Trumpeter Jonathan Crespo was born in Chile but the volatile politics of his original homeland resulted in his family moving to Canada when Crespo was still a child.

Crespo’s brother started playing trumpet in high school and Jonathan followed suit, studying classical music but also absorbing the rock of the music of the era including The Who, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Crespo has since described himself as a “rocker in a trumpet player’s body”.

Crespo discovered jazz via Chet Baker and studied the music at Humber College in Toronto, a specialist jazz college. Crespo later became of the Humber College Music Program Advisory Committee, an honour also shared by the late, great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.

Crespo’s versatility has led to an interesting and diverse career which has included touring with the Beach Boys, KC and the Sunshine Band and Lenny Kravitz among many others. He has acted as trumpet player and musical director for a number of mainstream entertainers, with this aspect of his work including stints on US cruise ships and residencies in lounges and casinos in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The Jon Crespo Quartet sees Crespo joined by a trio of musicians who arguably make up South Wales’ leading rhythm section. Pianist Dave Jones is an acclaimed band leader and composer in his own right, Ashley John Long is a virtuoso double bass soloist and drummer Greg Evans is a highly accomplished player and a true stalwart of the local scene.