Brandon Vazquez, Director of MAP and Development Associate Bloomingdale's Brandon Vazquez wears many hats, advising students in the Music Access Project, as Director of MAP, working on fundraising projects as Development Associate, and organizing Bloomingdale's faculty concerts as Concert Manager. His work at Bloomingdale keeps him busy, but Brandon also finds time to continue playing and performing as a jazz trumpeter. As a musician Brandon has studied a wide range of music but "my two favorite styles of music are jazz and gospel. Listening to a good jazz album or live performance inspires me to become a better musician." In this Internet age, Brandon still discovers new artists the old-fashioned way by browsing at music stores and attending a wide variety of concerts. "My exposure to new music ranges from going to jazz clubs, attending a church service, hearing one of Lincoln Center's many concert series, listening to the radio on my drive to and from work, or simply by attending one of Bloomingdale's many concerts given throughout the year." Artist: Freddie Hubbard Album: The Body & The Soul Why you like this particular artist/album: This album, the second of Freddie Hubbard's two Impulse albums, features the then 25-year old in three separate ensemble settings. He is accompanied by strings, a 16-piece band, and in a septet with saxophone legends Eric Dolphy and Wayne Shorter. This well-rounded and highly recommended showcase shows why Freddie Hubbard is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians ever. His ability to get around the horn and execute endless improvisational phrases is unmatched. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Carnival (Manha De Carnaval)," "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)," and "Chocolate Shake." Artist: Dexter Gordon Album: Doin' Allright Why you like this particular artist/album: The title of this Blue Note set, Doin' Allright, fit perfectly at the time, as Dexter Gordon was making the first of three successful comebacks. Largely neglected during the 1950s, Gordon's Blue Note recordings led to his rediscovery. On this album, the tenor giant is teamed with a young Freddie Hubbard, pianist Horace Parlan, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Al Harewood. Favorite track(s) on the album: "I Was Doing All Right," "It's You or No One," and "For Regulars Only." Artist: Israel Houghton Album: Alive in South Africa Why Brandon likes this particular artist/album: Israel Houghton is currently one of my favorite artists. His cross-cultural style of music fuses elements from gospel, jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and world music. Favorite track(s) on the album: "Turn Around," "Not Forgotten," and "Take the Limits Off." Artist: Maynard Ferguson Album: Live From San Francisco Why you like this particular artist/album: This album uses a small big band comprised of 12 pieces and Ferguson is in consistently fiery form during a session recorded live at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. This is one of his last albums while still in his prime! Favorite track(s) on the album: "BeBop Buffet," "Lush Life," and "Coconut Champagne."