Born: December 8, 1960 Primary Instrument: Trumpet
Graham is a multi-instumentalist, composer & vocalist and best known on the Southend jazz scene as leader of fusion bands “Export” and “The Funky Few”, as well as playing alongside Kenny Baxter in the now defunt local jazz funk favourites “Turntable”. Additionally, Graham runs his own highly successful function band “The Alvin Jones Band” , is jazz soloist in the “South Essex Jazz Orchestra” run by Norman Britton & The Mervyn Wright Big Band , and can often be found guesting with various pop & soul bands.
Specialising on Trumpet, Flugelhorn, and the more exotic Bass Trumpet, Mellophone, and wind synthesiser, Graham is equally at home as a bandleader or as a sideman with such jazz luminaries as Jazz/soul saxist Derek Nash & Guitar giant Esmond Selwyn.
When performing, Graham is well known as a “crowd pleaser”, playing to the mood of the crowd as well as displaying that all-important 'feel' for his instrument. He is at ease playing music right across the board from soul and funk, to bebop and straight-ahead jazz.
This variety of musical styles is reflected in 'The Graham Hunter Quartet/Quintet', who are regulars at The Southend Jazz Festival as well as the Easter/Christmas jamborees organised by Southend council, plus various other jazz venues such as The Belvedere in Crays Hill/Billericay. The quartet/quintet features some of the top local (and not-so-local) jazz talent.
Graham is also on the committee that runs “Live At Churchills”, which is a Sunday lunchtime Jazz Club based in Southend, which specialises in music on the funkier side of jazz. You can find out what's coming up soon at this club at Graham's website.
Find out more at www.grahamhunter.net
