Born in California to a military family, Rex Richardson was instilled early with the lust for travel…to follow wherever the music might take him. And it’s taken him literally all over the world. His versatility and his virtuosity have made him a highly sought-after soloist and collaborator in both jazz and classical circles. The International Trumpet Guild puts Rex “among the very best trumpet soloists in the world today,” And in jazz, Downbeat Magazine calls him “a standout soloist with the power, range and flexibility to rival Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. Rex takes justifiable pride in his role as teacher and mentor as well, since 2002 a professor of jazz studies VCU’s School of the Arts where he was presented its Award of Excellence in 2009. He was also presented with the 2011 Theresa Pollak Prize for Excellence in the Arts.
This edition of In Your Ear features Rex and a hand-picked band of his favorite RVA players...drummer Brian Jones, guitarist Trey Pollard, saxophonist J.C. Kuhl and bassist Randall Pharr, recorded live in the theater of VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art in February of 2019.
In Your Ear offers a chance to discover new artists and appreciate the “in the moment” creativity and inspiration that only live music can provide. Studio A is a “great room,” a haven for artists with intimate, friendly and informed audiences and peerless audio fidelity, thanks to engineers Carlos Chafin, Andrea Stefl and Paul Bruski. JAMinc president Tim Timberlake produces the programs covering a wide range of genres including bluegrass, jazz, blues, old time, Celtic, gospel and singer-songwriters of many styles. Artists range from superior local and regional talents, to premier acts from all over the country. Concerts are held monthly except during the summer and begin with a delicious pot luck buffet in the lobby. Check our website for information and reservations: jaminc.org/events.
Production funding of In Your Ear is made possible in part by... Digital Video Group, Threshold Counsel PC, Virginia Humanities /Virginia Folklife Program, The Newport Festivals Foundation, Fralin Pickups, The Graduate Hotel Richmond and the members of VPM Music.