Introducing Bobby Hackett! My favorite Trumpet Player

This is an intro to my favorite trumpet and cornet player, Bobby Hackett.  But, I have to warn you, listening to Bobby Hackett is an addictive step back into the nostalgic era of big bands, when melody and virtuosity counted, when drums were only a part of the ensemble, when romance drifted through the air like the sweet fragrance of honeysuckle, and “making love” expressed the tender emotions of being in love.  Nowhere is this more evident than in Hackett’s version of “Embraceable You.”

With melody written by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira, to get into the romance of this song (that has been recorded by almost every jazz musician and singer you can name), you need to first hear the words before listening to Bobby Hackett’s incomparable instrumental arrangement.  So, here’s Billy Holiday in a recording from circa 1944:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VaaGLNfrhI

Now, experience the enchanting sound of Bobby Hackett, as he plays all around the melody, permeates your soul and makes you want to hold the girl of your dreams in your arms and hope the music never ends.

I mentioned he played trumpet and cornet, very similar, but different instruments.  The first thing you notice is the cornet is shorter, more compact.  A second difference is the cornet’s tube that begins to expand just past the mouthpiece, while the trumpet’s tube doesn’t expand until the lead-in to the bell. But, bear in mind trumpets and cornets also come in a variety of shapes.

As with many musicians of the time, Bobby played other instruments.  After a dental procedure that left him unable to play the horn, at least for a while, he joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra to play guitar, as well as playing short trumpet solos on such songs as “String of Pearls.”

In the 1950s, Hackett was the trumpet soloist on many of Jackie Gleason’s full orchestra, easy listening albums.  Here is My Foolish  Heart with Bobby Hackett playing the eloquently understated trumpet solo in his seemingly effortless, inimitable style.

My Foolish Heart

Robert Leo “Bobby” Hackett’s musical career covered the big band and jazz era from the 1930s through the 1950s.  Mention big names and you’ll find that Bobby Hackett played with all of them, as well as on movie soundtracks.  Bennie Goodman.  Glenn Miller. Andrews Sisters.  Fred Astaire. Tony Bennett, Dizzy Gillespie.

It’s no wonder his music lives on.  His lyrical trumpet lightens the day and even when the music is over, it plays in your heart.  Want more?  YouTube has plenty.  Also online at jango.com