John Michael Bradford

John Michael Bradford is one of the most exciting voices in modern trumpet—an electrifying performer, singer, composer, arranger, and bandleader whose sound is rooted in the rich musical heritage of New Orleans. Drawing deeply from the tradition of Black American Music, Bradford moves effortlessly between jazz, blues, funk, hip-hop, and soul, delivering performances that are both powerful and deeply expressive.

Fresh off a national television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside acclaimed trumpeter Keyon Harrold, Bradford continues to gain international attention for his bold sound and commanding stage presence.

His debut album Something Old, Something New earned a nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album by OffBeat Magazine, further establishing him as a rising force in contemporary jazz. When he’s not leading his own electrifying performances around the world, Bradford can be found touring with Grammy-winning artist PJ Morton, bringing his unmistakable New Orleans energy to audiences everywhere.

"The 19043 trumpet delivers a rich, bright tone that sits perfectly in section playing and studio work. It handles projection with ease, letting you push when needed without losing control. Articulation feels crisp, the range is comfortable, and overall it’s a dependable, versatile horn.

"That said, I’m especially drawn to the open feel of the 190L65GVU in raw brass. Its warmer tone gives me more room to shape my sound and express myself musically. I tend to reach for the raw brass horn for solo work and shows with my band, while the 43 remains my go-to for section playing and louder funk or pop settings."