Soulful – 2009

Roy Hargrove’s death in 2019 was a major blow to jazz.

Fortunately the trumpeter let behind many recordings and quite a few film clips, performances that are both enjoyable and a reminder of the great loss.

On Dec. 2, 2009 he performed at Seattle’s KNKX with his quintet which at the time consisted of altoist Justin Robinson, pianist Jonathan Batiste, bassist Ameen Saleem, and drummer Montez Coleman.

“Soulful” was the final of the three songs performed that day.

This valuable film clip shows Hargrove in action, not just as a trumpeter but as a bit of a cheerleader who directed and clearly enjoyed the music, inspiring his sidemen.

-Scott Yanow