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Thomas Heflin

Tennessee-born jazz trumpeter Thomas Heflin has been hailed as "a fluent trumpeter with a bright tone and a forward-looking style" by jazz writer Scott Yanow. In 2005, he placed second in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition in Seattle, WA and has since been featured or mentioned in Italy's Jazz Magazine, The Pittsburgh Tribune Review and The International Trumpet Guild Journal among others.

A recording artist for Blue Canoe Records, Heflin has released three albums on the label. His 2007 debut album "Symmetry" was dedicated to the memory of pianist James Williams, who is featured on half of the recording. In 2009, Heflin produced and performed on "Introducing the New 5" by the cooperative group, The New 5 and In 2011, he released his third album, a collaborative CD with Ron Westray, former lead trombonist with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. The album also featured drummer Adonis Rose and bassists Eric Revis and Neal Caine.

As a former member of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Heflin has performed with the likes of Hank Jones, Wycliffe Gordon, Mulgrew Miller, James Moody, and Monty Alexander; recorded with Stefon Harris, Donald Brown, Gregory Tardy and John Clayton; and performed in festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Ezcaray Jazz Festival, and Jazz a Vienne. Outside of the KJO, Heflin has performed in a professional capacity with the likes of James Williams, Vincent Herring, Donald Brown, andLou Rawls.

Heflin is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he studied with jazz education pioneer, Jerry Coker. He received his masters degree from William Paterson University and his doctorate in Music Performance (Jazz Emphasis) from the University of Texas, Austin. In addition to serving as brass instructor at Roane State Community College, he has served as an instructor for the University of Texas Jazz Department, the University Outreach and Continuing Education Program at the University of Tennessee, and the The Jefferson Center Jazz Institute. Heflin also served as the Central Greenough Artist-in-Residence in Western Australia as well as the Always on Stage festival in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

From 2009 to 2014, Heflin worked full-time as Program Manager at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division, where he was also on the jazz faculty. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Jazz at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA.

Awards

2nd Place Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition Seattle, WA 2005

Gear

Vincent Bach Stradivarius 37 ML GR 66VC Mouthpiece Couesnon Flugel (70's vintage)


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Take Five With...

Take Five With Thomas Heflin

Read "Take Five With Thomas Heflin" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Thomas Heflin: Website bio:Jazz trumpeter Thomas Heflin is the newest rising star in the jazz world. In 2005, he made waves on the international jazz scene when he placed second in the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition in Seattle, WA. One of the most esteemed jazz trumpet competitions in the world, the event was judged by jazz trumpet greats Ingrid Jensen, Terell Stafford and Scott Wendholt.One reviewer from the International Trumpet Guild described ...

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Performance / Tour

Jazz Stars Hold Live Recording Session at the Elephant Room

Jazz Stars Hold Live Recording Session at the Elephant Room

Source: All About Jazz

Austin - The Ron Westray / Thomas Heflin Jazz Project performs Friday, April 24, at 9:30 p.m. at the Elephant Room, 315 Congress Avenue. Both musicians are recording artists for Blue Canoe Records, the first all-digital jazz label. Westray is perhaps best known for his work as lead trombonist for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra conducted by Wynton Marsalis. His performance with Heflin will be recorded for an album to be released later on the Blue Canoe label. A second ...

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Recording

Trumpet Player Thomas Heflin's Symmetry

Trumpet Player Thomas Heflin's Symmetry

Source: All About Jazz

"Symmetry", the debut of jazz trumpeter Thomas Heflin on Blue Canoe Records, explores the vast possibilities of contemporary post bop jazz through a carefully balanced program of original compositions and thoughtfully selected cover tunes. The self produced cd admirably showcases Heflin's brilliant, highly praised improvisational skills as well as the formidable talents of his band, including four tracks featuring the late world renowned pianist James Williams.

A rising star in the jazz world, Heflin made waves on the international jazz ...

"Heflin plays with a very fluid approach generating lines in a seamless, highly polished manner that is really a joy to experience." -Gary Mortenson International Trumpet Guild

"His original compositions both reflect his classic influences while demonstrating he clearly has his own voice." -Daisy Riprock Austin Daze

"Hefllin's playing is as strong as his conception of music." -Bob Karlovits Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

"A fluent trumpeter with a bright tone and a forward-looking style..." -Scott Yanow All Music Guide

"Heflin shows maturity beyond his years." -Glenn Astarita jazzreview.com

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Primary Instrument

Trumpet

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Morning Star

Blue Canoe Records
2022

buy

Symmetry

Blue Canoe Records
2011

buy

Evensong

From: Morning Star
By Thomas Heflin

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