Allen Vizzutti: Biography, musical career, collaborations and legacy

Allen Vizzutti: Virtuoso of classical and jazz trumpet

Mostly known as a jazz musician, Allen Vizzutti is a multifaceted person, arranger and a teacher, born in Montana in 1952. He has delighted the world with many impressive musical performances, featuring solo trumpet pieces, jazz compositions, and orchestral arrangements, each representing the brilliance of the trumpet technique and the ability to push artistic limits. In this article, we’re going to delve into Allen Vizzutti’s biography, musical career, collaborations and legacy.

Allen Vizzutti’s musical career

Vizzutti’s future career might have been impossible without the guidance of his father, the owner of the music store, who also played the trumpet and taught his son how to play this instrument. Later, he refined his skills at the Eastman School of Music, under the supervision of the renowned instructors, which served him as a good springboard for future achievements in the world of music. There he got his bachelor's and master's degrees.

In the 80s, Allen Vizzutti moved to Los Angeles, where he started his career as a session musician, performing motion picture soundtracks for films, TV, and commercials. He also played on sessions for Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Barbra Streisand. He was the member of the Tonight Show Band, and co-produced their first album, which was honored by a Grammy for Best Big Band Recording.

Allen Vizzutti’s music

Allen is known for his musical versatility. He deserved the great acclaim among listeners and fellow musicians because of his ability to navigate through classic masterpieces and jazz improvisations. As a composer and arranger, he created impressive solo trumpet pieces, jazz compositions, and orchestral arrangements, blending his deep understanding of the trumpet with the wish to push the boundaries.

Hearing the music of Vizzutti, many people wonder what exactly it is, because his recordings vary in styles. He composed for various instruments, as well as for wind ensembles, jazz ensembles, chamber groups, symphony orchestras. His orchestra compositions were performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Phoenix Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic and Greater Bridgeport Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Tonight Show Orchestra.

Allen Vizzutti and his contribution to teaching and instrument design

Apart from performing, Allen was passionate about sharing his insights and knowledge with others. He has not only conducted educational workshops in different countries, but also published a series of books “The Allen Vizzutti Trumpet Method” that is now used as helping guide worldwide fort trumpet players to improve their skills and performance.

Allen Vizzutti collaborated with a well-known manufacturer – Yamaha, with whom he has developed his signature mouthpiece and his custom Bb Trumpet – Yamaha 9335V Bb. The idea for this instrument was born in the musician’s mind at a conference in Japan. To bring that idea to life Vizzutti worked with Yamaha designers Bob Malone and Wayne Tanabe.

The Vizzutti custom trumpet boasts the higher playing resistance, improved response, and a solid tone that works well in classical genres and has enough character for jazz. As for the signature mouthpiece, it has the shallow cup with smooth inner rim edge, which results in more focused sound and even performance in all registers.

Allen Vizzutti’s Worldwide Recognition and Legacy

As a performer, composer, and an educator Allen has the great respect among fellow musicians. He often played classical and jazz sessions in the same evening. Allen performed as guest soloist in orchestral settings on television and world famous jazz venues, including Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, Salle Pleyel, Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

The most notable Allen Vizzutti recordings include "Skyrocket" (1981), featuring his ability to play the trumpet across various musical styles, “A Trumpeter's Dream” (1993), where Allen Vizzutti collaborated with his wife Laura Vizzutti, “Emerald Concerto And Other Gems” (1998), created in his collaboration with the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.

Final Word

Allen Vizzutti has played a great role in the musical world. He proves himself as a talented trumpeter, skillful composer and arranger, as well as a dedicated artist opened for sharing his knowledge, collaborations with other maestros, and bringing innovations to instruments’ design.

If you want to learn more about other great musicians, check out our articles about Fats Navarro, Sonny Rollins, Maurice André and Jean Pierre Rampal.