Rick Holzgrafe - Classic Jazz Cornet
Career
Rick has been performing classic jazz for over half a century, starting in Santa Barbara CA where he was mentored by Bill Dods.Since then he has performed in festivals and venues across the American and Canadian west. Rick's biggest influences have been the classic greats George Mitchell, Bix Beiderbecke, and of course Louis Armstrong; and the masters of the Trad Revival including Lu Watters, Don Kinch, Leon Oakley, Ev Farey, Bob Schulz, and Danny Alguire.
Although he no longer plays trombone, he did for a couple of early decades. This experience brings a deep understanding of improvisational ensemble work to his strong lead cornet style.
He was recently the cornet (and part-time trombone) instructor for the Bert Barr Jazz Camp in Eugene, OR.
Bands
Rick has been cornetist for Kit Johnson's Black Swan Classic Jazz Band since 2013. Before that, he performed as a regular with the Fink Street Five, John Scott's Apex Jazz Band, John Soulis's Mission Gold Jazz Band, Ted Shafer's Jelly Roll Jazz Band, and Hal Smith's Golden Snake Jazz Band.He has also performed as a guest/substitute for bands including the South Frisco Jazz Band, the Back Bay Jazz Band, the Uptown Lowdown Jazz Band, the Evergreen Classic Jazz Band, the Hot Lovin' Jazz Babies, and Seattle Trad, among others.
Recordings
Rick has recorded with the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band, Mission Gold, Fink Street Five, Jelly Roll Jazz Band, Backdraft Jazz Band, Dawn Patrol Jazz Band, and Junior Smith's Remote Round Up, among others.Festival Links
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