Louis Armstrong Harrelson Trumpet Auction to Benefit French Quarter Festivals, Inc.

Nov. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- As any jazz lover knows, true conversations about the history of jazz never exclude the great influencer of the genre, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Without Louis Armstrong, the form, style, and overall tone of jazz would not be transformed into what it is today. In honor of the Jazz Genius, custom trumpet designer Jason Harrelson, of Harrelson Trumpets, solely designed and built a one-of-a-kind Louis Armstrong Trumpet to be auctioned on behalf of French Quarter Festivals, Inc. at New Orleans’ Neal Auction House, Saturday, November 17. The proceeds will benefit French Quarter Festivals, Inc. and Satchmo SummerFest.

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in New Orleans dedicated to promoting the City of New Orleans through high quality events including Satchmo SummerFest, the only festival that celebrates the life, legacy, and music of Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong.

Summit “Satchmo” Art Nouveau by Jason Harrelson
The Summit “Satchmo” Art Nouveau Trumpet is the only trumpet of its kind ever to be built and is designed to commemorate Louis Armstrong and the spirit of New Orleans. In the spirit of Louis Armstrong, the trumpet is designed to be the ultimate musical piece of Louis Armstrong Art and exhibits a broad vocal sound reminiscent of Louis' actual voice.

The B flat (♭) single edition brass trumpet is marked with a Harrelson signature for authenticity and features the date of design, “08-01-2011.”  Mounted with a fleur-de-lis in the mouthpiece receiver and iconic New Orleans Water Meter cover custom cut from solid brass along the tuning slide, the trumpet features an engraved “Satchmo” next to a transcription of Armstrong’s most famous trumpet solo, “A Kiss to Build a Dream On.” The trumpet also includes a fitted trumpet case and wooden display stand.

Technical features of the trumpet includes a leadpipe 4 for medium open airflow and vibrant tonal character; Bell 7 with a 5.5" diameter to create a broad semi-diffused projection pattern; black onyx inlays in the receiver; Nouveau Nautilus themed top bracing cut from solid brass billet; and multiple finger button inlays in blue, purple, green, and black onyx.

Jason Harrelson
Founder of Harrelson Trumpets at the age of 20, Jason Harrelson’s love for entrepreneurial ventures began at an early age which allowed him to craft unique and beautiful trumpets for their unique musicians.

While attending St. Olaf College pursuing Math and Performance degrees, Jason discovered the laws of physics governing trumpet acoustics and set out on a mission to improve the efficiency of trumpet design.  

Jason has long been a sideman and lead player in small jazz combos, big bands, musicals, quintets and orchestras. He made is NYC Broadway debut at the Barrymore Theater in November of 2008 while touring with Duran Duran.

His hand-crafted instruments continue to find their way into the hands of musicians world-wide and many well-known New Orleans musicians including Shamarr Allen and Kermit Ruffins.  


Jason continues innovating instrument design on a daily basis. His main focus is always on the player and what works best for them. As a teacher, educator, and trumpet player himself, he applies what he's learned in all these roles to his main focus. Currently he travels throughout the U.S. and Canada giving lectures and master classes on the science and art of his designs.



Harrelson Trumpet Auction
The Summit “Satchmo” Art Nouveau Trumpet Auction will take place November 17 at Neal Auction Company, 4038 Magazine Street in New Orleans, LA. Media and guests are invited to view this beautiful instrument at the Neal Auction preview party, held on November 15. All proceeds from the auction will help fund Satchmo SummerFest and keep the festival free and open to the public.      

For more information about Harrelson Trumpets or to view images of the Summit “Satchmo” Art Nouveau Trumpet, lot 375 visit whyharrelson.weebly.com/satchmo-summit-trumpet.html. Contact Michelle Leckert at Neal Auction Company, Inc. at 504-899-5329 or michelle@nealauction.com for more information about the bidding process or to place a bid.

For more information about French Quarter Festivals, Inc. or Satchmo SummerFest visit www.fqfi.org or call (504) 522-5730.

French Quarter Festivals, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, which produces French Quarter Festival (April), Satchmo SummerFest (August), and Christmas New Orleans Style (December). French Quarter Festivals, Inc. promotes the Vieux Carré and the City of New Orleans through high quality special events and activities that showcase the culture and heritage of this unique city, contribute to the economic well-being of the community, and instill increased pride in the people of New Orleans.