Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire, a forward-thinking musician who prefers atmospheric post-bop, is Ambrose Akinmusire. Akinmusire was born in Oakland, California. He began performing professionally in his teens while also being a member of the Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble. Akinmusire was inspired by his early encounters with jazz saxophonists Joe Henderson, Steve Coleman and others to keep a close eye on his personal development. Akinmusire earned his bachelor’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music, and then his master’s degree at the University of Southern California. Akinmusire also studied with Lew Soloff and Terence Blanchard, who were trumpet legends. Akinmusire has been a sideman for many albums including those by Coleman, Vijay Iyer and Aaron Parks, trombonist Josh Roseman and Esperanza Spalding. Akinmusire won two international jazz competitions in 2007: the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, and Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. One year later, he released Prelude to Cora, his first solo album on Fresh Sound New Talent. Blue Note Records released Akinmusire’s second album, “When the Heart Emerges Glowing”, in 2011. Bio by Matt Collar. Rovi, www.starpulse.com
