Unique Jazz Trumpeter: Cuong Vu From Saigon to the Top of Jazz

Written By Sonny Akbar Sembada

Hi, my name is Sonny Akbar Sembada and I welcome you to my blog, The Uncle Jazz. The main topic of my blog is everything related to jazz music.. 

Unique jazz trumpeter Cuong Vu – the musical wizard with the trumpet! This guy’s laid down some seriously cool tunes for big names like Pat Metheny, Laurie Anderson, and even the legendary David Bowie.

Since he touched down in the Big Apple back in ’94, Cuong’s been leading his own crews, especially this killer trio with Stomu Takeishi (bass) and Ted Poor (drums).

Cuong Vu: The Unique Jazz Trumpeter Maestro

Jazz critics are all about unique jazz trumpeter Cuong’s style, tagging him as a front-runner in the fresh wave of musical innovators. This globetrotter has been rocking stages, giving jams, and hosting classes all over the US and Europe.

Jazz Virtuosity and Global Presence

Now, as the main man, Cuong’s dropped four stellar records: “Bound,” “Pure,” “Come Play With Me,” and “It’s Mostly Residual.” Each one is like a musical journey, where he takes the trumpet to uncharted territories.

Jazz Virtuosity and Global Presence
image source: music.virginia.edu

Early Years and Accolades

Born on September 19, 1969, in Saigon, Vietnam, Cuong made his way to Seattle at just six years old and picked up the trumpet at the ripe age of 11. His love for music scored him a full ride to the New England Conservatory of Music, where he snagged a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies with top honors.


Youtube video by Seattle Channel 

Read also: M-Base Pioneer Saxophonist: The Genius Steve Coleman

Awards? Oh, he’s got ’em all right. The Colbert Award for Excellence, the Downtown Arts Project’s Young Artist Award, and a shoutout as one of the 50 Best Young Jazz Artists in “The New Masters” by “Classic CD” mag. And let’s not forget the Grammy he scooped up in 2002 with the Pat Metheny Group for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. Cuong Vu – the trumpet maestro and an all-around cool cat.

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