I also forgot to mention symphony playes, rather than just soloists. Charlie schlueter the principal trumpet player of the boston symphony orchestra is nothing but great. But when it comes to soloist i would have to say the best are - Sandoval-Andre-Marsalis-Vizzutti-Schwarz-Doc Severensin- and i guess you can through in Harry James and Wayne Bergeron and Maynard when it comes to jazz. But ide have to say those are the top trumpet players for virtuoso. Oh yes, have you heard of Manny Leaurano? He probably has the best trumpet tone i have ever heard. Check out the clip of him on www.monette.net. He is an awesome principal trumpet symphony player as charlie schlueter is also.

There are so many great trumpet players that i have named on page 10. But Allen Vizzutti is the top notch player. Download the carnival of venus its incredible.

Mr Brian, (about Vizzutti )I`m think He has an incredible technique but .......make music it`s some else,He need a lot more fire,soul and warmth in His sound/ playing,He doesn`t touch my heart at all, can He make you cry?I`m sorry.It`s my opinion.

Wynton Marsalis owns classical and jazz playing. He is most likely my favorite.

well Vizzutti is amazing, so is Wynton, but like i said the two greatest of all time are tone and improvisation wise Arturo Sandoval, not to mention his compositions, and his flexibility to play any style, and have you heard this guy on the piano, amazing. and of course the great master of all times, Rafael Mendez, kind of hard to classify his genre, but he is a trumpet god, a true Virtuoso. Listen to a few of his songs here.
http://mendezlibrary.asu.edu/clips/index.htm
if you can get a hold of more of his tunes, listen to La Virgen de la Macarena, a spanish style song.

After reading all of these, I think we cann all agree that we have different preferences for out mentors. I myself believe "Bud" Herseth will always be one of those many masters. As for the next one, well Phil Smith is doing very well. List of Greatest Classical Trumpet Players (not in order): Adolf Herseth, Barbara Butler, Charlie Guyer, Phil Smith, Mark Ridenhour, Tage Larson, David Hickman, Dr. Ewald, and Ronald Romm.

I agree, Rich Ebbole is far and away one of the very, very best. His c.d`s are very hard to find but should be a standard learning tool.

I agree, Rich Ebbole is far and away one of the very, very best. His c.d`s are very hard to find but should be a standard learning tool.

I haven`t had time to read through all 200+ posts to establish a thorough basis for mine, but there are several trumpet players and trumpet "artists" that I have heard within the past year whose skills, styles, talents and "versatility" are to be envied. Has anyone heard Wayne Bergeron? He has a website where you read his bio, hear some of his work, and can order his CD`s. Doc Severinson is still around, too. Actually, the question is a very broad one, as noted with regard to different types of music. A great classical trumpet player may not excel at jazz, just as one who can play all styles of music well may not blow anyone away at any particular style. I have also heard some brass ensembles that have trumpet players to be envied. "Synergy Brass Quintet" and "Bravo Brass", to name those I have heard this year. Personally, I always thought Al Hirt had what it took to be considered among the very best as a soloist.

I would have to say one of the best trumpet players is Andrea Tofennelli. He has great style and a tremendous range. He plays all music and on trumpetstuff.com there is a video clip of him getting and F over triple C! Other great modern trumpeters are Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, and Jon Faddis.

Where on the site can I find that video? I have to hear/see it to believe it!

Thomas

Thomas, you can find the video clip of Andrea Tofanelli at trumpetstuff.com. Go to Andrea Tofanelli on the left side then when you`re on his name look under video clips for F over triple C arpeggio. Then just dowload and believe it.

He once played with me with the london Philamonic (soloist,) and also with the Sympohony..remarkable tone and range. He is revered in europe.

i know this really great trumpet player named Derek Weidenthal. he`s awesome but he hasn`t been discovered yet.

I agree, it`s about time that R. Ebbole got his due. If you have ever heard his (RCA) Bach Or Mendelsohn you have a real treat in store. His Triple G at the end is remarkable.