Biography
Sean Jones, a renowned jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, educator, and activist, was born in Warren, Ohio, where he sang and performed in the church choir as a child. Initially playing drums, he switched to trumpet at age 10 after hearing Miles Davis, whose artistic vision and sound became his greatest influence, alongside John Coltrane's profound impact that shaped his path as a musician and educator. After earning a master's degree from Rutgers University, Jones joined the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra for a six-month stint, which led to Wynton Marsalis offering him the permanent lead trumpeter position from 2004 to 2010.[1][2][6]
Jones's career flourished as a leader, releasing eight albums on Mack Avenue Records, including Live from Jazz at the Bistro (2017) and No Need For Words (2011), emphasizing emotional melodies and strong band chemistry inspired by Miles Davis's approach to assembling top talent. His musical style blends gospel roots, jazz tradition, and innovation, performing across genres with symphony orchestras and chamber groups. A key collaborator with figures like Marcus Miller, he joined the 2011 Tribute to Miles tour with Miller, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter, and became a member of the SFJAZZ Collective in 2015.[1][3][6]
Deeply committed to education and activism, Jones served as chair of the Brass Department at Berklee College of Music, taught at Duquesne University and Oberlin Conservatory, and in 2018 became the Richard and Elizabeth Case Chair in Jazz Studies at Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute. He is artistic director of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra and Carnegie Hall’s NYO Jazz, president of the Jazz Education Network, and Artist-in-Residence at San Francisco Performances, championing artists' authentic expression.[1][2][7]
Fun Facts
- Initially declined Wynton Marsalis's lead trumpeter offer twice, preferring to be a soloist, before accepting after a tour.[7]
- His wife, Brinae Ali, is a tap dancer and vocalist who performs with him in the Baltimore Jazz Collective.[7]
- Assembled his core band by prioritizing the strongest talent, mirroring Miles Davis's method, leading to four albums in five years.[3]
- Switched from drums to trumpet at age 10 solely after hearing Miles Davis.[1][6]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Miles Davis - greatest personal influence for artistic vision and purity of sound (early inspiration at age 10) [childhood onward]
- John Coltrane - profound impact cementing course as trumpeter, composer, educator, activist (hearing Coltrane's music, epiphany at age 19) [youth]
- Wynton Marsalis - mentor offering lead trumpeter position, influence on work ethic and barrier-breaking (Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra) [2004-2010]
Key Collaborators
- Marcus Miller - frequent performer and tour collaborator (European tour (2010), Tribute to Miles tour (2011)) [2010-2011]
- Wynton Marsalis / Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra - lead trumpeter (LCJO recordings and performances) [2004-2010]
- SFJAZZ Collective - band member (group performances and recordings) [2015-present]
- Jimmy Heath - recordings and performances (various jazz projects) [career spanning]
- Herbie Hancock - tour collaborator (Tribute to Miles tour) [2011]
- Wayne Shorter - tour collaborator (Tribute to Miles tour) [2011]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
sean jones has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2025 | 18:32 | forgiveness(release)from no need for words | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón |