Trumpeter, composer, educator, record producer – John Vanore has enjoyed a rich career for more than four decades. Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, John began playing the trumpet at age 7. While attending a summer program directed by Oliver Nelson at the Indiana University, John experienced the pivotal moment of his career – leading to the decision to pursue music. Nelson’s unique identity as a composer and player was inspirational. Back in Philadelphia lengthy studies with Dennis Sandole forged and intensified the same type of identity thinking.
After college John joined the legendary Woody Herman band. Upon returning he became a maintstay in the trumpet sections for performers visiting Philadelphia including Tony Bennett, Michel LeGrand, Mel Torme, Louis Bellson, Peggy Lee and many others. During this time John became the Director of Music at Widener University, developing an intensive Jazz Ensemble program specializing in non-majors that produced twelve recordings. Widener has named John Artist in Residence.
In the 80’s John formed a uniquely instrumented big band. With a strong place in his heart for the power and energy that is part of the big band and the passion for improvising, the prospect of melding that concept into a new and innovative ensemble led to the development of a new 12 member large ensemble. In honor of that pivotal experience he named it Abstract Truth as testimony to the innovative Nelson. Multiple albums, including Blue Route and Curiosity, released by Abstract Truth, led to yet another career component – producing records.
Projects for EMI, Atlantic, PBS, Miramax and many others, along with extensive experience in major New York studios necessitated a hiatus from Abstract Truth. Highlights of this time include John producing the Gold Record awarded “On Eagles Wings” for Michael Crawford on Atlantic Records, producing the sound track and accompanying CD, Voices, for the PBS special “The American Promise”, and performing as trumpet soloist on the soundtrack for the animated film, “My Dog Tulip.”
In 2004 John was commissioned to write a piece to honor the 20th anniversary of the Bhopal, India tragedy. This solemn work in 5 movements is recorded on Suite for Bhopal.
By 2008 the need to reform Abstract Truth was primary, resulting in fresh compositions highlighted in the new recordings Contagious Words and Culture. To honor that pivotal musical experience from 1966 John conceived a new project for the reimagination of the music of Oliver Nelson, leading to the recording Stolen Moments – Celebrating Oliver Nelson, which has received critical acclaim and international recognition.
Most recently the discovery of previously assumed “lost tapes” has led to their release, two recordings of live concerts by Abstract Truth – titled Back to School and Divergence, and a duet recording, Primary Colors.
Acoustical Concepts Records