Trumpeter Jr Volcano Choy releases explosive debut album (Published: March 20, 2015)
Q: What instruments do you play, and when did you start. Did you receive any formal training.
A: My principal instrument is the trumpet. I started on the instrument when I was about 10-years-old. In addition to my work on the trumpet, I also do performances on ukulele at luau events. In the past couple of years, I have developed my piano chops to the extent that I am now getting calls to fill the keyboard chair and include vocals in the mix.
Early on, I had the privilege of receiving formal training on the trumpet from, first of all, my Uncle Norman Baltazar, my mother's brother, who himself was a wonderful trumpeter, a career professional musician having had worked for period of time in Stan Kenton's band. During those formative years, I had the advantage of being born and raised in beautiful Hawaii, a place where many great musicians chose to make their home base.
Q: Is Lava Flow your first album. Have you worked on other records before.
A: Through the years I have worked and appeared on numerous recordings as a sideman. This latest CD release, Lava Flow, is my first as a leader and so you could consider Lava Flow as my debut.
Q: What would you say have been the highlights of your career thus far as a professional musician.
A: Some of the highlights of my musical career thus far would have to be having had the many opportunities to share the stage with the jazz greats that I worked with and crossed paths with through the years. Just to interact musically and listen to their greatness up close are highlights that I will never forget. I have had the privilege of sharing the stage in times past with, in addition to Rodger Humphries and my Uncle Gabe, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton and Delfeayo Marsalis, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Bobby Hutchinson, Stanley Turrentine, Mark Murphy, Chubby Jackson, Stan Getz, Bill Watrous, and Les McCann, just to mention a few. I have been so blessed to have had so many of these "musical highlights" throughout the years.
Q: What are your goals for the future.
A: My goal for the future is to continue to do my best to honor the one who gave us this wonderful gift of jazz and to be able to, by his grace, enjoy and give this gift to others into the eternal future.
More Information: http://volcanochoy.com
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