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Joey Sommerville

Unlike most trumpet players, the basis of Joey's musical essence lies in the Baptist church. "When I was a teenager, I would judge the caliber of my playing by the number of people in the congregation who 'got happy'. If you aren't touching the listener's soul, then you aren't really playing music. Soul communication is the key."

He has performed and recorded with a wide range of artists from the jam-rock icon group Phish to hip-hop hitmaker Jazze Pha. He was also the featured instrumental soloist on the Cirque de Soleil's Grammy-nominated and Juno Award winning album, Alegria. In 2001, he scored a Gavin Top 20 Contemporary Jazz hit as a writer/producer with Bob Baldwin for the single "Business Call". In 2006, Joey took his turn as a featured soloist on Hidden Beach Recording’s “Unwrapped Volume 4”.

He produced Rhonda Smith’s “RS2” which features Prince, Sheila E. and gospel great, Fred Hammond. The song “Sunshine” from the album made the 2007 Grammy Ballot and was voted one of the 10 best albums of the year by Music Magazine (Japan).

His new album, “Like You Mean It”, features guest appearances by Wayman Tisdale, Marion Meadows, Phil Perry, Bob Baldwin, Rhonda Smith and Mike Phillips

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Recording

The Stars Align For Joey Sommerville's "Overnight Sensation"

The Stars Align For Joey Sommerville's "Overnight Sensation"

Source: Great Scott P.R.oductions

More than 20 years in the making, the soul-jazz trumpeter’s fifth album, due October 28, features Earl Klugh, Jeff Lorber, Jeff Bradshaw, Elan Trotman and Eric Essix. Atlanta, Georgia (25 September 2014): Behind every musical overnight sensation are years of toiling away in rehearsal halls, recording studios and sweaty nightclubs meticulously honing one’s craft. In trumpeter Joey Sommerville’s case, it’s more than two decades of writing, recording and touring to cultivate his following and establish his presence on the national ...

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Recording

Joey Sommerville Steps up to the Majors

Joey Sommerville Steps up to the Majors

Source: All About Jazz

Atlanta, GA-Atlanta's brilliant trumpeter, Joey Sommerville has signed with Three Keys Music, headed by Marcus Johnson and distributed by Koch Distribution. Joey's latest album, “Like You Mean It" will be released worldwide on May 12th. The CD's title track is an infectious Latin flavored party jam that has rocketed up to become the second most-added song to jazz station playlists nationwide. The song made waves high on the Indie jazz chart, catching the attention of industry insiders including Johnson. He ...

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Recording

Joey Sommerville Rides Indie Wave to Top of Charts

Joey Sommerville Rides Indie Wave to Top of Charts

Source: All About Jazz

Trumpeter extraordinaire Joey Sommerville is blazing his way to the top of the Indie Jazz Charts. His latest release entitled Like You Mean It, features cuts with Wayman Tisdale, Marion Meadows, Phil Perry, Bob Baldwin, Rhonda Smith and Mike Phillips. Sommerville channels a perfect mix of bouncy grooves, Latin vibes and House Beats, all infused with the melodic soul of this incredible talent. The magical blend has catapulted the CD to reach as high as Number 7 on the smooth ...

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