Jamil Sharif w/Dr. John

Biography

Jamil Sharif is a native New Orleans trumpeter, vocalist, composer, educator, and actor whose musical journey began at the age of 14, deeply influenced by his father, the late world-renowned trumpeter Emery Humphrey Thompson (Umar Sharif). Raised in New Orleans, Sharif’s early training was under George Jansen, a distinguished music educator and former trumpeter with the New Orleans Symphony, who also mentored Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard. Sharif’s passion and talent led him to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), where he studied with jazz legend Ellis Marsalis, and later to Southern University of New Orleans, where he continued his studies under Alvin Batiste, Roger Dickerson, and Edward 'Kidd' Jordan. His extensive education and heritage have positioned him as a versatile and respected figure in the New Orleans music scene.

Sharif’s career has spanned decades, featuring performances as a soloist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, appearances on television programs such as Aaron Neville’s Christmas Special and Reading Rainbow with LeVar Burton, and roles as musical director for stage productions including 'Salty Dog' in Edinburgh and the Bourbon Street Revue in Nevada. He has appeared in films such as 'Hard Target' and 'Undercover Blues,' and his music has been featured in productions like 'Ray' with Jamie Foxx. As President of Umdah Music, Sharif has produced critically acclaimed albums, including 'Portraits of New Orleans,' which features Dr. John, and has collaborated with a wide range of musical luminaries. His repertoire encompasses jazz, blues, gospel, funk, pop, Latin, classical, and more, reflecting the rich musical traditions of New Orleans.

Jamil Sharif’s legacy is marked by his commitment to education, his global performances at festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and the Chicago Jazz Festival, and his role in preserving and innovating the city’s musical heritage. His work as a performer, educator, and producer continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Fun Facts

• Jamil Sharif’s great-grandfather was a legendary music teacher in New Orleans, instructing many of the South’s musical legends.
• He has performed in countries including Japan, Sweden, Germany, and France, showcasing New Orleans music internationally.
• Sharif served as musical director for the play 'Salty Dog,' which premiered in Edinburgh, Scotland.
• His album 'Portraits of New Orleans' features a collaboration with Grammy Award winner Dr. John.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Emery Humphrey Thompson (Umar Sharif) - Father and primary musical influence, veteran trumpeter (Broadway musicals 'The Wiz' (1975), 'Black and Blue' (1989), Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) [1970s–1990s]
• George Jansen - Early music educator, former trumpeter with New Orleans Symphony (Private instruction, New Orleans Symphony) [1980s]
• Ellis Marsalis - Teacher at NOCCA (NOCCA instruction) [1980s]
• Alvin Batiste - Teacher at Southern University of New Orleans (Southern University instruction) [1980s–1990s]
• Roger Dickerson - Teacher at Southern University of New Orleans (Southern University instruction) [1980s–1990s]
• Edward 'Kidd' Jordan - Teacher at Southern University of New Orleans (Southern University instruction) [1980s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Dr. John - Featured collaborator on 'Portraits of New Orleans' album (Portraits of New Orleans (Umdah Music)) [2000s]
• Wynton Marsalis - Performed together at festivals and with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra (New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra) [1990s–2000s]
• Aaron Neville - Television appearance on Christmas Special (Aaron Neville's Christmas Special) [1990s]
• LeVar Burton - Television appearance on Reading Rainbow (Reading Rainbow) [1990s]
• Midori Takamura - Featured vocalist on 'Shine' album (Shine (Umdah Music)) [2000s]

Artists Influenced

• Students at NOCCA and Southern University - Educator and mentor to aspiring musicians (Music instruction, workshops) [1990s–present]

External Links

• Spotify