Blair Yarranton
Blair Yarranton
Through my experimentation and use of FX pedals and devices I have uncovered a unique artistic voice that I had buried in me. I have had some of the most rewarding and creative musical experiences of my life performing with the trumpet/ flugelhorn and FX. It has been a great adventure and has provided me with the opportunity to grow musically in ways I had not expected.
I love the sound of the open trumpet and flugelhorn, and to contrast it with cool FX brings out both sides, and can create amazing and sonic textures in performance. When I use my FX, I like to focus on the wet sound and have very little dry sound mixed in. I find this is the best way for me to capture the personality of each effect and showcase how the trumpet can manipulate the sound. This also helps to provide a contrast to the dry sound that I also use. My dry sound is never completely dry as I always add a bit of reverb.
As a musician we are always obsessed with our sound, so I have found that my discerning ear has been an asset to me in my pedal adventures. I am always looking for new sounds, and new possibilities."
Blair attended Humber College (School of Creative and Performing Arts), and graduated from the University of Toronto (Jazz Performance). Has studied with Don Johnson, Steve Crowe, Chase Sanborn, John McLeod, and Kevin Turcotte.
Moved to Trenton, Ontario in 2000 to begin teaching at Centennial Secondary School (Regional Centre for the Visual and Performing Arts). At Centennial Blair directs the Jazz Orchestra, Concert Band and Music Theatre Pit Band.
Recently Blair has been excited and inspired to be making music with Percy Alder. Adler-Yarranton is an exciting duo featuring Percy (guitar/ toolbox) and Blair (trumpet/ fx). Check out their music to the right.
Blair continues to maintain a busy performance schedule as a member of the Brian Barlow Big Band (Toronto), The Commodores’ Orchestra (Belleville), and The Swingmasters (Kingston).
Blair has shared the stage with many great musicians including: Kenny Wheeler, The Temptations, Guido Basso, Tim Hagans, Fred Stride, Brian Barlow, Paul Tynan, and John Lamb. Blair has performed at many major jazz festivals including the Downtown Toronto Jazz Festival, Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival, All Canadian Jazz Festival, Prince Edward County Jazz Festival and The Thousand Islands Jazz Festival.
Gear:
Sure Beta 98 H/C - Wireless microphone
Radial Engineering - Voco Loco
Dunlop - 95Q Wah
Digitech - Whammy
Electro Harmonix - POG 2
Pigtronix - Envelope Phaser (Bernie Worrell Edition)
Pigtronix - Disnortion
MXR - Dyna Comp
BOSS GE7 EQ
BOSS RV5 Reverb
TC Electronics - Flashback x4
George L Cables
Maple Rock Guitar Works - Custom Pro Pedalboard
Lugville - gear bags
Torpedo bags - trumpet cases