Lion

Read "E 'n J -- Legend and Lion" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Is New York the Mecca of jazz? Well, some would believe so. It was the meeting place for two trombonists, Jim Pugh and Eijiro Nakagawa, the latter a young player from Japan, the former a well-known American veteran. The two trombonists found common ground and recorded this album with a band that fits them like a glove. The music paves happy trails for the listener.

Pugh and Nakagawa combine well. In tandem, their lines flow smooth and easy. ...

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Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Jim Pugh, Jeremy Haynes, Amina Figarova, Jazz St. Louis Gala, Jeff Coffin, Chris Botti, Dan Thomas, and More

Jazz This Week: Jim Pugh, Jeremy Haynes, Amina Figarova, Jazz St. Louis Gala, Jeff Coffin, Chris Botti, Dan Thomas, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

There's jazz and creative music happening early and often throughout this week in St. Louis, and so to help make sure that you don't miss anything, here's a special early edition of the weekly highlights post: Tonight, trombonist Jim Pugh is in town for a free concert at at Maryville University presented by the St. Louis Low Brass Collective. Pugh is best known for his work with Woody Herman and Chick Corea, but also has been a top studio trombonist ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Electric Chick...

Verve Records
2023

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Live! Rancho Nicasio

The Little Village Foundation
2017

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Sound Check - Jack...

Jazzed Media
2009

buy

Just Us

Telarc
2006

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Fast Track - Jack...

Jazzed Media
2006

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