in my mind's zen garden

Nathan Mills

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Nathan Mills – Trumpet

A long-time friend and musical colleague, I’ve known Nathan since the early 1990′s when I first joined his jazz-fusion group, Bop Nouveau. We’ve been through a lot of bands together, from Rollo to Big Time Operator to the Uptown Boys. And now, we currently perform with Flamenco Nova, Big Daddy Orchestra, Ritmo Loco and Grapevine.

Nathan comes from a Jazz, Big Band and Funk/R&B background, whose influences range from Arturo Sandoval to The Brecker Brothers. As a matter of fact, Nathan is a friend of Arturo Sandoval and introduced Arturo to the “Wild Thing”, a custom trumpet created by Jazz Trumpeter Flip Oakes.

Nathan brings Bebop textures as well as Spanish-style trumpet playing into the mix… think, Mariachi meets Miles meets Maynard, and you’ve got a great fusion of improvisational dexterity, fueled by grace of technique and style.

Nathan teaches trumpet lessons at the San Diego County Music Exchange.

Nathan is a local professional player, who brings his 30+ years of performing experience into his approach to teaching. A product of the vibrant North County music education scene in the 1970’s, he went on to tour the US as lead trumpet for the U.S. Marine Corps band based in New Orleans. After his tour of duty, Nathan continued his “in the trenches” education in New Orleans and New York, before returning to California. He has also continued his education through conversations with virtuoso players such as Don Ellis, Freddie Hubbard, Mike Vax and Arturo Sandoval. Also an accomplished writer and arranger, Nathan’s music has been heard on television and radio, and his skills have been used in many local recording projects. His teaching approach combines the discipline of classical material with his experiences in popular styles, and his love of Jazz and improvised music. Nathan has always been interested in the mechanics of brass playing. His vast knowledge of instruments and mouthpieces of all the various manufacturers allow him to recommend the equipment that best suits the developing player.