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Randy Napoleon

Guitarist Randy Napoleon is a performer, arranger, composer and a professor of jazz at Michigan State University. He toured with Freddy Cole for 13 years, and has also toured with Benny Green, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Michael Buble.

Napoleon arranged Cole’s last albums, including Cole's Grammy-nominated 2010 release, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B. He composes and arranges for his own bands, an organ trio, a quartet with piano, and a three-horn sextet that includes organ, drums, trumpet, tenor sax and trombone.

He has appeared on television nationally and internationally with Cole, Buble and CHJO on shows that include David Letterman, Jay Leno, The View, The Today Show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Regis and Kelly, Dancing with the Stars, the Radio Music Awards and Entertainment Tonight.

Other artists who have invited Napoleon to join them on stage include include Rodney Whitaker, Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano, Monty Alexander, Rene Marie and Bill Charlap. He recorded an album of duets with Comstock,"Bitter/Sweet"

Gear

Randy Napoleon endorses Stadler Guitars and D'Addario Strings.


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6
Album Review

Randy Napoleon: The Door is Open: The Music of Gregg Hill

Read "The Door is Open: The Music of Gregg Hill" reviewed by Paul Rauch


In and around the formidable jazz studies program at Michigan State University is a plethora of jazz talent devoted to instrumental and compositional excellence. Most of this talent is young, benefiting from a wide array of world-class instructors that includes program director Rodney Whitaker and veteran guitarist Randy Napoleon, among other notables. Within this labyrinth of jazz wisdom in the Detroit / Lansing metroplex is composer Gregg Hill, a former truck driver and tech entrepreneur whose performing ambitions were superseded ...

16
Album Review

Randy Napoleon: Rust Belt Roots: Randy Napoleon Plays Wes Montgomery, Grant Green & Kenny Burrell

Read "Rust Belt Roots: Randy Napoleon Plays Wes Montgomery, Grant Green & Kenny Burrell" reviewed by Jack Bowers


One's response to jazz--indeed, to music of any kind--most often depends on where he or she is coming from. To erase any doubts about where he is coming from, guitarist Randy Napoleon has subtitled his album, Rust Belt Roots, “Plays Wes Montgomery, Grant Green and Kenny Burrell." This is music born of a Midwestern ethos: Indianapolis (Montgomery), St. Louis (Green), Detroit (Burrell). Napoleon called Michigan home before moving to New York City in 1999, and has never forgotten the enormous ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Randy Napoleon, Dave Brubeck, Troy Roberts and More

Read "Randy Napoleon, Dave Brubeck, Troy Roberts and More" reviewed by Joe Dimino


This episode features a number of artists interviewed by host Joe Dimino. We begin with guitarist Randy Napoleon and his mentor Donald Walden. Then, we look into the music of Canadian cat Eric St-Laurent and we profile Australian-born saxophonist Troy Roberts . Finally, we pay our respects to the great Lyle Mays and his contributions to the world of jazz. Playlist Randy Napoleon “Wouldn't It Be Nice" Common Tones (Detroit Music Factory) 00:00 Host talks 5:57 Donald Walden ...

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Album Review

Randy Napoleon: Common Tones

Read "Common Tones" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki


Randy Napoleon may represent the new school of Detroit guitar players emerging from the lineage of Kenny Burrell and (Motown) Funk Brothers Dennis Coffey and Joe Messina, but his approach and sound on Common Tones are old school for sure. His fifth set as a leader (on the Detroit Music Factory label) collaborates across four generations of Michigan jazz musicians and sounds and feels like an old-school jazz conversation, as if Napoleon and friends are playing directly to each other, ...

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Interview

Randy Napoleon: Playing for the Jukebox Crowd

Read "Randy Napoleon: Playing for the Jukebox Crowd" reviewed by Trish Richardson


When guitarist Randy Napoleon titled his latest effort, The Jukebox Crowd (Gut String Records, 2012), the jukebox he referred to was not some nostalgic 1950s era one that sits idly in a corner. Rather, she is a much sleeker, hipper, and more modern version. She is cool and, of course, jazzy, and she commands center stage. One trait she does share with her older cousin is that she is filled with songs that are worth paying to hear.According ...

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Randy Napoleon

Read "Take Five With Randy Napoleon" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Randy Napoleon: Randy Napoleon is one of the most sought after guitarists in New York today. Just off from a two-year tour with Warner Brothers recording artist Michael Bublé, he has recorded a new CD, Between Friends, released in November 2006 by Azica Records and has been touring in the United States and the United Kingdom to promote the album.Napoleon's career took off one month after moving to New York City, when he joined pianist Benny Green's ...

350
Album Review

Randy Napoleon and Jared Gold: Enjoy The Moment

Read "Enjoy The Moment" reviewed by Mark F. Turner


Organ trios are prevalent these days with groups such as the neo-funksters Medeski Martin & Wood and Soulive, post-modern boppers Larry Goldings and Sam Yahel, and continuing offerings from veterans Dr. Lonnie Smith and Joey DeFrancesco. From the greasy grooves of Jimmy Smith to the sophisticated lines of Larry Young, imitators and disciples are continuing the quest to B-3 heaven. Add guitarist Randy Napoleon and organist Jared Gold to the list with their new trio recording Enjoy The Moment.

Centered ...

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21

Recording

Randy Napoleon’s “the Jukebox Crowd” Set For Release on April 2

Randy Napoleon’s “the Jukebox Crowd” Set For Release on April 2

Source: Janet Goldberg

With the release on April 2, 2012 of The Jukebox Crowd (Gut String Records GSR008), acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon adds a swinging third recording to his impressive discography. The album features Napoleon leading a three-horn sextet performing originals as well as arrangements of “Fools Rush In,” “God Only Knows,” “I'm in the Mood for Love” and other standards. Joining the guitarist are trumpeter Justin Walter, trombonist Josh Brown, tenor saxophonist Ben Jansson, drummer Quincy Davis and organist Duncan McMillan. ...

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Performance / Tour

Swing in the New Year with Randy Napoleon

Swing in the New Year with Randy Napoleon

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Guitarist Randy Napoleon came to the attention of the jazz world a decade ago when he was a student at the University of Michigan, soloing with Ellen Rowe's jazz band at a festival in Indiana. Among those who evaluated the young musicians were pianist Benny Green and drummer Jeff Hamilton.

On the last day of Napoleon's last class at Michigan, the phone rang. Hamilton was on the other end, inviting him to do a series of performances at the Hollywood ...

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Event

Randy Napoleon Sextet Previews New Music at Fat Cat

Randy Napoleon Sextet Previews New Music at Fat Cat

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Guitarist Randy Napoleon brings a three-horn sextet to Fat Cat in New York City on September 3 to perform originals and fresh arrangements of jazz and soul standards and rethought pop tunes. “It's really an exciting process," he says of working on the arrangements. “There's a fine line between doing something adventurous and doing something where the song loses what attracted people in the first place. The trick is to balance familiarity and surprise."

Joining Napoleon are Ehud Asherie on ...

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Performance / Tour

Mychelle Colleary, Elias Bailey, Randy Napoleon - Sunday 12/23 @ Cafe 50 West

Mychelle Colleary, Elias Bailey, Randy Napoleon - Sunday 12/23 @ Cafe 50 West

Source: All About Jazz

2007 MAC Nominee for Outstanding Jazz Vocalist MYCHELLE COLLEARY This SUNDAY, December 23rd, 5-8pm at Flatiron's hippest new Boite CAFE 50 WEST 50 West 22nd Street, New York 212-352-2233 NO COVER... no minimum... no maximum... I have the great good fortune to be playing with Elias Bailey on bass and Randy Napoleon on guitar. It's PICK-UP jazz, we just show up and play... an all is calm, all ...

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Performance / Tour

Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist Randy Napoleon Returns to Brooklyn Roots

Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist Randy Napoleon Returns to Brooklyn Roots

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon will bring his organ trio to the Brooklyn Lyceum to perform originals and standards, some featured on Napoleon's recent albums, “Between Friends" and “Enjoy the Moment." Songs include “These Foolish Things," the classic ballad popularized by Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, and a cheerful rendition of “You're My Everything." “I feel it's important to go beyond the darker colors of the emotional spectrum and include songs that make you smile," says Napoleon, who critics ...

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Event

Randy Napoleon Returns to Brooklyn Roots

Randy Napoleon Returns to Brooklyn Roots

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon, who critics have compared to Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, will bring a trio to the Brooklyn Lyceum on November 11 to perform originals and standards, some featured on Napoleon's recent albums, “Between Friends" and “Enjoy the Moment." Songs include “These Foolish Things," the classic ballad popularized by Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, and a cheerful rendition of “You're My Everything." “I feel it's important to go beyond the darker colors of the emotional ...

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Event

Randy Napoleon Trio to Play Cefalo's Jazzclub

Randy Napoleon Trio to Play Cefalo's Jazzclub

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon, who has been compared to Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, will bring a trio to Carnegie PA later this month. Bassist Mike Karn and drummer Pete VanNostrand join Napoleon to perform originals and standards from his recent release, Between Friends, including These Foolish Things, the classic ballad popularized by Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, and a cheerful rendition of You're My Everything. “I feel it's important to go beyond the darker colors of the ...

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Performance / Tour

Randy Napoleon Quartet at Kerrytown Concert House and Cliff Bell's

Randy Napoleon Quartet at Kerrytown Concert House and Cliff Bell's

Source: JazzStage Productions

The Randy Napoleon Quartet will be making two appearances in the Detroit, Michigan area this weekend: Kerrytown Concert House, Ann Arbor, MI - Randy Napoleon Quartet with Rodney Whitaker (b), Rick Roe (p) and Sean Dobbins (d). Join Randy Napoleon, who always loves to come back to his hometown, and bring together Michigan's best in an intimate venue that's all about the music. Saturday, August 25: Cliff Bells, Detroit, MI - Randy Napoleon Quartet with Rodney Whitaker (b), Rick Roe ...

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Recording

Jazz Guitarist Randy Napoleon Unites Top Artists for New Release

Jazz Guitarist Randy Napoleon Unites Top Artists for New Release

Source: Verbronics Enterprises

Fresh from international tours with Grammy-nominated vocalist Michael Buble, acclaimed jazz guitarist Randy Napoleon has released Between Friends, a new CD from Azica. The album is a mix of original tunes and jazz standards featuring Benny Green (piano), David Wong (bass), and Napoleon's ongoing trio with Quincy Davis (drums) and Jared Gold (Hammond B3 organ).

“The musicians on this record are some of my favorite players and people," said Napoleon. “This is music I made with my friends for others ...

"In the instrumental interludes, the [Freddy Cole] quartet plays swinging mainstream jazz that is always accessible and interesting. Napoleon has been with the group only a few months, but has already become an important part of what they provide musically...Cole stepped away from the piano for Luiz Bonfá's Morning of the Carnival, with some superb guitar work from Napoleon, who was simply sensational throughout the evening... " Joe Lang, Jazz Improv NY

"Napoleon plays with a gentle, purring tone that makes you lean in close to hear its range of color and articulation, and his improvisations are true narratives, a collection of shapely melodies rather than a series of prepackaged licks." Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Credentials/Background

Randy Napoleon studied at the University of Michigan School of Music and has learned from mentors including Freddy Cole, Benny Green, Rodney Whitaker, John Clayton, and Jeff Hamilton. He currently is an associate professor in the College of Music at Michigan State University. He gives private lessons and offers clinics for colleges and conservatories. Hours and location vary, since he is on the road most of the time. Check Randy Napoleon's website to see when he will be performing in your city and drop him an e-mail to schedule a lesson.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

DreamLand

OA2 Records
2023

buy

Rust Belt Roots:...

OA2 Records
2021

buy

Common Tones

Detroit Music Factory
2019

buy

Soon

Detroit Music Factory
2016

buy

The Lost Tune

From: The Door is Open: The Music of...
By Randy Napoleon

Hit the Road to Dreamland

From: DreamLand
By Randy Napoleon

Andy's Lament

From: Puppets: The Music of Gregg Hill
By Randy Napoleon

S.O.S.

From: Rust Belt Roots: Randy Napoleon...
By Randy Napoleon

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