Biography
John Raymond is associate professor of music in jazz studies–trumpet at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
A Grammy-nominated trumpeter, Raymond is one of the most promising, genre-bending jazz musicians today. He is “steering jazz in the right direction” (DownBeat) by pushing its boundaries, seamlessly incorporating indie rock, folk, and electronic influences into his music. As Something Else stated, “This is jazz, yes, but jazz with an open mind.”
Raymond has released nine albums under his own name, each garnering critical acclaim from The New York Times, NPR, DownBeat, Stereogum, and more. His most recent recording, Shadowlands, is a collaboration with singer-songwriter S. Carey (of Bon Iver) that blurs the lines between indie folk, forward-thinking jazz, lush pop, and atmospheric electronic music.
He has also released four albums with his trio Real Feels, which features Raymond’s original compositions as well as fresh takes on familiar songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Thom Yorke, and others. Raymond has been a sideman or featured artist on over 30 other recordings, including four Grammy-nominated albums. He has performed with jazz luminaries such as Billy Hart, Orrin Evans, and Gilad Hekselman, and has recorded with artists including Sara Bareilles, Darnell Davis, and Sandra McCracken.
Raymond has also established himself as a sought-after guest soloist and educator at high schools and universities around the world. His book, The Jazz Trumpet Routine, explores an approach to fundamentals through the lens of a creative improviser and has sold over 900 copies since its release in 2020.
He is also the creator and host of the podcast The Trumpet Summit, where he talks shop with other master jazz trumpeters, including Tom Harrell, Sean Jones, Ingrid Jensen, the Snarky Puppy Horns, and more.
Raymond has presented several times at the Jazz Education Network national conference and has published articles in JAZZed magazine, DownBeat magazine, and the International Trumpet Guild Journal. He is also active on YouTube and social media, sharing jazz trumpet and improvisation content with students around the world.