Roy Hargrove Tribute Concert & Jam Session

Roy Hargrove Tribute at Young Blood

Roy Hargrove (1969–2018) was a genius American jazz trumpeter, composer, and a leading light of the "Young Lions" movement. While rooted in traditional hard bop, he bravely shattered musical boundaries by blending jazz with the raw energy of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Through his experimental band, The RH Factor, he laid the vital groundwork for modern neo-soul and jazz-hop, collaborating effortlessly with jazz icons like Herbie Hancock and Soulquarians legends like D'Angelo. His composition Strasbourg-Saint-Denis went on to become a definitive 21st-century jazz standard, earning him immense respect alongside his two Grammy Awards and a place in the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame. Celebrated for a trumpet tone that was exceptionally powerful, warm, and deeply vulnerable, he maintained an intensive global touring schedule until his untimely passing at age 49. Today, his family continues to honor his massive impact through the official Roy Hargrove Legacy platform, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile, barrier-breaking, and influential musicians of his generation.

The Ultimate Jam Session Mentor

As a true mentor leading from the trenches, Roy Hargrove spent his nights trading solos with unknown "young cats" until the clubs shut down. He used these live sessions to strictly instill jazz discipline, frequently stopping mid-tune to dictate chords and rhythm to young rhythm sections. Exercising strict tough love, he expected utmost focus and famously advised: "If you can't say it in two or three choruses… keep it in the case." Having been mentored early on by Wynton Marsalis, Hargrove viewed it as his personal duty to provide younger musicians with a real chance to grow. Above all, he acted as a guardian for the rhythm section, constantly urging horn players not to overplay so that the drummers and bassists could breathe and thrive.

The Band

Brandon Ruiters - Trumpet

Justin Bellairs - Alto Saxophone

Brathew van Schalkwyk - Piano

Joshua Nemaire - Double Bass

Damian Kamineth - Drums

The Jam

All musicians will have free access to the concert by sending an email to [email protected] or WhatsApp to 0799442754. Only the musicians selected will receive a free ticket and will be invited to perform during the Jam Session.