| Vizzutti is probably the best "crossover player" I know of. I studied with him at the University of Washington, and he was able to teach it all as well, which says even more about his skills in multiple genres. However, I haven't heard some names which are worthy of mention: Wayne Bergeron, Gary Grant, Jerry Hey, Arturo Sandoval, and Michael Phillip Mossman. They are all equally at home in classical, lead, and jazz improvisational settings. And, this is just my opinion, but I don't think Wynton is really a crossover player. He is an amazing musician, and one of the finest trumpet players of all time. I am not personally a fan of where he has gone with his jazz work. I like what he did in the 80's better than what he does now. That said, I think he lacks the commercial sound to play lead. I am sure he could do it, I am mean, I heard him a while ago in NYC and he was playing double C's while improving! I would do ANYTHING for his chops, but he jsut doesn't sound like Wayne does on lead and solo stuff.
That is just all my opinion. I think the best crossover players are the studio guys who play everything, not necessarily the stars we all hear about everyday.
V/R
Joshua Sullins |