Over the past two decades, Freddie Hendrix has become one of the most in-demand trumpeters in jazz, and beyond. An accomplished composer, arranger and educator, Hendrix’s skill and versatility have led him to work with a wide array of artists and bands, from the Count Basie Orchestra and the Christian McBride Big Band to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys. Whether leading his own groups or lending his talents as a lead or section player in larger ensembles, Freddie Hendrix continues flourishing as one of the most exciting trumpet voices on the music scene, forging his own sure-footed, full-toned sound, out of the tradition of Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Lee Morgan, and Clifford Brown.
His first recording as a leader, JERSEY CAT, is a scintillating septet debut, impressing from the opening bars of the powerful first track, “St. Peter’s Walk.” The up-tempo tracks and ballads like “You Don’t Know What Love Is.” show Hendrix’s nuance and his ability to interpret any song with ease. The recording includes his originals, “On The Rise,” “Madeira Nights,” and “Whims Of A Waltz,” putting his composing and arranging talents on full display. Among the other selections on this well-rounded project is a wonderful performance of the Horace Silver classic “Peace”, and a swinging rendition of Freddie Hubbard’s “Hubtones”.
A graduate of William Paterson University with an MM in Jazz Studies and Performance from New Jersey City University, New Jersey native Hendrix also shares his knowledge and passion for jazz as a faculty member at the Hartt School of Music at The University of Hartford, The New School and JAZZ HOUSE KiDS.
