A rising New Orleans star has passed away long before his time. 28-year-old Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill was rushed to the hospital in Tokyo after suffering from an infection he contracted from a minor dental procedure. Hill was a member of the New Birth Brass Band, Corey Henry and the Treme Funktet and Trumpet Black & The Heart Attacks. He has formerly played with the Hot 8 Brass Band and as a member of Glen David Andrews Band.

Hill was a grandson of New Orleans R&B great Jessie Hill, along with cousins Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews, James Andrews and Glen David Andrews. He was beloved by many in the music community.

According to Nola.com, Hill had been working on an album with producer Eric Heigle that was nearing completion, which Heigle plans to launch ASAP. Trombone Shorty, June Yamagishi and James Andrews all appear on the album. “The band sounded great. The material is really strong,” said Heigle. “He was shining bright, and everyone around him felt it.”

Hill was an avid volunteer at nonprofit organization Trumpets Not Guns, where he played benefit concerts and worked with at-risk children.

Our condolences go out to Hill’s friends, family and loved ones.

  Video by Lisa Grillot

 

Our hearts are broken with the loss of Travis ‘Trumpet Black’ Hill, and our condolences go out to his family.Hill was…

Posted by Trumpet Black & The Heart Attacks on Monday, May 4, 2015