Photo by Chris Drukker
Dave Ballou
Trumpeter/composer Dave Ballou is one of the few contemporary players who straddles the line between mainstream/progressive jazz and creative improvised music. His recordings as a leader can be found on the Steeplechase, CleanFeed, Out of Your Head, Shiny Boy Press, and pfMentum record labels. Ballou has performed or recorded with ensembles led by Rabih Abou-Khalil, Steely Dan, Michael Formanek, Woody Herman, Andrew Hill, John Hollenbeck’s Large Ensemble, Sheila Jordan, Oliver Lake, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Dewey Redman, and Maria Schneider. Ballou worked closely with the late Gunther Schuller, performing as soloist on the definitive recording of Journey into Jazz with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project, and as a featured soloist for the world premiere of Schuller’s Encounters. He was an orchestra member for the Tony Award–winning Broadway revival of 42nd Street (2001–2004).
The Meridian Arts Ensemble, Rose City Brass Quintet, TILT Brass Ensemble, and the Monarch Trio have all performed his compositions. His work for solo trumpet, Samskara, has been recorded by trumpeter Jon Nelson. French hornist Adam Unsworth has performed and recorded an adaptation of Samskara for horn.
Ballou is a Professor of Music at Towson University, where he leads the Jazz/Commercial Music division and directs the Murray Jazz Residency. He has created curricula for jazz theory, jazz arranging, jazz trumpet, jazz composition, and improvisation for all instrumentalists. Ballou coaches small jazz ensembles and the improvisation ensemble, and directs the Towson University Jazz Orchestra. He is a faculty member at the Litchfield Jazz Camp and has taught at the Maryland Summer Jazz Camp, the Maine Jazz Camp, and the Banff Centre.
Ballou earned a BM (magna cum laude) from Berklee College of Music in 1986 and an MA from the University of New Hampshire in 1992.
Website: www.daveballou.com
Instruments:
- B1 Bb Trumpet
