Randy Napoleon

Guitarist Randy Napoleon is a performer, arranger, composer and a professor of jazz at Michigan State University. He toured with Freddy Cole for 13 years, and has also toured with Benny Green, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra and Michael Buble.

Napoleon arranged Cole’s last albums, including Cole's Grammy-nominated 2010 release, Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B. He composes and arranges for his own bands, an organ trio, a quartet with piano, and a three-horn sextet that includes organ, drums, trumpet, tenor sax and trombone.

He has appeared on television nationally and internationally with Cole, Buble and CHJO on shows that include David Letterman, Jay Leno, The View, The Today Show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Regis and Kelly, Dancing with the Stars, the Radio Music Awards and Entertainment Tonight.

Other artists who have invited Napoleon to join them on stage include include Rodney Whitaker, Eric Comstock & Barbara Fasano, Monty Alexander, Rene Marie and Bill Charlap. He recorded an album of duets with Comstock,"Bitter/Sweet"

Gear

Randy Napoleon endorses Stadler Guitars and D'Addario Strings.

Tags

Randy Napoleon guitar

Album Review

Enjoy The Moment by Mark F. Turner

Take Five With...

Take Five With Randy Napoleon

Interview

Randy Napoleon: Playing for the Jukebox Crowd

Album Review

Common Tones by Chris M. Slawecki

"In the instrumental interludes, the [Freddy Cole] quartet plays swinging mainstream jazz that is always accessible and interesting. Napoleon has been with the group only a few months, but has already become an important part of what they provide musically...Cole stepped away from the piano for Luiz Bonfá's Morning of the Carnival, with some superb guitar work from Napoleon, who was simply sensational throughout the evening... " Joe Lang, Jazz Improv NY

"Napoleon plays with a gentle, purring tone that makes you lean in close to hear its range of color and articulation, and his improvisations are true narratives, a collection of shapely melodies rather than a series of prepackaged licks." Mark Stryker, Detroit Free Press

"Napoleon at times searches, not for the big fat notes, but the tiniest, trim, lean and bittersweet ones. His heaviness lies not in volume or weight, but in depth of spirit." Michael G. Nastos, WEMU radio host

Napoleon’s sound can be likened to the classic elegance of jazz great Wes Montgomery." Lawrence Cosentino, Lansing City Pulse

"Napoleon must be considered in the first rank of modern jazz guitarists." Piotr Michalowski, Southeast Michigan Jazz Association

"Possessed of a technique informed by greats like Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass, Napoleon favors subtlety over flash, accenting his improvised solos with a languid swing and patient flourishes that are technically flawless, yet full of soul and feeling" Will Stewart, Ann Arbor News

"His melodic lines are clean and uncomplicated. He shows a sensitivity for song rather than a desire to show off." Bob Karlovits, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

""Keep an eye on this talented guitarist, as he is destined to make a name for himself." Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

""The guitar sound is huge, the playing is radiant," David Adler

"Randy Napoleon is the most exciting guitarist of our generation." Michael Bublé, Warner Brothers recording artist

"His guitar lines are soulful and smart." Marc S. Taras, Current Magazine

"He's terrific!" Bridget Apps, Senior Music Producer, BBC Radio

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Credentials/Background

Randy Napoleon studied at the University of Michigan School of Music and has learned from mentors including Freddy Cole, Benny Green, Rodney Whitaker, John Clayton, and Jeff Hamilton. He currently is an associate professor in the College of Music at Michigan State University. He gives private lessons and offers clinics for colleges and conservatories. Hours and location vary, since he is on the road most of the time. Check Randy Napoleon's website to see when he will be performing in your city and drop him an e-mail to schedule a lesson.