Waldron Mahdi Ricks
Hard-Bop Trumpet Voice
Trumpeter and composer Waldron Ricks brings decades of fiery hard-bop tradition to the stage — his bold tone, deep swing, and powerhouse improvisation reflect a lifetime spent alongside jazz legends.
About
Waldron Ricks is a Detroit-born jazz trumpeter and composer whose career spans collaborations with many of the greatest names in modern jazz. A student of Marcus Belgrave from childhood, he later moved to New York City in 1984 to study with masters Barry Harris, Tommy Turrentine, and Wallace Roney. Ricks has performed with Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Watson, Eddie Henderson, Roy Hargrove, the Mingus Big Band, David Murray, Greg Tardy, and Myron Walden. A 2000 graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, he has appeared at major festivals and clubs across the U.S. and Europe, including Scullers, the Village Gate, the Toulon Jazz Festival, and the Verona Jazz Festival.
Music Style
Ricks’s sound is steeped in the hard-bop tradition — powerful trumpet tone, blues-infused phrasing, and harmonically rich improvisation. His compositions blend spiritual depth with classic jazz language, reflected in his work for PBS and Emmy-winning film projects.
Background
- Hometown
- Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Education
- New England Conservatory of Music
- Instruments
- trumpet
- Active
- 1980s–present
Similar Artists
If you like Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, or Wallace Roney — you’ll love Waldron Ricks
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
Waldron Mahdi Ricks's next NYC show is Friday, December 25 at Smalls.