LEGENDS
2026 LEGEND
Jon-Erik Kellso
Jon-Erik Kellso
Jazz reviewers and critics have referred to Jon-Erik Kellso as “one of today’s most fulfilling mainstream trumpters and cornetists. He is a master of traditional styles who has the capacity to transcend the genre and is a consummate player who deftly elevates his instruments’ traditional vocabulary into something contemporary and personal.
Jon-Erik Kello’s poignant, rounded-tone suggests a seamless combination of Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman, Cootie Williams, Frankie Newton and Roy Eldridge, a synthesis of which anyone may be justifiably proud. From the listener’s point of view, it is difficult to think of anyone, save Ruby Braff, who so successfully embodies the best traditions of the past while at the same time bringing them convincingly into the present. He is telling his story in the hallowed tradition of great yarn-spinners throughout history. He entertains, informs and keeps our interest whetted for the next installment.”
What Makes a San Diego Jazz Party Musician a Legend, and What Does it Mean?
A Legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others. A Legend touches lives and is remembered and cherished. There are all kinds of Legends in this world, and our Jazz Party Legends have earned the greatest respect for their talents and contributions to the field of jazz. Becoming a true legend means finding your particular gift, your calling, then following it and impacting others around you. The musicians chosen by the Board of the San Diego Jazz Party have achieved Legend status, not only by their incredible talents, but also their passion. We thank them for continuing to share their gifts with appreciative audiences.
Jon-Erik Kello’s poignant, rounded-tone suggests a seamless combination of Buck Clayton, Bill Coleman, Cootie Williams, Frankie Newton and Roy Eldridge, a synthesis of which anyone may be justifiably proud. From the listener’s point of view, it is difficult to think of anyone, save Ruby Braff, who so successfully embodies the best traditions of the past while at the same time bringing them convincingly into the present. He is telling his story in the hallowed tradition of great yarn-spinners throughout history. He entertains, informs and keeps our interest whetted for the next installment.”
What Makes a San Diego Jazz Party Musician a Legend, and What Does it Mean?
A Legend is someone who leaves behind an unforgettable impression on others. A Legend touches lives and is remembered and cherished. There are all kinds of Legends in this world, and our Jazz Party Legends have earned the greatest respect for their talents and contributions to the field of jazz. Becoming a true legend means finding your particular gift, your calling, then following it and impacting others around you. The musicians chosen by the Board of the San Diego Jazz Party have achieved Legend status, not only by their incredible talents, but also their passion. We thank them for continuing to share their gifts with appreciative audiences.
Jon-Erik Kellso
2026 LEGEND
HONORARY LEGENDS
- 2026 - Jon-Erik Kellso
2025 - Harry Allen
2024 - Rossano Sportiello
2023 - Ken Pepowski
2022 - Chuck Redd
2022 - Dan Reid (1939-2020) - 2022 - Dave Cooper (1933-2020)
- 2020 - Richard Simon
- 2019 – Eddie Metz Jr.
- 2018 – Dan Barrett
- 2017 – Eddie Erikson
- 2016 – Rebecca Kilgore
- 2015 – Butch Miles
- 2014 - Mundell Lowe (1922-2017)
- 2013 – Johnny Varro
- 2012 – Houston Person
- 2011 – Bucky Pizzarelli (1926-2020)
- 2010 - Jake Hanna (1931-2010)
- 2009 – Ed Polcer
- 2008 – Dick Hyman
- 2007 - Jeannie & Jimmy Cheatham (Jimmy 1924-2007)
- 2006 - Joe Wilder (1922-2014)
- 2005 - Barney Kessel (1923-2004)
