Trumpeter Sean Jones

By Bob PROTZMAN

Jazz trumpeter Sean Jones was barely out of school when he underwent a head spinning, life-changing series of events that have made him the hot new jazz star.

In an 18-month period in 2003-04, after completing studies at Youngstown State and Rutgers universities (earning a bachelor’s and masters in classical trumpet, respectively), Jones, in order:

--Became an assistant professor of jazz at Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

--Signed a recording contract with the Detroit-based Mack Avenue label.

--Was named lead trumpeter of the prestigious Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra by its director, Wynton Marsalis.

Jones, 27, has recorded two CDs--“Eternal Journey’’ and “Gemini’’-- with a third titled “Roots’’ due in stores Sept. 12, traveled the world with the LCJO, and performed in bands led by such major figures as Gerald Wilson, Joe Lovano, Tom Harrell, Chico O’Farrill, et al.

His name, face and music are everywhere.

Luckily, for Erie and area jazz fans, Jones is going to be right here Saturday night at the Papermoon. His appearance will be the fourth in a series of monthly performances by nationally known jazz musicians at the downtown restaurant/bar.

Speaking last weekend by phone from Spain, where the LCJO has been performing a series of one-niters, Jones said, “I didn’t start out wishing for notoriety or fame. That was not my focus. But all these things started happening. Certainly, it has changed my life.’’

“Now I feel a huge obligation,’’ he continued. “I feel I owe it to the people who listen to me to give them a certain quality of music.’’

Apparently critics worldwide feel he’s succeeding in a big way, for in the new issue of Down Beat, Jones finished second on his instrument to Jeremy Pelt in the “Rising Star’’ category of the 54th annual International Critics Poll.

Like so many of America’s great black musical performers, Jones was, as he puts it, “raised in the church.’’ That, above all, influences his life and music.

“I’m a very spiritual person, and I believe that God has put me in this place so that people would learn more about me, about what’s inside of me,’’ he says.

 “The only thing I want to do is make people feel happy.  For me, music is about love; I want people to feel love when I’m playing,’’ he says. “And I want to be soulful 100 per cent of the time,’’ he added.

Born and reared in in Warren, OH, Jones sang in church and decided in elementary school that he wanted to play an instrument.

He didn’t pick saxophone, because everyone else did. The drums appealed to him, but his mother had other ideas. So he chose trumpet.

In 5th grade, he had his epiphany. “My teacher gave me the ‘Kind of Blue’ and ‘Tutu’ records by Miles Davis. That was the first time I’d ever heard a trumpet played,’’ he says.

Amazed at what he heard, he was on his way, encountering along the way the playing of trumpet masters Clifford Brown, Woody Shaw and Freddie Hubbard, all of whom became influences.

At Youngstown State, important encouragement came from guitar great Kenny Burrell.  “Kid, you’ve got it,’’ he told Jones. “Afterward,’’ says Jones, “he told me that very few people have what I had and that I have a responsibility to nurture and grow my talent. So for about three minutes, I was pretty happy, but after that, I said, wow, I’ve got to get to work.’’

Obviously, Jones has done just that, and it’s paying off.

Critics have sung his praises, but musicians have been even more enthusiastic, “He’s an unbelievable guy, soulful, with a great heart, and very knowledgeable’’ says Marsalis. Fellow trumpeter and high-note specialist Jon Faddis on Jones’ website tells Jones, “You’re my new trumpet hero.’’ Marvin Stamm, another exceptional trumpet player, affirms, “This young man is the real deal.’’ Veteran saxophonist Jimmy Heath raves, “The kid has range, power and a unique ability to improvise. He’s a quick thinker…and he has the chops.’’

Jones says he tries to live by the saying, “To whom much is given, much is required.’’ “So I’m trying to take full advantage of every opportunity that comes and do the best job I can in every situation,’’ he says.

His short-range goal is to acquire tenure at Duquesne. “I love it there.’’ Long-range? “Maybe in 10 years, I’d like to do an all classical album.’’

“Right now,’’ he says, “I’m having the time of my life.’’

Sean Jones

8:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday

With Basil Ronzitti, piano; Joe Dorris, drums; Tony Stefanelli, bass; Nick “Tito’’ Ronzitti, percussion

Papermoon Restaurant, Gallery & Jazz Club

1325 State St.

(814)-455-7766

$5 cover

Further information at www.seanjonesjazz.com; www.jazzerie.com

Bob PROTZMAN has written about jazz for more than 35 years and hosts “Everything Jazz,’’ 9 to midnight Sundays on WQLN-FM 91.3. He can be reached at protz@verizon.net or jazzhosts@wqln.org.