He is a trumpeter, also known as Joe, who was born in Chicago, Illinois. He studied the cornet from age six and was soloist with local bands and in jazz clubs by the time he was twelve, and the youngest professional in the Virginia Opera Orchestra by fifteen.
He studied at Arizona State University and once he finished his education there he became a member of New York City’s Meridian Art’s Ensemble with whom he recorded several of his own arrangements and compositions and also shared the ASCP Adventurous Programming Award. By 2001 he had become one of North America’s busiest trumpet soloists performing over 50 concerts each season.
2001 also saw him becoming a member of Canadian Brass and he stayed with them until 2004 when he continued with his solo career. Dweezil Zappa recorded his Top 30 chart hit “The Little Drummer Boy” and Josef was the featured player on flugelhorn and piccolo trumpet. He returned to Canadian Brass in 2006 to become part of their Trumpet “Dream Team”.
He has taught and performed at more than 70 conservatories, colleges and universities and has appeared with many major orchestras. He has released the solo CD The Virtuoso Trumpet and has appeared on many national television and radio shows.
Here he is performing “Moon River” with Thierry Caens…
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