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Grammy Award Winner, Wallace Roney is heralded as an "improviser who loves complicated almost mathematical lines and who performs with catlike grace" by the New York Times, trumpeter, composer and bandleader Wallace Roney is one of the most exciting and innovative musicians on the creative music scene. His consummate artistry and eagerness to explore and transcend musical boundaries has led him to collaborate with such diverse musicians as Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Carole King, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, Prince, Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell, among numerous others.
Praised by Time Magazine for his "amber tone and patient and considered phrasing," Wallace Roney has recorded over a dozen albums as a leader. Each recording illuminates the dynamic trumpeter's keen compositional chops and versatility as a bandleader and composer. It is rare to find a musician who can superbly execute and breathe new life into such juxtaposed musicians as Miles Davis, Kenny Dorham, Al Green, and Slick Rick. Roney's most recent CD is the HighNote recording Mystikal. AllAboutJazz.com says, "Mystikal continues his path towards combining past and present—with, most importantly, a clear eye on the future." Roney has also recorded for Chick Corea's Stretch label, as well as Warner Bros.
Equally at home with acoustic and electronic jazz, R&B and funk, Wallace Roney was born in the City of Brotherly Love, following a long list of celebrated trumpeters including Lee Morgan and Johnny Coles. By the age of four, Roney began studying at the renowned Settlement School of Music and a decade later he made his first recording date. After relocating to Washington DC, Roney attended the prestigious Duke Ellington High School for the Performing Arts. In 1979 and 1980 the young trumpeter had the distinction of winning at Down Beat's Award for "Best Young Jazz Musician of the Year." He continued his studies at Berklee College of Music and Howard University while also earning credits in Art Blakey's University as a Jazz Messenger. Â He went on to work with Miles Davis alum and drum extraordinaire Tony Williams' Quintet.
In the mid-80s, Wallace Roney performed a tribute for Miles Davis' birthday at Carnegie Hall marking a pivotal moment in the young trumpeter's life. Roney holds the distinction of being the only trumpet player Davis ever personally mentored. In 1991, Roney performed with Miles in the now legendary Montreux concert conducted by Quincy Jones in which he returned to the landmark music he once recorded with Gil Evans. Following Miles' passing Roney toured with the original members of Miles Davis' famed quintet; Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter and Tony Williams. In 2006, Hancock, the Davis family, and VH-1 invited Roney to celebrate Miles' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during an internationally televised event.
Wallace Roney currently maintains a busy schedule touring the world with his sextet.
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