James Zollar
- Origin
- Kansas City, MO
- Years active
- 1957
- Genres
- jazz, funk, brazilian jazz, bebop
- Instruments
- trumpet, bugle
Biography
James Delano Zollar is an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, born in Kansas City, Missouri, on November 7, 1948. His musical journey began at the age of nine, playing the bugle, and by twelve, he had transitioned to the trumpet, discovering his unique musical voice. Zollar pursued his education at San Diego City College and the University of California at San Diego, while simultaneously honing his skills with various funk and jazz ensembles.
In 1972, Zollar moved to San Francisco, where he studied jazz improvisation with the renowned trumpeter Woody Shaw. Four years later, he relocated to New York City, becoming an integral part of the city's vibrant jazz scene. He played with the Cecil McBee Quintet for five years and recorded with notable musicians such as Tom Harrell, Weldon Erving, and Sam Rivers. Zollar has also been recognized for his contributions to film and music, appearing in Robert Altman's "Kansas City," Madonna's music video "My Baby's Got a Secret," and Malcolm Lee's "The Best Man." He has been featured as a soloist with prestigious ensembles like the Jon Faddis and Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra, and Wynton Marsalis and The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.
Zollar is known for his versatility, performing in a wide range of musical settings. He has played with The Duke Ellington Orchestra, several of Don Byron's bands, and NYC Blues Devil. His own recordings as a leader include "It's All Good People" and "The Ways In," which explore various jazz styles, including funk, Brazilian jazz, and tributes to jazz history. Ravi Coltrane has described Zollar as "a really nice guy and very personal-sounding cat with a unique approach. He's absorbed the history of the music, and he plays it with great care and warmth. And he doesn't try to sound like anyone else."