Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the legendary trumpeter Freddie Hubbard’s birth, the Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble presents “Freddie’s Groove.” Featuring special guest Curtis Taylor, this concert pays tribute to the late American jazz trumpeter known for his impact on the jazz and bebop genre during the 1960s and 70s.
As leader of the Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble, trombonist, composer, arranger Phil Ranelin, has shared the bill with jazz greats such as Sonny Rollins, Wayne Shorter, Pharoah Sanders, and Archie Shepp. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Ranelin has been a mainstay of the Los Angeles Jazz scene since the late 1970s. In 1999, Phil was designated a Cultural Ambassador for the City of Los Angeles and in 2016 was inducted into the Indianapolis Jazz Hall of Fame by Jazz Photographer Mark Sheldon.
Special guest and GRAMMY® Award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style displays a level of maturity far beyond his counterparts. His unique blend of soulfulness, harmonic sensibilities and rhythm melt together for an unforgettable sound that directly connects with the soul of the listener. Taylor has performed and recorded with Patrice Rushen, Billy Childs, Gary Novak, Bob Sheppard, Ed Motta, Marvin “Smitty’ Smith, Rodney Whitaker, Antonio Hart, and jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut. In more recent years, Taylor performed and recorded with rising Jazz star Gregory Porter.
