Tim Hagans Quartet

(US/FIN)

“An air of excitement envelopes these works” enthused Jazz Music’s reviewer about Tim Hagans’ latest album The Moon Is Waiting (2011) and concluded “Where other artists fall, Hagans rockets to a zenith, thanks to memorable compositions and shrewd arrangements akin to oscillating impulses affecting one’s neural systems”. The record offers a varied program from funky blues and quirky post-bop to freeish fusion improvisation and tender lyricism with the trumpet player’s quartet featuring superb guitarist Vic Juris and the killer rhythm section of double bassist Rufus Reid and Finnish drummer Jukkis Uotila. The latter also flashes his skills as a pianist.

Born in Dayton, Ohio in 1954, Tim Hagans fell in love with the trumpet as a kid. His greatest inspirations are Miles Davis (especially the 70’s period), Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones and Woody Shaw. Having started professionally with Stan Kenton and Woody Herman, he then moved to Sweden. During his European years Tim worked with Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew and Horace Parlan. After relocating to New York in 1987, he played with Steps, Maria Schneider and Gary Peacock. Later saxist Bob Belden and more recently the Michele Brangwen Dance Ensemble and poet Peter Josyph have been close partners. Hagans’ 10 albums have at times mixed contemporary things, like scratching and drum’n’bass rhythms, with older jazz forms to great effect. Tim has also done soundtracks and teaches music.