Biography
John Raymond, a trumpeter and composer, excels as a post-bop improviser by blending the modern creative jazz tradition with elements drawn from folk and rock. Emerging initially on the New York scene during the 2010s, he introduced himself via Fresh Sound New Talent through the 2015 release Foreign Territory. As a professor at Indiana University, he frequently directs a trio known for its broad stylistic range, including guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Colin Stranahan; this is evident on albums such as 2016's Real Feels, 2018's Joy Ride, and the live recording Real Feels: Live, Vol. 2.
Born in Minnesota, Raymond developed his abilities through studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before moving to New York City. There, he collaborated with prominent figures including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, and Linda Oh. His recording career began in 2011 with the crowdfunded album Strength and Song, and continued in 2015 with Foreign Territory on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. The following year brought Real Feels, showcasing his ensemble alongside guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Colin Stranahan. This group interpreted traditional folk songs and gospel hymns alongside jazz and pop standards using their refined harmonic jazz style. Their live performance from 2017 appears on Real Feels: Live, Vol. 1.
Beyond his performances, Raymond commits himself to education as Professor of Jazz Studies at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. Additionally, he wrote the instructional volume The Jazz Trumpet Routine: Fundamentals for the Creative Improviser and serves as host for the podcast The Trumpet Summit. In 2018, he released Joy Ride, marking his second studio effort with the Real Feels group. One year afterward came the live album Real Feels: Live, Vol. 2, captured during a show at the Blue Whale club in Los Angeles.
Born in Minnesota, Raymond developed his abilities through studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire before moving to New York City. There, he collaborated with prominent figures including Kurt Rosenwinkel, Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, and Linda Oh. His recording career began in 2011 with the crowdfunded album Strength and Song, and continued in 2015 with Foreign Territory on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. The following year brought Real Feels, showcasing his ensemble alongside guitarist Gilad Hekselman and drummer Colin Stranahan. This group interpreted traditional folk songs and gospel hymns alongside jazz and pop standards using their refined harmonic jazz style. Their live performance from 2017 appears on Real Feels: Live, Vol. 1.
Beyond his performances, Raymond commits himself to education as Professor of Jazz Studies at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. Additionally, he wrote the instructional volume The Jazz Trumpet Routine: Fundamentals for the Creative Improviser and serves as host for the podcast The Trumpet Summit. In 2018, he released Joy Ride, marking his second studio effort with the Real Feels group. One year afterward came the live album Real Feels: Live, Vol. 2, captured during a show at the Blue Whale club in Los Angeles.
Albums
