Melvin Jones

Melvin McCuin Jones possesses a stylistic philosophy, an almost hypnotic sound, and technical facility found among few trumpeters his age.  He seems to shine seamlessly in almost any musical setting. Whether he’s playing lead trumpet, screaming on top of a professional horn section,  performing serious classical repertoire, or stepping out in front of a jazz quartet and leading a jam session, this young man proves to be quite capable of capturing the attention of any audience.

The beginning of 2010 signaled the beginning of a new chapter in Melvin’s career, as he resigned from his position at Morehouse College to resume his performance endeavors full time.  This refocus of his abilities was marked by the fantastic opportunity to tour with Tyler Perry’s company on his latest production, “Madea’s Big Happy Family” which ran through the Spring of 2011 before being released on DVD format and later retold in a movie version (in which Jones also appears).  A consummate and erudite musician, Melvin hopes to one day join that particular delineation of artists that have played a vital part in the advancement of their respective art and the inspiration of the next generation of aspiring musicians.
Currently, Melvin’s long-delayed, solo debut under the Turnaround Records label has enjoyed top charting honors and fantastic reviews since its April release.  Melvin also continues to uphold his rigorous performance calendar and occasionally presents lectures and clinics across the country.  He can be seen frequently in the horn section for the House Band of the Mo’Nique Show, The Penthouse Players, which airs weekly on B.E.T.  Additionally, Melvin is an endorsed artist for Phaeton Trumpets whose instruments he plays exclusively.  As an educator, Mr. Jones maintains membership in the GMEA, GAJE, AAJC, NANM, NCBD, and various community-centered educational initiatives.  Melvin also sits on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Jazz Society, as well as serving occasionally as a panelist for the Fulton County Council of the Arts.  Melvin also serves as co-founder for the increasingly popular, pre-ensemble horn section named “Solid State,” whose recent list of accolades include performances/ recordings with Arrested Development, The Anointed Pace Sisters, Tyler Perry Studios, T. Lynn Smith, The Pusscat Dolls, Fergie, Nicole Scherzinger, Missy Elliott, Polow da Don, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Byron Cage, PJ Morton, and most recently the “Original Dreamgirl” herself, Jennifer Holiday.

When:            Saturday, June 23, 2012 – 9:30pm & 11:30pm Shows
Where:           Churchill Grounds Jazz Cafe – 660 Peachtree Street – Atlanta, GA
Tickets:         $15

For more information visit, http://www.churchillgrounds.com/ or http://melvinjones.net/html/slideshow.php

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Trivia Question:

What trumpet legend help pioneer the Be-Bop jazz style?