Critics and musicians alike have called Trumpeter and Composer Nicole Rampersaud “impressiveâ€, “thoroughly engaging†(The Live Music Report) and as having “the chops and ideas to make some serious noise†(Taylor Ho-Bynum). Her commitment to doing justice to any musical situation is earning her a reputation as an important and versatile voice in the improvised music scene in Toronto and abroad.
In addition to being heavily involved in the Toronto scene, Nicole continues to be an in demand performer in cities across Canada and the United States. She has performed with some of today’s leading artists including: Anthony Braxton, Bob Brookmeyer, George Garzone, Evan Parker, Django Bates, Dave Holland, Uri Caine, Jeff Coffin and Joe Morris. She has recorded and collaborated extensively with Rakalam Bob Moses, the latest of which has been released on the Sunnyside Records label.
Nicole’s Quintet was invited to perform a set of new compositions at the Festival of New Trumpet Music, where she was also a part of the New York premiere of Anthony Braxton’s Composition 103 for Seven Choreographed and Costumed Trumpets, with Mr. Braxton conducting. She has since performed the piece with Mr. Braxton at the Ars Nova Workshop in Philadelphia. Nicole also performed with Braxton as a member of the AIMToronto Orchestra at the Guelph Jazz Festival. The performance was documented and recently released on Spool Records.
Born and raised in Toronto, Nicole holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto’s Jazz Performance Program. Upon graduating from the University, Nicole was offered a scholarship to continue her studies at the New England Conservatory, where she earned her Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies. While at the Conservatory, Nicole studied with Danilo Perez, John McNeil, Jerry Bergonzi, Joe Morris, Herb Pomeroy, Joe Maneri, and Bob Moses. She also studied composition with Michael Gandolfi and Ken Schaphorst.
Today, Nicole maintains a busy performance schedule as a leader and side person. She continues to perform with the AIMToronto Orchestra, is a co-curator for the weekly Leftover Daylight Series, and is the newest board member of the Association of Improvising Musicians, Toronto.
