Rex Richardson Discusses True Virtuosity, Emoting v. Expressing, Maximizing Efficiency as a Trumpeter and More!

In this podcast featuring the great Rex Richardson, various facets of his life and career are explored, providing insights into his journey and philosophy as a musician:

1. Anthropology Degree (03:00): The podcast reveals Rex’s unexpected academic background with a degree in anthropology from Northwestern University. This segment discusses how his studies in anthropology have influenced his music career.
2. Founding Rhythm and Brass (06:30): The origins of the musical group Rhythm and Brass, which Rex helped establish, are discussed.
3. Connections with Audiences (08:10): Rex talks about the relationship between audiences and abstract compositions, exploring how listeners interact with and interpret more complex pieces.
4. Commitment to Musical Mastery (10:45): The conversation touches on the ability of audiences to recognize a musician’s dedication to mastering their craft, emphasizing the importance of commitment in music.
5. Meaning of Virtuoso (14:00): The true essence of being a virtuoso is discussed, going beyond technical skills to include emotional depth and artistic expression.
6. Expression in Music (16:00): Rex shares his views on the musician’s role in expression versus emoting, highlighting the distinction between conveying emotions and deeper artistic intentions.
7. Audience Takeaways (17:45): He expresses his desire for audiences to appreciate more than just the technical aspects of his performances, aiming to leave them with a deeper, more meaningful musical experience.
8. Multiphonics (22:00): The podcast includes an educational segment on multiphonics, demonstrating Rex’s expertise in this advanced brass playing technique.
9. Early Challenges (25:50): Rex reflects on his initial struggles with the trumpet and shares insights on how to maximize efficiency in learning and playing the instrument.
10. Balancing Schedules (27:30): He discusses how he manages a demanding schedule that includes both constant travel and a full-time teaching role.
11. Rex’s Varied Roles (31:45): It turns out that there are people with Rex’s name out there, one of whom is the current mayor of Long Beach, CA and another who is a prominent real estate professional!

Resources mentioned:

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Paul Merkelo

Trumpet Dynamics episode with Chris Botti

About the Guest:

“A startling display of virtuosity…This was something very different, played by a performer of rare gifts indeed.” — 4barsRest.com, in a review of Rex Richardson’s performance at the 2013 World Music Championship in Kerkrade, Netherlands

Renowned as champion of new, genre-busting music featuring the trumpet as a solo voice, Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald International Personality of the Year, has been called “One of the finest virtuosos of our time” (Brass Herald, 2018). 

A veteran of the acclaimed chamber ensemble Rhythm & Brass, jazz legend Joe Henderson’s Quintet and Sextet, William Russo’s Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek, his hundreds of soloist appearances include festivals and ensembles on six continents, such as the Phoenix Symphony and Thailand Philharmonic Orchestras, the U.S. Army Field Band and Tokyo Symphonic Winds, England’s Fodens Brass Band, and the U.S. Air Force’s Airmen of Note Jazz Ensemble. 

His latest CD Freedom of Movement: 21st Century Trumpet Concertos was released to critical and public acclaim, and named a top-ten finalist for 4barsrest.com’s 2018 Solo CD of the Year. The Journal of the International Trumpet Guild called it “A triumph of virtuosity and musicianship”(March, 2019). 

Richardson has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University since 2002, served as International Tutor in Trumpet at England’s Royal Northern College of Music from 2012-2015 and at Austria’s JAM Music Lab University since 2018.

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