Jack Walrath began playing the trumpet at age nine while growing up in Edgar, Montana (pop. 100). Over the course of a 45–year career, his prodigious talents have been utilized by Charles Mingus, Ray Charles, Muhal Richard Abrams, Sam Rivers, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, and Elvis Costello, just to name a few. Walrath has released 22 albums as a leader and appeared on innumerable recording sessions led by other artists, including fourteen albums by Charles Mingus. “His playing has the articulate sarcasm of a Lee Morgan, his writing reflects the eclecticism and bravura of his former mentor Charles Mingus...Every style is navigated with maximum authenticity, instrumental prowess and humor.” (Chip Stern, Musician) A FONT commission “has inspired me to write what Mingus called ‘extended composition,’ to be premi­ered at the festival,” says Jack Walrath. “This will be no ditty!”

Jack Walrath – trumpet

Abraham Burton – tenor & soprano saxophone

George Burton – piano

Joe Martin – bass

Donald Edwards – drums