Duane Eubanks

Here' one to watch! Younger brother to Kevin and Robin, son to gospel pianist Vera, and nephew to piano giant, Ray Bryant, Duane Eubanks is an emerging talent in his own right. The Philadelphia native was nurtured by a musical family, and musical talent may be in his genes. Aside from his inherited talent, Duane earned his chops through years of education and hard work. His father, Detective William Eubanks, played an important role in stressing the relevance of a strong work ethic. Though William was not a musician, Duane was inspired by his father's example and saw that discipline and dedication were a means to success.

Duane played trumpet for the first time in the 6th grade but didn't begin to think of Music as a career until college. He is most influenced by the encouragement and guidance of his brothers Robin, Kevin and Shane. Robin and Kevin especially paved the way - having illustrious music careers of their own. While studying for a degree in Business Administration at the University of Maryland, Duane joined the University's Jazz Band. Performing with this band afforded him opportunities to play with such jazz luminaries as Stanley Turrentine, Shirely Scott, Charles Fambrough and Clark Terry. After his tenure at the University of Maryland, Duane enrolled in Temple University's jazz department. As a jazz major there, he performed with Dr. Billy Taylor and Wynton Marsalis, among others. In addition to his University education, Duane took two years of private lessons with legendary trumpeter Johnny Coles. Johnny became one of his primary mentors and taught him about the "art of the trumpet". He also gave Duane insight on being a professional musician. The years of study and the continual encouragement of his brother Robin motivated Duane to undertake his ultimate challenge: He moved to New York in 1996 with his good friend and musical partner Orrin Evans, with the hope of "making it as musicians."

Currently, Duane plays regularly with the Illinois Jacquet Big Band, the Next Legacy Orchestra and the Oliver Lake Big Band. He is also a member of Jason Linder's Big Band and can be heard weekly at New York City's Small's jazz club. Duane sees value in working with big bands and observes that trumpeters historically come up through big bands before launching their solo careers. He believes these experiences are part of the education necessary to develop as a mature and powerful leader. Duane frequently commutes back to Philadelphia to play with Bootsie Barnes or Organ-Queen Shirley Scott. He also has been preparing his own Quintet for forays into larger arenas.

At the youthful age of 29, Duane's performed with an impressive and extensive list of musicians: There's Phyllis Hyman, Benny Golson, Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Donald Byrd, Terrell Stafford, Tim Warfield Jr., Lionel Hampton, Antonio Hart, The Temptations and (of course) his brother and mentor, Robin Eubanks. Duane is a consummate sideman, but is presently dedicated to seeing the growth of his music and career as a leader.