Phil Edmund

Felix Edmond Barboza (November 20, 1914 – April 9, 1993) was an American trumpeter and bandleader. He was known professionally as Phil Edmund, including in his jazz and big band music, and as Phil Barboza in his Latin American music.

Early life

Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, of Cape Verdean parents, Edmund was captivated at an early age by the musical repertoire of the Cape Verde islands.

He attended Lawrence High School in Falmouth, MA, where he played trumpet in the school's orchestra and graduated in 1934.

Career

Edmund played Creole and swing music, and sometimes jazz with Louis Armstrong and others. Early in his career, he was a big band trumpet player in New York with bandleaders such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Benny Carter. It played at dances and clubs in the New England area, including in New Bedford, Providence, Martha's Vineyard, and at colleges. The band included Bob Chestnut, Joe Livramento, Paul Gonsalves, and Vicki Vieira. Many Cape Verdean Americans in the region descended from people who worked in New England whaling in the 19th century. The style of music the band played came to influence the music Corea created by putting Latin music on his radar.

Edmund introduced Gonsalves to Basie, which was a major turning point in Gonsalves' career.

Phil Barboza and His Latin American Music (7", EP) Cabo-Verde Records, 1962 "Se Olho E Preto E Doce" / "Mumzinha" (7") Cabo-Verde Records 1962? "Sufrimente" / "Milho-Branco" (7") Cabo-Verde Records, 1962