When he was thirteen years old, public elementary and junior high schools still had music departments available for students on campus. He wanted to play the drums or the trombone.
The music instructor informed him that there was only one last instrument available for that fall semester. The trumpet. He agreed. So, the trumpet actually found him. He has loved everything about the trumpet ever since. He has played in marching bands and stage bands in his home town of Sacramento.
In Los Angeles, where he lives now, he has been involved in swing bands and also fronted a quartet of his own, "The Rear View Mirror Jazz Quartet", performing standards in Hollywood and around Los Angeles for many years, doing his part to keep the local jazz scene alive. He will be performing his original tunes this summer at the beautiful Universal Citywalk. See below for the monthly schedule.
Tim's musical influences are, of course, Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Maynard Ferguson, Chris Botti, Rick Braun, and Kevin "Skank James" Chokan. His trumpet of choice is the Yamaha YTR6345. "I really dig playing it, and I love its tone."
Tim is also an actor in Hollywood, a member of the Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA for many, many years, and has worked on stage, television, and in feature films.
"People often ask me why I play the trumpet. I always tell them,'When I play a note on the trumpet, it makes me feel good ... so ... I like to do it over and over and over again' ".
Tim is proud to announce the release of his debut CD Collections , all original, all instrumental Hip Hop Nu Jazz, all songs written and performed by Tim Chokan.
Collection No. 1, "Swingtown USA". "Sexy and smooth, for all of your smooth and sexy moments. All original instrumental songs that are smooth grooves and melodies with nice harmonies on trumpet over lush tracks. Perfect for any smooth jazz occasion, this disc is thirteen jazzy funky soulful tunes."
Collection No. 2, "Smooth, hip, and classy, this CD is a must for all of you that are classy, hip, and smooth, and want their music to say that about themselves.
Collection No. 3, "Where I Want To Be". "12 new tracks are on the third cd of this series of original contemporary smooth jazz that is fresh and funky, taking inspiration from the old school soul and hip hop. So all you funky people out there, you can bust out the dancing shoes a lot on this CD."
Collection No. 4, "Urban Renwal", the best yet, is HERE! This fourth collection of fresh smooth jazz will take you on an exhilarating journey down Nu-Jazz Lane. “Urban Renewal” is an accumulation of all original rousing tunes and beautiful ballads that will raise your spirits and keep them there.
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