JAZZ TRUMPET TRANSCRIPTIONS
Welcome to my jazz trumpet transcription archive, where you’ll find a curated collection of accurate trumpet solo transcriptions from my YouTube channel. Each transcription is meticulously notated and all available for free PDF download, making it easy for you to practice legendary jazz solos on your Bb trumpet. Whether you're a student, a professional musician, or a jazz enthusiast, these transcriptions will help you improve your improvisation skills, develop your phrasing, and expand your jazz vocabulary.
All transcriptions are specifically arranged for Bb trumpet players, ensuring they are playable right out of the box. Check back regularly for new uploads, and feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more jazz transcriptions, analysis, and performance videos.
Enjoy the transcriptions, and happy practicing!
List of Artists
Benny Benack III
Benny Benack III, born November 23, 1990, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an American jazz trumpeter, vocalist, and composer. He began playing piano at age five and trumpet at nine, later earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from the Manhattan School of Music. Known for his fiery trumpet playing and expressive vocals, Benack has performed with notable artists such as Christian McBride, Josh Groban, and Postmodern Jukebox. He has released three albums as a bandleader: "One of a Kind" (2017), "A Lot of Livin' to Do" (2020), and "Third Time's the Charm" (2023). Continuing a family legacy, he is the grandson of Pittsburgh jazz trumpeter Benny Benack Sr.
Bruce Harris
Bruce Harris, a Bronx native, is a distinguished trumpeter, composer, and educator in New York City's jazz scene. He began playing the trumpet at age 12, inspired by jazz icons like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. Harris earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in jazz performance from SUNY Purchase College, studying under trumpet virtuoso Jon Faddis. Throughout his career, he has performed with renowned artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Tony Bennett, and Lady Gaga, and has been featured in Broadway productions like "After Midnight" and "Shuffle Along." As a bandleader, Harris released his debut album, "Beginnings," in 2017, followed by "Soundview" in 2021. He currently serves as the Program Director at the Louis Armstrong House Museum, where he continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of jazz musicians.
Chet Baker
Chet Baker was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist who became a leading figure in the cool jazz movement. He began playing the trumpet in his school band and later served in U.S. Army bands. In the early 1950s, Baker gained prominence with Gerry Mulligan's pianoless quartet, where his lyrical trumpet style and subdued tone became defining features of West Coast jazz. His 1954 album, "Chet Baker Sings," showcased his soft, melancholic vocal style, further cementing his status in the jazz world. Despite his musical achievements, Baker's career was marred by a struggle with heroin addiction, leading to legal and personal challenges. He continued to perform and record extensively, particularly in Europe, until his death in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Baker's enduring legacy is marked by his emotive performances and his role in shaping the cool jazz genre.
Donald Byrd
Donald Byrd was an American jazz trumpeter and educator renowned for his contributions to both hard bop and jazz fusion. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he performed with Lionel Hampton before finishing high school and later earned degrees from Wayne State University and the Manhattan School of Music. In the 1950s, Byrd gained prominence as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and collaborated with jazz luminaries such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins. In the 1970s, he pioneered the fusion of jazz with funk and soul, notably with his album "Black Byrd," which became Blue Note Records' highest-selling album at the time. Byrd was also a dedicated educator, establishing jazz studies programs at institutions including Howard University, where he formed the acclaimed group the Blackbyrds with his students.
Freddie Hubbard
Freddie Hubbard was an American jazz trumpeter celebrated for his contributions to bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles. Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, he began playing the trumpet in his school band and studied at the Arthur Jordan Conservatory of Music. In 1958, he moved to New York City, quickly establishing himself by performing with jazz luminaries such as Sonny Rollins, Slide Hampton, and J.J. Johnson. Hubbard gained prominence as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and collaborated on seminal recordings, including John Coltrane's "Ascension" and Ornette Coleman's "Free Jazz." As a bandleader, he released influential albums like "Red Clay" and "First Light," the latter earning him a Grammy Award. Hubbard's virtuosic technique and innovative approach have left a lasting impact on the jazz genre.
James Morrison
James Morrison, born on November 11, 1962, in Boorowa, New South Wales, Australia, is a renowned jazz multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator. Primarily known for his virtuosity on the trumpet, Morrison also plays trombone, piano, saxophone, and double bass. He began his musical journey at a young age, performing professionally in nightclubs by the age of thirteen. Throughout his career, Morrison has collaborated with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, and Wynton Marsalis, and has performed at major international jazz festivals, including Montreux and North Sea. In addition to his performance career, he has contributed significantly to music education, founding the James Morrison Academy of Music in Mount Gambier, South Australia.
Kenny Rampton
Kenny Rampton, a distinguished trumpeter from Las Vegas, Nevada, joined the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 2010. Beyond his performances with the JLCO, he leads his own ensembles and released his debut solo album, "Moon Over Babylon," in 2013. Rampton is also recognized as the trumpet voice for the PBS series "Sesame Street." Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable groups and artists, including the Mingus Big Band, George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, and Chico O'Farrill's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra. His Broadway credits feature productions such as "Anything Goes," "Finian’s Rainbow," and "The Color Purple."
Lee Morgan
Lee Morgan was an American jazz trumpeter and composer, renowned for his significant contributions to the hard bop genre. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he began playing the trumpet at 13 and quickly showcased prodigious talent. By 18, he was performing with Dizzy Gillespie's big band, and he later became a key member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Morgan's 1964 album, "The Sidewinder," achieved crossover success, blending hard bop with soul and blues elements. Tragically, his life was cut short at 33 when he was fatally shot during a performance in New York City. Despite his brief career, Morgan's dynamic style and innovative compositions have left a lasting impact on jazz.
Marcus Printup
Marcus Printup is an American jazz trumpeter renowned for his dynamic performances and contributions to the genre. His early musical experiences were shaped by the gospel music his parents sang in church, and he discovered jazz during his senior year of high school. Printup attended the University of North Florida on a music scholarship, where he won the International Trumpet Guild Jazz Trumpet Competition. In 1991, he met pianist Marcus Roberts, who introduced him to Wynton Marsalis, leading to his joining the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 1993. Throughout his career, Printup has performed with notable artists such as Betty Carter, Dianne Reeves, and Eric Reed. As a bandleader, he has released several albums, including "Song for the Beautiful Woman" and "Unveiled.”
Nat Adderley
Nat Adderley was an American jazz cornetist and composer, renowned for his work in the soul jazz genre. Born in Tampa, Florida, he began playing trumpet in his teens before switching to cornet in 1950. He initially gained recognition performing with Lionel Hampton's big band and later co-led the Cannonball Adderley Quintet with his brother, alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. Nat contributed notable compositions such as "Work Song" and "Jive Samba," which became jazz standards. Following his brother's death in 1975, Nat continued to lead his own ensembles and remained an influential figure in jazz until his passing.
Ryan Kisor
Ryan Kisor, born April 12, 1973, in Sioux City, Iowa, is an American jazz trumpeter celebrated for his contributions to the post-bop genre. He began playing trumpet at age four under the guidance of his father and gained early experience performing with local dance bands. At 17, Kisor won the 1990 Thelonious Monk Institute's trumpet competition, leading to a recording contract with Columbia Records. He has released numerous albums as a leader and has been a member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra since 1994. Throughout his career, Kisor has collaborated with notable artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Gerry Mulligan, and Horace Silver
Terell Stafford
Terell Stafford, born November 25, 1966, in Miami, Florida, is an acclaimed jazz trumpeter and educator. Initially trained in classical music, he transitioned to jazz during his studies at the University of Maryland. Stafford has performed with notable artists such as McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, and the Clayton Brothers. He currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies and Chair of Instrumental Studies at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance. Additionally, Stafford leads his own quintet and is the Managing and Artistic Director of the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia.
Wynton Marsalis
Wynton Marsalis, born October 18, 1961, in New Orleans, is a renowned trumpeter, composer, and educator. He began playing trumpet at age 12 and later attended the Juilliard School. Marsalis gained prominence with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and released his debut album in 1982. He is the only musician to win Grammy Awards in both jazz and classical categories in the same year (1983 and 1984). His oratorio "Blood on the Fields" was the first jazz composition awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1997. As Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Marsalis has significantly advanced jazz performance and education globally. His dedication to the arts underscores jazz as a reflection of American values like freedom and creativity.