Biography
Cyrus Nabipoor is a trumpeter, composer, arranger, and educator who was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He began playing trumpet at age 11 with a memorable origin story—he originally wanted to play trombone, but it wouldn't fit on his bike. As an adolescent, he studied with Cynthia Plank and trumpeter Derek Sims, and in high school joined the Alan Jones Academy of Music. His early musical foundation in Portland would prove instrumental in shaping his distinctive voice that bridges genres with warmth and lyricism.
Nabipoor earned his Bachelor of Music from Loyola University New Orleans, graduating magna cum laude and receiving the outstanding undergraduate award in both Jazz and Brass. While at Loyola, he studied with Nick Volz, Tony Dagradi, and Jimbo Walsh. He also spent a formative term at the Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway, studying with ECM legend Per Jørgensen and Martin Winter of the Bergen Philharmonic. In 2015, he was awarded the prestigious International Trumpet Guild Jazz Scholarship. Today, Nabipoor splits his time between New Orleans and his hometown of Portland, where he remarkably lives in the very house where he grew up.
As a performing artist, Nabipoor has developed a unique voice that defies easy categorization, flowing effortlessly through jazz, funk, rock, and experimental improvisation. He's equally adept with acoustic trumpet and electronic effects, using a solo effect-loop setup to explore new tonal possibilities. He leads several projects including NORUZ, his own quintet and trio, and is a member of bands like Brass Lightning, Outer Core, Sexual Thunder, and Doombalaya. He has performed at major festivals including the Portland Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and has worked with notable artists such as Jamison Ross, Elle King, Tarriona "Tank" Ball, Jason Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Stanton Moore, and Dean Ween. As an educator, he serves on faculty at Loyola University New Orleans, works as an Artist-in-Residence at multiple Portland Public High Schools including his alma mater Grant High School, and maintains a private studio. He is endorsed by Edwards Trumpets and has partnerships with PreSonus and Horn FX.
Fun Facts
- He originally wanted to play trombone but chose trumpet instead because the trombone wouldn't fit on his bike when he was 11 years old.
- He currently lives in the very same house in Northeast Portland where he grew up, which he now shares with his wife and three housemates.
- In 2024, he realized a "life-long dream" by leading his jazz quartet with a string section in a concert at his alma mater Grant High School, which he describes as "a huge passion project."
- He has produced horn tracks for contemporary artists including Nicky Youre, Peach Tree Rascals, Clubhouse, and David Hugo, demonstrating his versatility across genres.
- In March (year not specified), he served as Music Director for a New Orleans Jazz Revue at the Hale Theater in Phoenix, Arizona, where he hired the musicians and programmed the entire event.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Derek Sims - Early trumpet teacher during adolescence in Portland (Private instruction) [Early 2000s]
- Cynthia Plank - Early teacher during adolescence (Private instruction) [Early 2000s]
- Alan Jones - High school teacher and mentor at Alan Jones Academy of Music (Academy instruction) [High school years]
- Nick Volz - College professor at Loyola University New Orleans (University instruction) [College years]
- Tony Dagradi - College professor at Loyola University New Orleans (University instruction) [College years]
- Jimbo Walsh - College professor at Loyola University New Orleans (University instruction) [College years]
- Per Jørgensen - ECM legend who taught Nabipoor at Grieg Academy in Bergen, Norway (Study abroad program at Grieg Academy) [During college]
- Martin Winter - Bergen Philharmonic member who taught Nabipoor at Grieg Academy (Study abroad program at Grieg Academy) [During college]
Key Collaborators
- Garrett Baxter - Bassist in Nabipoor's quartet (In Lieu of Tears album, Guts EP) [2020s]
- Micah Hummel - Drummer in Nabipoor's quartet (In Lieu of Tears album, Guts EP) [2020s]
- Jack Radsliff - Guitarist in Nabipoor's quartet (In Lieu of Tears album, Guts EP) [2020s]
- Jonathan Freilich - Sideman work with Naked Orchestra (Jonathan Freilich's Naked Orchestra) [2020s]
- Jeff Albert - Frequent collaborator and sideman work (Jeff Albert's Unanimous Sources) [2020s]
- Jon Roniger - Frequent collaborator and sideman work (Jon Roniger & the Good For Nothin' Band) [2020s]
- Ida Floreak - Visual artist co-producer of 'Lore' multisensory storytelling series (Lore performance series) [2020s]
- Jamison Ross - Worked together as performing artists (Various performances) [2010s-2020s]
- Jason Marsalis - Worked together in New Orleans music scene (Various performances) [2010s-2020s]
- Stanton Moore - Worked together in New Orleans music scene (Various performances) [2010s-2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Grant High School Jazz Band - Students at his alma mater where he serves as Artist-in-Residence; the band won a state competition playing his arrangement (Arrangement of tune written for 2023 Montavilla Jazz Festival) [2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Unanimous Sources | 2020-06-05 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Honey Pie (Real Time)
- Radical Centrist (Unanimous Sources)
- Big Shorts (Unanimous Sources)
- Twin P (Unanimous Sources)
- Segue (Unanimous Sources)
- Oregano With Intent (Unanimous Sources)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Cyrus Nabipoor has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 20, 2025 | 06:05 | Pan's Labyrinth Lullabyfrom Live At The Marigny Opera House | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |