Brad Goode

"The lyrical genius of the trumpet" - Chicago Tribune

Trumpeter Brad Goode is widely recognized as an experimental soloist with an original, virtuosic trumpet style. He has toured and recorded with the bands of jazz legends Von Freeman, Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Ernie Watts, and many others.

He led his own combo in Chicago from 1985 until 1998, including a twelve-year stint as leader of the house band at the Green Mill. As a Cultural Ambassador for Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago, he led jazz groups on tours of Asia and the Middle East. He was named one of the most influential Chicagoans of the 1980s by the Chicago Tribune, who credited him as a ”major catalyst in the revitalization of the Chicago jazz scene.”

Brad leads two Modern Jazz groups, the Brad Goode Quartet and the Polytonal Dance Party. His 18 recordings as a leader have been released on the Delmark, Sunlight, SteepleChase and Origin labels. His latest CD release is “The Brad Goode Quintet featuring Ernie Watts, That’s Right!” (Origin, 2018)

A full-time educator since 1998, Brad also freelances as a classical and commercial lead trumpeter, and as a jazz bassist and drummer. He currently tours with the bands of Canadian vocalist Matt Dusk and West African drummer Paa Kow. He makes frequent appearances as a guest soloist and clinician at colleges and high schools.

Brad Goode is the Musical Director for The Conference on World Affairs. He serves on the faculties of The Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts, The Jazz Trumpet Consortium and The University of Colorado, where he is a Professor of Jazz Studies.