Hugh Ragin

Hugh Ragin earned his primary recognition through skillful command of a demanding trumpet seat across saxophonist David Murray’s expansive ensembles, supplying the complete technical command and inventive range that earlier occupants of the chair lacked. A player unafraid of harmonic risk, he merges the bright, resonant sound of a classically trained trumpeter with the facility and rhythmic resourcefulness of an elite bebop stylist. Raised in Houston, Texas, Ragin took up the trumpet during eighth grade and soon began private instruction. He pursued classical repertoire while simultaneously developing an interest in jazz. Schoolboy accolades followed, among them a tour of England and Wales with the Houston All-City High School Orchestra; he then entered the University of Houston and earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. Around this period trumpeter Donald Byrd exerted a formative influence. Ragin next studied at Colorado State University, completing a master’s degree in classical trumpet performance. Late in 1978 he enrolled at the Creative Music Studio in Woodstock, New York, where he studied composition under Roscoe Mitchell. The next summer he appeared at the Moers jazz festival in Germany with the Roscoe Mitchell/Leo Smith Creative Orchestra, and later that year he toured with Anthony Braxton. From that point forward he has made regular trips to Europe for performances and teaching engagements. Ragin first encountered Murray in 1980; throughout 1983 he traveled with Maynard Ferguson. In 1985 Murray summoned him to New York for work in his band, and the two have remained close musical partners ever since. Geographic distance from the principal jazz centers on either coast has kept Ragin somewhat outside the spotlight. Sessions he has led, however, have consistently ranked among his strongest work. His 1999 album An Afternoon in Harlem, issued on Justin Time, featured Murray alongside drummer Andrew Cyrille and pianist Craig Taborn. Subsequent Justin Time releases included Fanfare & Fiesta in 2001 and Feel the Sunshine in 2002. Ragin has maintained an active teaching career that has encompassed a period at Oberlin College in Ohio.