 | | Thomas Marriott |
Thomas Marriott of Seattle, Washington, was the first prize winner in the 1999 Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition, receiving a
cash award of $7,000. Avishi Cohen of Israel, currently living in New York,
was named the second prize winner, taking home a check for $3,000. Other
finalists included Michael Rodriquez of Miami, Florida; Antonio Speranza, a
member of the US Military Academy Band's Jazz Knights at West Point, New
York; and Vance Johnson of Knoxville, Tennessee. Adjudicators for the
competition were the highly regarded jazz trumpet artist Claudio Roditi, Ira
Sullivan, master of many woodwind and brass instruments, and legendary jazz
saxophonist Stanley Turrentine. All three judges concurred regarding the
high caliber of the finalists and the difficulty of reaching a final
decision. Each finalist performed with a fine Chicago rhythm section led by
drummer Dana Hall. The trio, that also included pianist Ron Perillo and
bassist Jon Whitfield, was largely responsible for the success of the
competition.
 | Back: Avishi Cohen, Ira Sullivan, Thomas Marriott
Front: Claudio Roditi, Stanley Turrentine |
The Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition was created
by the International Trumpet Guild to honor a man that was one of the
world's greatest brass teachers. It is to Carmine Caruso and his work that
this competition is dedicated. The biennial event is generously supported by
a grant from the Herb Alpert Foundation.
The 1999 competition was held on Saturday, November 13, in Chicago,
Illinois, at the world-famous Jazz Showcase. Due to the generosity of venue
owner Joe Segal and his son Wayne, the competition was held in an atmosphere
that was very conducive to the level of playing that took place. The
coordinator and host for this important and exciting event was Bob Lark,
Director of Jazz Studies at Chicago's DePaul University. Bob was
hospitalized for several days prior to the event for a substantial back
injury, yet the fruits of his labors were evident. Every aspect of the
competition reflected a well-thought-out approach to creating an environment
for creativity, excellence in performance, and camaraderie amongst the
finalists. DePaul faculty member and noted composer Tom Matta ably filled in
for Lark during the afternoon competition. An excellent support staff from
the DePaul School of Music is also to be commended for their job hosting the
event.
 | | Avishi Cohen |
 | | Antonio Speranza |
 | | Joshua Thompson |
 | | Michael Rodriguez |
 | | Ira Sullivan |
 | | Claudio Roditi |
 | Back: Avishi Cohen, Vance Thompson, Antonio Speranza
Front: Thomas Marriott, Michael Rodriguez |
|
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