For the remarkable composer/trumpeter/educator/activist Sean Jones, the pursuit of Jazz is a most serious endeavor in its fullest meaning and purpose— socially, philosophically and spiritually. Deeply influenced by immersion in Gospel music as a youth, Sean had an epiphany at age 19, like many others before him, with his first hearing of John Coltrane’s masterpiece A Love Supreme.

photo by Jimmy Katz

Committing himself to the trumpet, he studied with the great Esotto Pellegrini and immersed himself in the work of Woody Shaw, Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown and Wynton Marsalis, whose work ethic and ability to break barriers had a deep effect on him.

Five years later, after receiving a Master’s from Rutgers University, Sean did a six-month stint with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra which became a permanent position as lead trumpeter. During his JCJO years, he began touring and performing with his own ensembles and began a relationship with Mack Avenue Records for whom he has just released his seventh CD. He is currently head of the trumpet faculty at Berklee College of Music. He will also serves as a visiting artist at Litchfield Jazz Camp this summer.

This is Sean Jones’ first appearance at the Litchfield Jazz Festival. He will perform with pianist Orrin Evans, bassist Kristopher Funn, and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr.  Orrin appeared on our mainstage as a leader last summer and teaches at LJC. Luques Curtis, a member of Eddie Palmieri’s band, attended LJC for many years in his teens, currently teaches there each summer, and appears frequently on the LJF stage. Mark Whitfield, Jr., is the son of the great guitarist and studied at Litchfield as a 14 year old. We are pleased and proud to have our “boys” with us in a professional capacity.

The band will play on Sunday August 9 at 5:30.