Biography

Humberto – Trumpeter and Storyteller Through Music

 

Born in Santiago, Chile, Humberto discovered his passion for the trumpet at age 13, teaching himself to play after school. His early influences, including the smooth sounds of Chuck Mangione and the timeless melodies of Herb Alpert, helped shape his unique musical voice. His early musical journey flourished in Miami, where he performed within various ensembles, including the Greater Miami Symphonic Band and two seasons with the University of Miami’s Band of the Hour (1996-1998).

His most defining musical experiences came through Drum and Bugle Corps, where he played lead soprano for two esteemed corps—the Magic of Orlando and the Boston Crusaders. However, it was with the Concord Blue Devils that he achieved one of his proudest moments: winning the DCI World Championship in 1999, an accomplishment that solidified his love for performance and the spirit of competition.

After his time in the corps, Humberto took an extended break from music, allowing his trumpet to gather dust for over a decade. But in 2013, music called him back, and he joyfully revived his connection with the trumpet. This new chapter brought with it a renewed sense of purpose, and since 2016, Humberto has devoted himself to a career in music, sharing the emotions and stories that his trumpet so powerfully expresses. Through his playing, he channels not only technical mastery but a deep, soulful connection to the audience, transforming each note into a heartfelt experience.

Humberto’s style leans toward a mellow, smooth jazz trumpet sound, seamlessly blending jazz standards with touches of Bossa Nova, hints of Buena Vista Social Club influence, and elements of world music, with some light improvisation woven throughout.

He has had the privilege of performing in a variety of settings, ranging from the rich, traditional sounds of Mariachi groups to the soulful grooves of R&B bands and the vibrant rhythms of Latin trios and quartets. Humberto has also embraced the freedom of solo performances, improvising over carefully crafted backing tracks.

Recently, he has developed a deep appreciation for the simplicity and nuance of the duet format, often pairing his trumpet with either piano or classical guitar. This setup fosters a more intimate, expressive experience, where each note breathes and every subtle interaction adds depth to the music, creating a personal and dynamic atmosphere for both the performers and the listeners.