by Scott Yanow
A superior trumpeter, Jeff Beal is most notable for his advanced writing abilities. While studying at the Eastman School of Music, Beal won 11 Downbeat student awards. He also received three Exxon/Meet the Composer Grants during 1986-1987. Beal moved to New York after graduating, recorded his debut Liberation for Antilles, and then moved to the West Coast to work on film scores. He went on to record a second date for Antilles (Perpetual Motion) and three sets for Triloka. Beal's writing has been featured on albums by Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, and John Patitucci, but he has not neglected his unpredictable trumpet playing, gigging often in the Los Angeles area where he also continues to write film scores.