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Terell Stafford

Terell Stafford, acclaimed trumpet player based in New York, has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player” by piano legend McCoy Tyner. Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player, he combines a deep love of melody with his own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism. Stafford’s exceptionally expressive and well defined musical talent allows him to dance in and around the rich trumpet tradition of his predecessors while making his own inroads.

Stafford first picked up the trumpet at age thirteen, initially studying classical music. While pursuing a music education degree at the University of Maryland, Stafford played with the school’s jazz band. In 1988, Stafford had the good fortune to meet and receive advice from Wynton Marsalis who suggested that he study with Dr. William Fielder at Rutgers University. After studying trumpet fundamentals with Dr. Fielder, Stafford was inspired to play all genres of music including jazz. It was during this time that he began to immerse himself in jazz; listening to everything he could get his hands on. Stafford cites one of his most profound musical influences as Clifford Brown’s rendition of Cherokee. Later, Marsalis gave Stafford the opportunities to perform in his group Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and teach at Jazz at Lincoln Center and Juilliard. Marsalis supports Stafford’s current role as Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia and continues to offer his guidance and support. While studying at Rutgers, Stafford was invited to join Bobby Watson’s group, Horizon. The next five years were spent balancing his offstage education with the incredible knowledge and experience gained from performing alongside Watson, co-leader Victor Lewis and Shirley Scott. Scott invited Stafford to join her quintet and the house band on Bill Cosby’s show You Bet Your Life, where Scott was Musical Director, this gave Stafford the opportunity to play alongside Tim Warfield that led to their ongoing musical collaborations. Stafford credits these experiences to honing his skills as an effective arranger, composer and bandleader; all things that Bobby Watson himself learned from his time with the late Art Blakey while performing with the Jazz Messengers. Stafford’s time with Horizon led to his joining McCoy Tyner’s Latin All-Star Band that featured some of the best Latin jazz players, including trombonist Steve Turre, flutist Dave Valentin and percussionist Jerry Gonzalez.

Since the mid-1990’s, Stafford has performed with groups such as Benny Golson’s Sextet, McCoy Tyner’s Sextet, Kenny Barron Quintet, Frank Wess Quintet, Jimmy Heath Quintet and Big Band, Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Alumni Band.

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Liner Notes

Tim Warfield: One For Shirley

Read "Tim Warfield: One For Shirley" reviewed by C. Andrew Hovan


Jimmy Smith and Larry Young have continually set the benchmark for creative endeavors involving jazz and the Hammond B-3 organ, Smith being acknowledged for bringing the technical virtuosity of be-bop to the instrument and Young for expanding the vernacular based on the forward-thinking implications of John Coltrane. Somewhere in between these two, a colorful range of styles proliferated throughout the '50s and '60s, from the cocktail jazz of Milt Buckner to the soulful grooves of “Big" John Patton. But it ...

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Album Review

Samara Joy: Linger Awhile [Deluxe Edition]

Read "Linger Awhile [Deluxe Edition]" reviewed by Dave Linn


Samara Joy's meteoric rise since graduating from High School has been well documented. As a college junior, she filmed herself singing Ella Fitzgerald's “Take Love Easy" accompanied by one of her professors, pianist Pete Malinverni. The video went viral, garnering over one million views. She then put up a GoFundMe page, quickly reaching the $8,000 goal to record her debut album Samara Joy (Whirlwind, 2021). A year later, Verve Records announced her signing and the release of her label debut ...

5
Album Review

Terell Stafford: Between Two Worlds

Read "Between Two Worlds" reviewed by Neil Duggan


Family is a major theme on Terell Stafford's Between Two Worlds, with compositions dedicated to his daughter, mother and wife. His band has been playing with him so long they must feel like family too. They include tenor and soprano saxophonist Tim Warfield, pianist Bruce Barth, drummer Johnathan Blake and bassist David Wong. In fact, Wong plays with Stafford every week as part of the renowned Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. Percussionist Alex Acuña is the new member of the family.

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Radio & Podcasts

Mike Jones, Terell Stafford & The Hot Toddies Jazz Band

Read "Mike Jones, Terell Stafford & The Hot Toddies Jazz Band" reviewed by Joe Dimino


With “Kansas City" from NYC's The Hot Toddies Jazz Band, we swing into the 815th Episode of Neon Jazz with music from their debut album. This hour of music highlights modern jazz that's brimming on the radio charts. We hear from singers Douyé, Olivia Van Goor and Matt Catingub, plus a strong dose of instrumental jazz from Mike Jones, Michael Ragonese, Terell Stafford and Dave Goldberg. We also drop the needle on more Jazz is Dead music via Tony Allen ...

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Album Review

Sam Taylor: Let Go

Read "Let Go" reviewed by Edward Blanco


Presenting his third offering from the Cellar Live record label, Harlem-based and Philadelphia native, saxophonist Sam Taylor unleashes an exciting bop-filled package of contemporary jazz covers, making a superb job of interpreting the music of composers such as Benny Golson, Hank Jones, Jule Styne and Jimmy Van Heusen and laying down sturdy new treatments of oft-recorded and ageless classics. The goal of this project is best described by the saxophonist himself in the liner notes when he states: “Fill the ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Bobby Watson, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Alpern & Terell Stafford

Read "Bobby Watson, Sonny Rollins, Wayne Alpern & Terell Stafford" reviewed by Joe Dimino


We begin the 798th Episode of Neon Jazz with trumpeter Terell Stafford followed by music from his mentor, saxophonist Bobby Watson. From there, we hear new music from Jacques Schwarz-Bart, Canadian Jazz Collective, Mike Bell and the combo of Chris Bates & Nathan Hanson. Finally, we hear from Wayne Alpern to round out the show. Dig the jazz, my friends. Playlist Terell Stafford “Time To Let Go" Time To Let Go (Candid) 0:00 Host talks 5:06 Bobby Watson ...

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Album Review

Rodney Whitaker: Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill

Read "Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Oasis is the third time around for bassist Rodney Whitaker and music written by fellow Michigander Gregg Hill, following Common Ground (Origin 82780) and Outrospection (Origin 82819). Personnel is the same as on Common Ground (Terell Stafford, trumpet; Tim Warfield, saxophone; Bruce Barth, piano; Dana Hall, drums; Rockelle Fortin, vocals) with Hall and Fortin returning from Outrospection (on which Fortin is listed as Rockelle Whitaker). Hill's compositions are for the most part firmly grounded in customary post-bop ...

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Performance / Tour

Temple University’s Boyer College Of Music And Dance Presents A One-Night Only Classical-Jazz Concert April 16 At Jazz At Lincoln Center With Orchestral Premieres By Billy Childs And Bill Cunliffe

Temple University’s Boyer College Of Music And Dance Presents A One-Night Only Classical-Jazz Concert April 16 At Jazz At Lincoln Center With Orchestral Premieres  By Billy Childs And Bill Cunliffe

Source: AMT Public Relations

Featuring Performances by 100+ Student and Faculty Artists including Temple University’s Symphony Orchestra, Studio Orchestra, and Faculty Jazz Sextet: Terell Stafford, Dick Oatts, Bruce Barth, Tim Warfield, Mike Boone, and Justin Faulkner. In Celebration of TU’s Faculty Jazz Sextet’s Album Release Fly With the Wind The award-winning Temple University Jazz Band (TUJB) today announced its return to Jazz at Lincoln Center in a one-night only concert April 16th at 8:00 p.m. Hailed as one of today’s leading jazz student ensembles, ...

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Event

Jazz Philadelphia Presents 2nd Jazz Summit: October 11 and October 12, 2019

Jazz Philadelphia Presents 2nd Jazz Summit: October 11 and October 12, 2019

Source: All About Jazz

Center City Philadelphia will be energized with discussion and performance at the 2nd Annual Jazz Philadelphia Summit on October 11 and October 12, 2019 when regional and national jazz luminaries explore the city’s deep jazz roots and discuss its future. Musicians, jazz enthusiasts, advocates, funders, and the arts and culture community are gathering at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the University of the Arts for both high-level discussions and hands-on workshops about the art and business of ...

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Recording

A Family Feeling: Temple University Jazz Faculty Record New Music By Bruce Barth

A Family Feeling: Temple University Jazz Faculty Record New Music  By Bruce Barth

Source: All About Jazz

In June, six members of Temple University’s noted jazz faculty gathered in Bunker Hill Studio in Brooklyn to record eight tracks of new music composed by Bruce Barth. Terell Stafford, director of Jazz Studies at Temple, lead the charge and the result, Family Feeling, is a reflection on the warm camaraderie between Terell Stafford (trumpet); Dick Oatts (also/soprano saxophone); Bruce Barth (piano); Tim Warfield, Jr., (tenor/soprano saxophone); David Wong (bass); and, Byron Landham (drums) that has been forged over many ...

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Recording

Ben Markley Big Band - "Clockwise: The Music Of Cedar Walton" Featuring Terell Stafford - Release Date: February 17

Ben Markley Big Band - "Clockwise: The Music Of Cedar Walton"  Featuring Terell Stafford - Release Date: February 17

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

Pianist Ben Markley, along with special guest trumpeter Terell Stafford, celebrates one of the more influential and beloved figures in jazz through this unique project, showcasing many of the late pianist and composer Cedar Walton's most revered tunes through new arrangements for big band. Performing iconic compositions such as “Hindsight," “Bolivia," and “Holy Land," Markley brings together fellow faculty members from the University of Wyoming and top-flight jny: Denver-area musicians to produce an honest and swinging recording that honors Cedar ...

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Recording

Trumpeter Terell Stafford Releases "Forgive and Forget" on Herb Harris Music

Trumpeter Terell Stafford Releases "Forgive and Forget" on Herb Harris Music

Source: All About Jazz

Herb Harris Music is happy to announce the release of a new album from trumpeter Terell Stafford. Forgive and Forget and is the second installment of a series of recordings dubbed “Jazzmasters Unlimited". A master jazz trumpeter with over 20 years of experience, Stafford has been hailed as “one of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player" by legendary pianist McCoy Tyner. A powerful trumpeter with a finely honed sense of swing, and the ability to croon ...

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Performance / Tour

Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia Dedicated to Preserve and Continue City's Signature Sound and Tradition

Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia Dedicated to Preserve and Continue City's Signature Sound and Tradition

Source: DL Media

Premier Performance on International Jazz Day Free Event at City Hall Courtyard in Philadelphia, PA - April 30th at 12:00PM Terell Stafford, Artistic Director, and Deena Adler, Founding Director, announce the formation and premier performance of the long-awaited Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia (JOP). World renowned trumpet player and Director of Jazz Studies, at Temple University, Terell Stafford, has organized an orchestra of 17 stellar, homegrown musical artists. ”I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to present Philadelphia Jazz in ...

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Crowdfunding Campaign

Support the Jazz Orchestra Of Philadelphia at indiegogo.com

Support the Jazz Orchestra Of Philadelphia at indiegogo.com

Source: Deena Adler

The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, with Terell Stafford as Artistic Director, will be launched at City Hall Courtyard at noon on April 30th for International Jazz Day with an announcement followed by a performance. Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, comprised of 16 excellent, Philadelphia based musicians, has an artistic vision that will honor, preserve and continue the rich jazz legacy of Philadelphia while adding vibrancy to the City's jazz scene. After a few local performances, there will be a Grand Gala ...

Performance / Tour

Jazz This Week: Terell Stafford, Nevermore Jazz Ball, Taylor Ho Bynum Sextet, Cornet Chop Suey, and More

Jazz This Week: Terell Stafford, Nevermore Jazz Ball, Taylor Ho Bynum Sextet, Cornet Chop Suey, and More

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

The autumn parade of jazz trumpeters in St. Louis continues this week with two more well-known touring musicians, even as the complete menu of upcoming local jazz and creative music events offers a variety of styles from avant to trad. Let's go to the highlights.... Tonight, trumpeter Terell Stafford opens a four-night engagement that continues through Saturday at Jazz at the Bistro. Stafford and his quintet are expected to showcase material from his album The Side of Strayhorn, a tribute ...

Video / DVD

STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Terell Stafford Sampler

STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: A Terell Stafford Sampler

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

As mentioned earlier here in this space, it's been a good fall season in St. Louis for fans of jazz trumpet, with gigs from the likes of Terence Blanchard, Wynton Marsalis, Christan Scott and Mike Metheny already completed and more to come. More specifically, last week we featured some videos of the sextet of Taylor Ho Bynum (technically a cornetist, not a trumpeter), who will be here next Saturday to perform at Luminary ...

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Performance / Tour

Terell Stafford Quintet Pays Tribute to Lee Morgan in the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Up Close Series, Feb. 25

Terell Stafford Quintet Pays Tribute to Lee Morgan in the Kimmel Center’s Jazz Up Close Series, Feb. 25

Source: All About Jazz

Terell Stafford Quintet continues the Kimmel Center's 2011/12 Jazz Up Close Series, which honors Philadelphia jazz legends, with a tribute to Philly born hard-bop trumpeter, Lee Morgan, on February 25, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Perelman Theater. The quintet will perform a bebop-infused program of select works from the legendary composer, arranger and musician's catalogue of music, as well as works from Terell Stafford's latest 2011 release, This Side of Strayhorn. Trumpeter Terell Stafford will be joined on stage by ...

"One of the great players of our time, a fabulous trumpet player." —McCoy Tyner

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Deep in the Soil

Origin Records
2024

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Keep Swingin'

Outside in Music
2024

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Fly With the Wind

BCM&D Records
2023

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Between Two Worlds

Le Coq Records
2023

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Personalities

BCM&D Records
2022

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Call to Order

From: Deep in the Soil
By Terell Stafford

All Members

From: Fly With the Wind
By Terell Stafford

Betty's Tune

From: Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill
By Terell Stafford

No, No, No (That Ain't the Way It Go)

From: Forgive And Forget
By Terell Stafford

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