Roy Hargrove Big Band – A Legacy in Full Sound

The Roy Hargrove Big Band is a powerful testament to the musical vision and compositional ambition of the late trumpet legend Roy Hargrove. Originally formed in the mid-1990s, the ensemble held its first public performance at the Greenwich Village Jazz Festival in 1995 — a poignant beginning in the very loft that would later become The Jazz Gallery.

Under Hargrove’s leadership, the band explored a full palette of jazz: soaring trumpet and flugelhorn lines, lush horn arrangements, driving grooves, and deep melodic interplay. Hargrove not only conducted but also played, infusing the ensemble with his warm, lyrical trumpet voice and even vocals on favorites like “September in the Rain.”

Their 2009 album, Emergence, captures the scope of the group — combining original Hargrove compositions, jazz standards, and fresh works by band members. Among its celebrated pieces is “Roy Allan,” a bold homage to Hargrove’s father, alongside tender ballads like “Trust” and energetic arrangements such as “Tschpiso.”

Following Hargrove’s passing, his legacy lives on through a revived version of the band, now overseen by the Roy Hargrove Legacy LLC. The ensemble continues to perform his compositions, honoring the spirit of his music with former collaborators. Bruce Williams (alto sax) and Jason Marshall (baritone sax) now serve as Music Director and Assistant Music Director, respectively.

With its history rooted in innovation, mentorship, and a genuine love for big band jazz, the Roy Hargrove Big Band stands as a living tribute — a “wall of sound” that channels Hargrove’s spirit, creativity, and dedication to the art form.