Jared Hall - Influences (2024) [Hi-Res]

With his second Origin release, Jared Hall directs his attention to the influences that first kindled and then nourished and sustained his life path as a trumpeter/composer. Thoughts of Woody Shaw, Tom Harrell, Wallace Roney and others provided the inspiration for the eight original compositions, along with Gigi Gryce's "Minority," while their adventurous spirits, technical brilliance and commitment to a voice infuse the performances by Hall's quartet. Miami-based, Grammy-winning pianist Tal Cohen's exhilarating interplay along with the dynamic lift from Seattle's Michael Glynn on bass and drummer John Bishop launches "Song for Shaw" with a '70's momentum. They deliver an expansive warmth on "Dear Roy" for Hall to reflect on Roy Hargrove within, and the tribute to his main mentor Brian Lynch, "Professor B.L.," is imbued with a Latin-tinged fire.

Influences is a collection of compositions, many of which are dedicated to influential and innovative jazz trumpeters, all written after the release of my album Seen on the Scene (Origin Records) from 2018 to early 2021. A few selections have been performed live for years, while others make their debut here. Each tune is deeply personal, as the names mentioned below have been critical to my personal development as a performer, educator, and composer.

Song for Shaw is dedicated to the late trumpeter Woody Shaw. His angular sense of melody balanced with contrasting harmonic twists and turns was always intriguing to me. This composition aims to capture Shaw’s adventurous spirit and technical precision.

Losing Roy Hargrove was a devastating loss for the jazz community and New York music scene, especially at the age of 49 felt far too early. Dear Roy serves as a love letter to the soulful and lyrical side of Hargrove, often found in his ballad and flugelhorn performance.

Professor B.L. is a tribute to virtuoso trumpeter Brian Lynch, who takes his teaching as serious as his artistry. Having been fortunate to study and work with him for many years, his process was perhaps his greatest influence on my performance and pedagogy as a musician.

Another recent tragic loss was trumpeter Wallace Roney, passing from complications of coronavirus in March 2020. Wallace truly encompassed the sound, harmonic ideas, and rhythmic sensibilities of Miles Davis, all while having a unique impression on the music and adding to the lineage of outstanding jazz trumpeters. One for Wallace is a tune in his memory.

Let The Children Dance was one of many compositions written during my two-year residency at the historic Tula’s Jazz Club in Seattle, Washington. Having a young son of my own, this song is meant to embody the imagery of children playing, singing, and dancing where they express their limitless joy and innocence.

Beyond The Thorns musically describes moving through the harsh experiences many have in this life. If you live long enough, every person will encounter hardships and vices in their life which attempt to destroy them, and at times, succeed. This tune expresses the journey of moving beyond the pain, tending to the scrapes, and surviving scars to find peace and contentment.

I met one of my musical heroes, trumpeter and composer Tom Harrell, in the lobby of a hotel. The humility and sincerity found in the conversation of such a melodic genius was unlike anything I had experienced before. Harrell is composed in homage to his artistry and musical perseverance.

The lyrical beauty and seemingly endless melodic lines of Clifford Brown are found on a gem of a recording, The Complete Paris Sessions, Volume 2. Brown’s technical prowess and ease across the range of the trumpet on multiple takes of Minority are to be admired and imitated at a certain point in any jazz trumpeter’s development.

In high school, I found the recordings of trumpeter Nicholas Payton, especially the album From This Moment, melodically intoxicating with such a defined vibe in the groove. Based on Payton’s interpretation of the composition You Stepped Out of a Dream, Dream Steps attempts to drift the listener away from everyday life through a journey of melodic pathways and energetic shifts.

Jared Hall - trumpet
Tal Cohen - piano
Michael Glynn - bass
John Bishop - drums