Adventures
Thad Franklin is arguably one of the most sought after and original trumpeter/composers of his age. From his Chicago base, where he lived until 2010, Franklin was recognized as one of the most original and creative young musicians on the scene. He received his Master’s Degree in Music Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts Music Conservatory before moving to Seattle, Washington.
His recording career began in 2001 on Woolgathering Records. Franklin has performed on several albums with his long-standing friends Matt Ulery (bass), Tim Haldeman (tenor saxophone), Rob Clearfield (keyboard), Zach Brock (violin) and Jon Deitemyer (drums). Their album Loom: Music Box Ballerina topped the Chicago Jazz Charts and was voted the 5th best Chicago jazz CD of 2008. Neil Tesser of the Chicago Reader affirmed that work of these musicians “point with conviction to a new generation of Chicago jazz innovators.”
Franklin is currently the artistic director of the Franklin Music Studio which will celebrate its 7th year in 2010. In addition to leading his own groups, he has been providing music education to local schools with little to no music programs. In Chicago as well as Seattle he has spearheaded youth ensembles while continuing to teach a demanding private music lesson schedule of 20+ students per week. He currently teaches a variety of instruments including trumpet, trombone, guitar, bass, piano, and percussion.
His new children’s album (on which he sings, plays guitar, keyboard, and trumpet) entitled “Ladies and Jellybeans” is now available for digital download. It is the culmination of the past four years of teaching and playing music with pre-school children.
You can purchase it right here! Click on “all tracks” below to download your copy today!