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Thad Franklin

Jazz trumpet, loving life, being happy, teaching music! What else could I ask for?

About Me

Thad Franklin is arguably one of the most sought after and original trumpeter/composers of his age. From his Chicago base, where he's lived since 2001, Franklin has continued to earn national acclaim. His recording career began in 2001 with The Narnia Quartet and he has since played on a regular basis throughout Chicago. On Woolgathering Records, Franklin has performed on albums with his long-standing friends Matt Ulery (bass) and Jon Deitemyer (drums). Their album Music Box Ballerina topped the Chicago Jazz Charts and was voted the 5th best Chicago jazz CD of 2008. Neil Tesser of the Chicago Reader affirmed that work of these musicians “point with conviction to a new generation of Chicago jazz innovators.” Their group Loom can be heard at one of their many residencies from The Whistler to The Green Mill. Franklin is currently the artistic director of the Franklin Music Studio which will celebrate its 7th year in 2010. In addition to leading his own groups, Franklin has an important ongoing musical relationship with many Chicago artists and ensembles including Rob Clearfield, Frank Rosaly, Tim Haldeman, Zach Brock, Charles Gorzynski, Goran Ivanovic, Dave Miller, Katie Wiegman, The Guitars of Spain, and the Tomorrow Music Orchestra. Franklin is currently a student of New York musician/trumpeter Laurie Frink. At several small schools without band programs Franklin has spearheaded Franklin Music Studio Intermediate Bands and Beginning Bands and continues to teach a private music lesson schedule of 20+ students per week. More information about Thad can be found at www.ThadFranklin.com