Bill Hardman
b. 6 April 1933, Cleveland, Ohio, USA, d. 5 December 1990. Considering his CV, it is surprising that Hardman is not better known and more highly regarded. He spent four stints as trumpeter with the popular and influential Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers (1956-58, 1966-69, 1970 and 1975-76) as well as three with Charles Mingus (1956, 1969-70 and 1972). He also worked with Tiny Bradshaw (1953-55), Horace Silver, Lloyd Price and, from 1959 to 1966, Lou Donaldson. His style was in the mellow, lyrical tradition of Clifford Brown rather than the brasher brass masters of hard bop, and perhaps this was why he tended to be underrated. There was a dry elegance to his playing, and he contributed admirably to some fine recordings, such as the session for Atlantic when Thelonious Monk sat in with Blakey (Blue Monk). At least he was recognized by the down beat critics, who voted him ‘Trumpeter Deserving of Wider Recognition’ in 1973. After leading Brass Company he formed a band with Junior Cook (1979-81), which was well-received. Hardman died in 1990.