Take Five With Chuck Fesperman

Over the years, Chuck has performed with various bands across the country, including The Memphis All Stars, The Herb Williams Band, The Mob City Swingsters and also with the late Marcel Evans (formerly with The Drifters).

Chuck now resides in Dallas, Texas where he performs with his band, The Chuck Fesperman Group. The band plays jazz standards as well as smooth jazz.

Instrument(s):

Trumpet, flugelhorn.

Teachers and/or influences?

I've been influenced by Chuck Mangione, Rick Braun, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and many more.

Your sound and approach to music:

I like to keep things simple. I tend to write simple melodies that people will remember. I just want a good groove...something that will want to make you move.

Your dream band:

There are many great musicians I'd love to work with. Chris Vadala, the great saxophonist with Chuck Mangione's band for years, is one musician I've always admired so much. I would also love to jam with Rick Braun and Jessy J.

The first Jazz album I bought was:

Maynard Ferguson's Conquistador. I was in high school and really into playing high notes then. So naturally, Maynard was king!

CDs you are listening to now:

Rick Braun, All It Takes (Mack Avenue);

Jessy J, Tequila Moon (Concord);

Arturo Sandoval, Danzon (GRP).

What is in the near future?

I'm working on a CD that I hope to have finished sometime this summer. The band has also been selected to play on a jazz cruise. We will have more information about that on our website soon.

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