Melvin Jones possesses a stylistic philosophy, an almost hypnotic sound: Video

17.07. – Happy Birthday !!! Melvin McCuin Jones possesses a stylistic philosophy, an almost hypnotic sound, and technical facility found among few trumpeters his age. He seems to shine seamlessly in almost any musical setting.

Whether he’s playing lead trumpet, screaming on top of a professional horn section, performing serious classical repertoire, or stepping out in front of a jazz quartet and leading a jam session, this young man proves to be quite capable of capturing the attention of any audience.

Melvin first began his professional musical journey in 1998 while attending Morehouse College when he made an appearance on TLC’s triple platinum hit album “Fanmail.” During the same year, Melvin along with two other “Men of Morehouse” (Kevin Johnson and Broderick Santiago) formed one of the most popular Latin Jazz Ensembles in the Southeastern American Region named Rio Negro. Earning a large amount of success and popularity, the ensemble recorded three albums under their own name, while continuously performing nationally before audiences that range from the hundreds to the thousands. Since the creation of that ensemble, this Memphis, Tennessee native has shared the stage with a diverse range of musical icons such as Quincy Jones, Jon Faddis, Antonio Hart, Jennifer Lopez, Carmen Lundy, Kirk Whalum, Ray Charles, Erykah Badu, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnight, Michael McDonald, Bill Cosby, Illinois Jacquet, George Bohannan, Clark Terry, and Omar, a British Pop sensation to name a few.

Melvin graduated from Morehouse College with honors in 2001, and then set his sights on higher educational goals. While pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music at the Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Jersey, Jones received the potent and intensive instruction of world-renowned educator and trumpeter, William “Prof” Fielder, whose student roster includes such prolific musical figures as Wynton Marsailis, Terrence Blanchard, David Sanchez, and Kenny Garrett. After completing his graduate studies, Melvin immediately began instructing trumpet students privately and giving lectures at various universities and high schools while continuing to perform across the country.

In the fall of 2004, Melvin accepted the position as the new Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies for Morehouse College, a prestigious Historically Black Institution located in Atlanta, Geogia. Having joined the faculty of his alma mater at the age of 24, “Mr. Jones” officially became the youngest Director of Bands in the college’s history (and the nation during that time). A consummate and erudite musician, Melvin hopes to one day join that particular delineation of artists that have played a vital part in the advancement of their respective art.

Currently, Melvin maintains the position as The Director of Bands and Instrumental Studies at Morehouse College while continuing to pursue a rigorous recording/performing career. As an educator, Mr. Jones maintains membership in the IAJE, GAJE, AAJC, NANM, NCBD, and various community- centered educational initiatives. Melvin also sits on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta Jazz Society, as well as serving regularly as a panelist for the Fulton County Council of the Arts. Melvin also serves as co- founder for the increasingly popular, pre-ensemble horn section named “Solid State,” whose recent list of accolades include performances/ recordings with The Anointed Pace Sisters, T. Lynn Smith, The Pusscat Dolls, Fergie, Nicole Scherzinger, Missy Elliott, Polow da Don, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight, John Legend, Byron Cage, PJ Morton, and most recently the “Original Dreamgirl” herself, Jennifer Holiday.