Trumpeter Ella Grace on her Debut Album Figments & Her Career in Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Chicago-based jazz trumpeter, composer, educator, and rising star Ella Grace. In this episode, we discuss her remarkable debut album, Figments, released through Shifting Paradigm Records. The project features seven original contemporary jazz compositions that showcase Ella's distinctive voice as both a composer and bandleader. Joining her on the album is an exceptional cast of young Chicago musicians, including drummer Jayden Richardson, bassist Marion Mallard, pianist Aval Stanley, saxophonist Garret Munz, and vocalist Julia Danielle. Originally emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities jazz scene, Ella relocated to Chicago in 2021 to pursue Jazz Studies at DePaul University. Immersed in one of America's most exciting jazz communities, she quickly established herself as both a compelling bandleader and in-demand collaborator. Her growing reputation was recognized through her selection to the 2024 Chicago Music Scene Fellowship. We discuss the inspiration behind Figments, the creative process, jazz education, original composition, Chicago's thriving music scene, and the exciting future ahead for one of jazz's emerging voices. Enjoy this interview. Get the album:Figments on Bandcamp For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/ Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2 The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/ Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.