Jay Webb: How to Say "Yes" to a Gig With Confidence. Ep. 152

Jay Webb: How to Say "Yes" to a Gig With Confidence. Ep. 152

Author: Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces March 4, 2026 Duration: 1:30:08

This episode of The Other Side of the Bell, featuring trumpet performer Jay Webb, is brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass.

This episode also appears as a video episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:

"Jay Webb Trumpet Interview"

And, find the expanded show notes, transcript and more photos here

 
You might know him from TikTok, or perhaps any of the myriad projects where he appears: The Hornheads, the Cory Wong and the Wongnotes YouTube series, any number of Broadway orchestra pits, the Grammy-winning 8-Bit Big Band, or most recently his Doc Severinsen tribute project (DST Band).
 
Jay Webb is as versatile as they come, and today he shares his story and advice on how to forge a career in the 2020's.
 
We talk about his late start in reading music, having learned to play by ear first, and then how moving to New Orleans provided a unique musical experience and education.
 
Jay shares insight on the balance between touring and freelancing, and that when bringing his career back to Philadelphia years later, it was thanks to having maintained connections in the music industry that he was able to quickly find more opportunities.
 
You never know who you might connect with and ask you to sub in for a gig, last minute. Jay shows us how to say "Yes" with confidence, and build the professional career that works for you.
 
Don't let someone else define your career!
 

About Jay Webb:

Jay Webb is one of today's most versatile and in demand trumpet players, seamlessly moving between the concert hall, the recording studio, and the world's biggest stages.
 
Whether performing with the National Symphony Orchestra, laying down pristine studio tracks, or sharing the spotlight with artists like Cory Wong, Shakira, Lake Street Dive, Ed Sheeran, Queen Latifah, John Legend, and the Grammy Award–winning 8-Bit Big Band, Jay has earned a reputation as a musician who truly does it all.
 
Born in Hamburg, New Jersey, Jay was introduced to the trumpet at the age of three by his father. His natural ability and sharp ear were evident early on, and by fourth grade he was already playing in the school band. From there, his talent and dedication propelled him into a lifelong career in music.
 
Jay's newest project, The DST Band, is a heartfelt tribute to legendary trumpeter Doc Severinsen. With dazzling recreations of Severinsen's most memorable performances, the ensemble breathes new life into beloved big band classics such as Stardust, I'm Getting Sentimental Over You, and Flying Home.
 
Today, Jay is widely recognized as one of the world's premier trumpet players in both live performance and studio settings. Beyond the stage, he is also a highly sought-after clinician, inspiring the next generation of musicians with his artistry and insight.
 
When not touring internationally, Jay remains deeply connected to New York City's vibrant music scene. He can often be found performing in Broadway orchestras and contributing to an array of recording projects, continuing to showcase the versatility and excellence that define his career.
Jay Webb is Yamaha Performance artist, and plays Yamaha horns exclusively.
 

Episode Links:

 

Bob Reeves Brass Upcoming Events and Appearances:

 

Podcast Credits:

  • "A Room with a View" - composed and performed by Howie Shear
  • Podcast Host - John Snell
  • Cover Photo Credit - Courtesy Jay Webb
  • Audio Engineer - Ted Cragg

There's a whole world of sound that happens before the music reaches the audience, a space filled with the clatter of valves, the whisper of breath, and the shared stories of a unique community. The Other Side Of The Bell-A Trumpet Podcast invites you into that world, offering a backstage pass to the realities of brass life. Hosted by the team at Bob Reeves Brass Mouthpieces, this series goes far beyond simple gear talk. Each episode feels like a conversation in the practice room, blending practical trumpet tips that address the daily hurdles players face with deep-dive interviews featuring the musicians themselves. You'll hear firsthand stories about the craft, the unexpected challenges of performance, and the personal journeys that shape an artist's sound. This podcast is built on decades of specialized knowledge, translating the nuanced experiences of embouchure, articulation, and endurance into accessible insights. Whether you're a student navigating your first orchestral audition or a seasoned professional refining your approach, the discussions here are grounded in real-world application. It’s about the person behind the instrument as much as the instrument itself, creating a genuine resource for anyone passionate about the trumpet. Tune in for a blend of technical wisdom and personal narrative that only comes from a lifetime spent listening from the other side of the bell.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Other Side Of The Bell - A Trumpet Podcast
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