Jazz Articles about Hugh Ragin

Hugh Ragin: Revelation

by AAJ Staff
November 6, 2004

Houston-born and Colorado-based trumpeter Hugh Ragin long ago grasped the essential connections between modern jazz sophistication and soulful energy, but he has never articulated them as clearly and comprehensively on record as on Revelation. Ragin has been responsible for a recent string of releases on Justin Time, in addition to his recognized association with David Murray. He's joined on this all-original program by multi-reed player Assif Tsahar (on whose Hopscotch label he released Sound Pictures for Solo Trumpet two years ...

Hugh Ragin: Revelation

by John Kelman
July 21, 2004

While he has recorded less frequently as a leader than some his age, trumpeter High Ragin's career as a music educator in Denver, Colorado certainly hasn't prevented him from wider exposure with a variety of artists including Roscoe Mitchell, David Murray and, oddly enough, even Maynard Ferguson. But it is with the Creative Music Studio in the '70s that he whet his musical teeth and, consequently, his musical affiliation with the Afro-centric concepts of the Art Ensemble of Chicago will ...

John Hines: In The Pocket

by Jerry D'Souza
May 18, 2004

A debut recording is always interesting. John Hines’ first is by and large a good debut, except for a couple of awkward moments where he gets heavy handed and congeals his playing. This happens on “In a Sentimental Mood,” which is weighed down by the tack he takes. Sentiment need not be down in the dumps. And on “Central Park West,” his first solo does not ignite the thread. It is now time for the goodies.

The blues ...

John Hines: In The Pocket

by Michael P. Gladstone
April 19, 2004

In the Pocket is a straight-ahead trombone album from John Hines. The majority of this group is from the Denver, Colorado area. Hines shows a good mix of nine standards, jazz standards and original tunes from keyboardist Michael Pagan.

The opening title track, written by Hines, typifies the session with a bright melody line. Hines has a resounding delivery that would have been welcome on any of the late 1950s sessions at Blue Note or Prestige studios. On ...

John Hines: In the Pocket

by Dan McClenaghan
April 18, 2004

The title tune on trombonist John Hines' In the Pocket had me mulling over comparisons with—of course—the late trombone master J.J. Johnson. And I felt that where Mr. Johnson romanced the listener, charmed the ears with subtle sweet somethings, John Hines' approach was more like a sermon—an upbeat, life-affirming, straightforward exhortation. A fine, driving piece of mainstream jazz.With tune two, the classic “I Could Write a Book," I knew something not just good, but really special was happening. ...

Hugh Ragin: Feel The Sunshine

by Jim Santella
September 6, 2002

Hugh Ragin's title track reminds us that music communicates expression. His passion shines through warmly. By adopting the classic jazz quintet format for his third Justin Time release, the trumpeter has retained a mainstream sensibility. However, his adventurous nature remains evident from start to finish. Standards and originals swing, while introducing flights of fancy throughout. The ensemble interprets with clarity and a natural ease. Their session combines avant-garde thrills with picturesque impressionism, sullen blues and joyful swing. Ragin's trumpet attains ...

Hugh Ragin: Fanfare & Fiesta

by Jim Santella
April 1, 2001

Recorded last June, this session moves in three distinct directions. Two cameo appearances by Clark Terry invite a lighthearted swing element. The title track moves toward creative improvised music, and yet is still in line with the mainstream. The remainder of the album invites unpredictable behavior through composed counterpoint and exciting solo performances.

Hugh Ragin, 50, cites the World Saxophone Quartet as his inspiration. A varied career has allowed the trumpeter to befriend different musical themes. With David Murray, he's ...