Biography
Rich Willey is an accomplished American jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator, and bandleader, born in Florida and currently based in North Carolina. His musical journey began with formal studies at the U.S. Navy School of Music and North Texas State University, followed by intensive gigging in Philadelphia and Atlantic City before settling in northern New Jersey, where he immersed himself in the vibrant New York jazz scene. Willey furthered his education with a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida and a master's in jazz performance from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with renowned mentors such as Byron Stripling and Mike Abene.
Willey's career is marked by versatility and depth, performing with legendary artists including Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Mel Tormé, Hank Mobley, and many others. He played the demanding jazz trumpet chair on tour with Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau and spent several years touring with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under Buddy Morrow. Willey is also a prolific composer and author, founding Boptism Music in 2001 to publish his extensive catalog of jazz books, arrangements, and original compositions. His musical style draws deeply from the bebop tradition, blending brash, forceful trumpet lines with lyrical warmth, and his arrangements are noted for their melodic accessibility and sophisticated swing.
As an educator, Willey has taught at institutions such as UNC-Asheville, Clemson University, Limestone College, and Gardner-Webb University, influencing a new generation of jazz musicians. His legacy includes not only his recordings and performances but also his contributions to jazz pedagogy and publishing, making him a respected figure in both performance and education circles.
Fun Facts
- Rich Willey is proficient on trumpet, bass trumpet, valve trombone, tuba, and the Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI).
- He founded Boptism Music to publish his own jazz method books, arrangements, and original compositions.
- Willey played the challenging 'jazz chair' as second trumpet on tour with Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau immediately after 9/11.
- He has authored over a dozen jazz instructional books, including 'The Ultimate Collection of Jazz Duets' and 'Jazz Improv Materials Handbook Complete.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Byron Stripling - Studied trumpet with Stripling during master's program at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies, jazz performance curriculum) [late 1990s–2001]
- Mike Abene - Studied arranging and jazz performance with Abene at Manhattan School of Music (Graduate studies, arranging coursework) [late 1990s–2001]
Key Collaborators
- Maynard Ferguson - Toured as second trumpet (jazz chair) in Ferguson's Big Bop Nouveau band (Big Bop Nouveau tours, live performances) [2001]
- Buddy Morrow - Toured with Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under Morrow's direction (Tommy Dorsey Orchestra tours) [2002–2007]
- Mel Tormé - Performed as part of Tormé's big band in New York (Live performances, big band gigs) [1980s–1990s]
- Lionel Hampton - Shared the stage with Hampton during various jazz performances (Live performances) [1980s–1990s]
Artists Influenced
- Students at UNC-Asheville, Clemson University, Limestone College, Gardner-Webb University - Taught jazz, trumpet, and improvisation, mentoring emerging musicians (Jazz ensembles, private instruction, published educational materials) [2002–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Puttin' on the Ritz | 2022-10-07 | Album |
| Puttin' on the Ritz | 2022-10-07 | Album |
| Conspiracy | 2019-10-04 | Album |
| Down & Dirty | 2019-06-07 | Album |
| Rich Willey & Boptism | 1998-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Boogie Beast (Down & Dirty)
- Down & Dirty (Down & Dirty)
- Walter the Ferret (Down & Dirty)
- Eyes All for You (Down & Dirty)
- Dancing Hippo (Down & Dirty)
- Ed Zachary Meets Gregory Peccary (Down & Dirty)
- How 'Bout That? (Down & Dirty)
- Old Folks (Down & Dirty)
- Little Treasures (Down & Dirty)
- Not so Fast! (Down & Dirty)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Rich Willey has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2025 | 06:15 | Poor Butterflyfrom Puttin' On The Ritz | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |