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Julian Priester

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description Julian Priester Overview

Julian Priester (born 1935) is an American jazz trombonist whose career has encompassed several major movements in modern jazz. He performed and recorded with Sun Ra's Arkestra in the late 1950s, worked with drummer Max Roach, and later played in Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band in the early 1970s. Priester led the 1973 ECM album 'Love, Love,' which explored jazz fusion and avant-garde territory. His trombone playing is noted for its adaptability across hard bop, free jazz, and electronic contexts.

help Julian Priester FAQ

Which Herbie Hancock albums feature Julian Priester?

Priester was part of Hancock's Mwandishi-era ensemble and appears on recordings including Mwandishi and Crossings. In that group he used the Swahili name Pepo Mtoto and played alongside musicians such as Eddie Henderson and Bennie Maupin.

Did Julian Priester play with Sun Ra before joining Max Roach?

Yes, Priester recorded with Sun Ra's Arkestra in Chicago during the 1950s before becoming closely associated with Max Roach. This placed him in both early avant-garde jazz and the hard-bop world while he was still a young trombonist.

What are Julian Priester's most important albums as a bandleader?

His early leader dates include Keep Swingin' and Spiritsville, both associated with the Riverside label. Later albums such as Love, Love reflect the electric and exploratory direction he pursued after working with Herbie Hancock.

What instrument does Julian Priester play?

Priester is principally a jazz trombonist, although his work spans hard bop, free jazz, and electric fusion. His credits range from Max Roach and John Coltrane to Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band.