In Memoriam: Jim Rotondi

ITG mourns the death of Jim Rotondi. Jim Rotondi was a revered American jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, educator, and conductor. 

Born in Butte, Montana in 1962, he was a prominent figure in the jazz world for over three decades. His rich, soulful sound and impeccable swing made him a sought-after musician and sideman.

Rotondi’s musical journey began early. Growing up in a musical family, he began taking lessons on piano before switching to trumpet when he discovered the recordings of Clifford Brown, igniting his passion for jazz trumpet.

Jim began his studies with two years, undeclared at the University of Oregon. He then transferring to the University of North Texas in 1982, where he began studied jazz trumpet. In 1984, he competed and won the International Trumpet Guild's Jazz Trumpet Competition. After graduating from UNT in 1985, Jim moved to New York to pursue his freelance career. After a few years in New York, Jim was then taken on to tour with Ray Charles’s touring band in 1991. Jim then after, had played with legendary artists like Ray Charles, Lionel Hampton, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bob Mintzer, Charles Earland, Lou Donaldson, Curtis Fuller, and Joe Chambers. In addition, Rontondi also had two groups of his own, a quintet and an electric group called Full House. He was a founding member of group One For All, a sextet consisting of members saxophonist Eric Alexander, trombonist Steve Davis, pianist David Hazeltine, drummer Joe Farnsworth and bassist John Webber in the rhythm section. His extensive discography includes over 16 albums as a band leader, and over 80 albums as a sideman.

Beyond his performing career, Rotondi was also a dedicated educator. He held positions at Rutgers University and State University of New York Purchase. In 2010, he moved to Austria to teach at the prestigious institution, the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, Austria.

Tragically, Rotondi passed away on July 7, 2024. His legacy as a brilliant musician, composer, and mentor lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the countless musicians he inspired. (Source: Maryna Pohlman)