About John Vanore
A Woody Herman alumnus, John has a strong place in his heart for the power and energy that is part of being a big band. His passion for improvising draws him to the intimacy and interplay of the small group.
As a student of Dennis Sandole, composition and the development of a personal soloist identity were and remain the driving force in Vanore’s writing and playing. After Woody’s band, John became a mainstay in the trumpet sections for performers visiting Philadelphia–Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Sammy Davis, Michel LeGrand, Louis Bellson, and others. He has also recorded and produced for EMI, Wyndham Hill, Miramax and has received a Gold Record for his work with Atlantic Records.
“Curosity” is more than an album title”, Vanore says. “It is my credo!” With hunger for knowledge and accomplishment that is un-relentless, it was decided to write for and create a “new” group, based on the concept of the intimacy of a small group with the fire power of a big band. (The influence of being in Woody’s band). I decided to call the group “Abstract Truth.”
“Contagious Words” continues the evolving identity and redefining the voice of the large ensemble. This collection of 7 originals and one standard displays the palette of the group’s colors, and spans a range of emotions and storytelling, as John calls it.
While attending a summer program, while in college, directed by Oliver Nelson, John experienced the pivotal moment of his career—making the decision to pursue music. Nelson’s unique identity was inspirational. Then, studies with Dennis Sandole forged and intensified the same type of identity thinking. The phrase alone “abstract truth” is a great definition of how jazz exists. The abstract nature of sound, itself -- the honesty of the improviser.
