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Richard Boulger

Trumpeter/composer Richard Boulger was born in North Adams, Massachusetts. At the age of 6 he was first introduced to the trumpet by his father, who was his first teacher and mentor and taught him the importance of expressing one's "heart and spirit" through the horn.

At 18 he moved to Hartford, Connecticut where he enrolled at the Hartt School of Music and studied with alto saxophonist and Jazz master Jackie McLean. In 1996 he made his debut recording with his Hartt School associate, trombonist Steve Davis (The Moon Knows, Brownstone recordings).

Richard continued his formal education, earning a Masters degree in 1997 from Rutgers University, where he studied with trumpet "guru" Professor William Fielder. He has since continued his search for knowledge, studying with such jazz icons as trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Donald Byrd, pianists Jacki Byard, Walter Bishop Jr., Richie Beirach, Hotep Idris Galeta, Charlie Banacos, and saxophonist George Coleman and Dave Liebman. Boulger has been equally committed to his development as a composer, studying with contemporary composers Roger Kiraly and Ludmila Ulehla. The latter, former Chair of the Department of Composition, Manhattan School of Music in New York City, stated in August 2000: “For the past three years Richard Boulger has been one of my finest students. He has developed and explored all facets of music. His musical ear and genuine artistry carries him through all details of theoretic harmony."

In 1999, at the advice of Donald Byrd, Richard founded the b-1 Music label, on which he would release The Calling, his debut album as a leader. He received much praise from some of the jazz world's most respected artists.

In 2001 Richard joined Gregg Allman and Friends, touring extensively throughout the United States. In 2003 he recorded with The Allman Brothers Band Live At The Beacon Theater (Peach records). He has also been a featured soloist with drummer extraordinaire Victor Jones and his band "Cultureversey," appearing at several clubs, concerts and festivals including an extensive tour throughout South Korea (May 2004).

Richard has recorded with such artists as: John Hicks, Randy Brecker, The Allman Brothers Band, Eddie Henderson, Victor Jones, Steve Davis, Dennis Irwin, Anthony Wonsey, David Schnitter, Jay collins and Kris Jensen. Richard also is committed to being an active clinician/educator and is dedicated to working with students throughout the New York City schools and beyond. He has recently completed a documentary for VH-1's "Save The Music." He is the leader of the Richard Boulger quintet, a band primarily focusing on his talents as an innovative composer.

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Album Review

Richard Boulger: Blues Twilight

Read "Blues Twilight" reviewed by Jakob Baekgaard


Getting an endorsement from a living legend like Freddie Hubbard seems like a dream situation for every aspiring trumpeter and here it is, written out in bold types. Hubbard has written the liner notes for Richard Boulger's second recording as a leader, Blues Twilight, and he is more than thrilled about Boulger's playing, calling him “an impassioned improviser" with “great chops and facility on the horn.

There's a sense and respect of tradition that goes ...

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"I am very happy and honored to be a witness to a great trumpet player. Richard Boulger's Blues Twilight is truly inspirational" - Freddie Hubbard

“Richard Boulger is a trumpet player with a big fat sound, great chops, and most importantly lots of soul.”- Randy Brecker

“I was truly elated when I heard Richard’s latest creative effort. He has exceeded my expectations” -Donald Byrd

Richard is a wonderfully gifted musician with a trumpet sound that would put some of the so called masters to shame. Rhythm-Sound and Vibe. He’s got it!” -Victor Jones

“Boulger has all the elements

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