Vinney Dawson
Instrument: Trumpet
Year Joined the Band: 2006
Favorite Esquires Tune: Several! But Not for Me, Caravan, Cherry, I've Heard That Song Before, I Had the Craziest Dream, Music Makers, Strictly Instrumental, Take the A-Train, Tangerine, Trumpet Blues, Tuxedo Junction
Musical Influences: Adam Rapa, Art Blakey, Art Farmer, Arturo Sandoval, Aubrey Scarbrough, Blue Mitchell, Booker Little, Bud Powell, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Chick Corea, Clark Terry, Clifford Brown, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, Donald Byrd, Duke Ellington, Fats Navarro, Freddie Hubbard, Gordon Goodwin, Hank Mobley, Harry James, Herbie Hancock, Horace Silver, Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, John Daversa, Josh Welchez, Kenny Dorham, Lee Morgan, Lester Young, Louis Armstrong, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, Phil Topping, Quincy Jones, Ryan Kisor, Sonny Rollins, Stan Kenton, Thelonious Monk, Tom Harrell, Wayne Bergeron, Wayne Shorter, Woody Shaw, Wynton Marsalis
Studying / Profession: I'm a student at California State University, Long Beach. I study Trumpet Performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. I'm also minoring in Web & Technology in hopes to become a part time web designer between gigs.
Hobbies: Music, Music & MORE Music! Playing, Listening and Instructing. Also, photography & web/graphic design.
A Little Something About You: I began playing the trumpet in the 6th grade. I took to it immediately and was inspired by my elementary band teacher, who remains a mentor and gig buddy. I enjoy playing all types of music, but my favorite is jazz. During high school, I traveled to Europe with the West High Entertainment Unit Marching Band and enjoyed performing in Spain, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. I was privileged to march 1st Trumpet in the 79th Rose Parade Pasadena City College Honor Band. I also play in a brass quintet, called the Classy Brass (http://www.theclassybrass.com) with some friends from high school. You may also visit my personal website at http://www.vinneydawson.com for further information.
Best Part of Being an Esquire: I get to hear & learn from some outstanding musicians. Being an Esquire has heightened my musical ability and continually encourages me in becoming the best musician I can be. Most importantly, I am involved in the strive to keep big band music alive for many years to come!