Press
Performances
Sancy Snow Jazz Festival - 28th Edition
The Chautauqua Jazz Party
Whitley Bay Jazz Party
Teatro Del Vermo Swing Expo 2015 Milan, Italy
A Prairie Home Companion
June 5, 2004 rebroadcast with Old Crow Medicine Show, Leon Redbone, Vince Giordano, Duke Heitger, and Butch Thompson
Interviews
Jazz Inspired with Judy Carmichael
Episode Summary
Trumpeter Duke Heitger isn’t a native New Orleanean, but has lived there many years and talked with Judy about the challenges and advantages of a career in this most musical of cities, when you aren’t a native. Recorded onstage at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Featured Articles
Jazz Beat
Duke Heitger
Steamboat Stomp is a jazz festival
on the river
Concert Press
Critical Acclaim
"It was a sensationally stunning performance given by leader Duke Heitger on trumpet ....on the encore 'That's My Home,' a tune made famous by Louis Armstrong."
— Ian King, Jazz Critic
“No tricks, no frills, just music to-the-point. Heitger’s trumpet is bright and energetic. A rather enjoyable feast.”
— Bill Bernardi, 52nd Street Jazz
“Heitger has an explosive, ripping trumpet style that’s out of Armstrong by way of Roy Eldridge… and sing with the boozy warmth of Jack Teagarden after hours.”
— Jon Garelick, Boston Phoenix
“Spirited, ebullient music that’s based firmly in the original swing era…Heitger’s Armstrong-inspired trumpet…brash leads…puckish mute work…music that swing happily, compulsively, and convincingly.”
— Stuart Broomer, Amazon.com
"A rare combination of musical characteristics. He plays hot...he plays sweet...he plays the blues as though there is a touch of pathos dripping from every note...Duke swings. Nothing else needs to be said."
— Curt Beard, Jazz Soundings.
"One of New Orleans' top trumpet players...Heitger has not received the wider acclaim he clearly deserves...Surely this kid was born to be a bandleader."
— Tom Jacobsen, The Mississippi Rag
"New Orleans trumpeter Duke Heitger is one of new swing's rising stars, and he shows why here with resonant shrieks on the horn and a band that's hotter than its hometown on an August afternoon."
— Jay Waljasper, The Mississippi Rag
"The real thing...His robust sound, upper register forays, and overall personality nicely recall the legendary Roy Eldridge."
— Bob Protzman, St. Paul Pioneer Press
"Duke Heitger, he's phenomenal...an incredible talent."
— Tom Maxwell, former Squirrel Nut Zipper
"A first-rate trumpeter."
— Ken Dryden, All Music Guide