Hardiman is a Man of Distinction

Cultural Currents first became familiar with David Hardiman at the legendary thoroughbred race track, Golden Gate Fields where he presides as the bugler. As a preamble to the standard “Call to Post” played ten minutes before horses are released from the gate, Hardiman will unwind with a little improvised jazz riff. Sometimes it’s a bop tune, or a swing number, or even the blues, but always impeccably executed on his special herald trumpet. Attired in a bright red velvet cutaway jacket, beige jodhpurs, and paddock boots, he personifies Victorian values of poise and quiet dignity.

As it turns out, the man is something of a legend himself.  Having taught jazz studies at City College of San Francisco for 30 years, he is now leading and performing exclusively with a variety of combos and big bands throughout the Bay Area.

We caught up with him just before the Kentucky Derby to answer a few questions for race track aficionados and jazz fans.

Cultural Currents: Who were your early musical influences, and how did you become attracted to both jazz and horse racing?

David Hardiman:  I started out playing the trumpet and piano in elementary school in the 4^th grade at School 56 under the tutelage of Larry Liggett and Ruth McArthur, and went on to School 26 Jr. High School under James Compton, and finally at Arsenal Technical High School under the teachings of John White all in Indianapolis, Ind.  I also attended the McArthur Conservatory of Music studying privately with Lancaster Price, and at the Jordan School of the Arts, Butler University with Max Woodbury principal trumpet for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.  I received a Bachelor of Music Degree at Indiana University, and studied with Bill Adam and Herbert Mueller.  I studied at the Jordan College of the Arts Music School at Butler University, and received a Masters of Music Education Degree.   

Many of my influences that attracted me to Jazz were from listening to Dr. David Baker, Dr. Willis Kirk, the Montgomery brothers, J.J. Johnson,  Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan, John Coltrane, etc.  I came along in the generation with the great musicians from Indianapolis: Freddie Hubbard, Dr. Larry Ridley, James Spaulding, Phillip Ranelin, and Melvin Rhyne.

Currents: How did you become the bugler there? Was there an audition, or were you simply known as a renowned trumpeter and hired on the spot?

Hardiman: In 1996 I was contacted by the SF Musicians Union that the position as Bugler at the Bay Meadows Race Track was open, and if I was interested to go for an audition.  The interesting thing is that I had never been to a horse race in my life, but I had seen and heard the “Call to the Post” on TV and movies played by buglers.  I showed up and auditioned, and they said play it again.  After I played they said show up the next week, and I started my career playing at both Bay Meadows, until they closed, as well as live racing at the Golden Gate Fields Race Track until the present time.

Currents: What are your most memorable events at GGF?

Hardiman: When people in the audience applaud and request songs, I try to play as many request of songs that I may know.  I’m often times asked to go up to the Turf Club and play for special Birthdays and Anniversaries.  Most often I am asked to take photos with many people. Especially I like the little children as they are very precious little people to me and are my fans.  I’ve watched them grow up through the years. I’ve been told that beside the Jockeys I’m the next most photographed person at the Track.  I’ve had articles written in the Contra Costa Times and SF Gate newspapers about me at the GGF Race Track.  Also, I can be heard and seen on Utube.  I enjoy playing on Sat. and Sun. afternoons, and have many fans playing the traditional “Call to the Post.”

Currents: Are you approached frequently at the track for outside gigs? We know that you have quite a storied career as a band leader and recording artist.

Hardiman: On occasions I’ve been asked to play at Country Clubs throughout the Bay Area when they are simulating the Horse races for their fund raising events. I haven’t had many offers to perform for outside gigs, because I believe many people at the Track only think that is what I do until I tell them about my many experiences and musical career.

Currents: Can you tell us about your recent performances and what you have planned for the next few months?

Hardiman: I’ve recently been playing trumpet with Pepe y su Orquesta Salsa Band, St. Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band (New Orleans Second Line Band) and my own groups at many venues.

I will be playing at the Caribbean Club in Burlingame Fri., April 8, with Pepe y su Orquesta as well as at the Roccapulco Club on Mission Street opening up for the famous vocalist “La India” April 30, Sat.  I am producing a Tribute to my late great friend and musician and drummer for my Big Band, President Emeritus of City College of San Francisco Dr. Willis Fr. Kirk, Jr. at the Diego Rivera Theater, 50 Phelan Ave. San Fran, CA 94112, May 15, Sun. 2-5:00 p.m. 

My son David Anthony Hardiman, took over teaching three of my classes at CCSF, and will be having his Spring concert with the Jazz/rock Improv. Workshop and the Adv. Jazz Band featuring the guest artist, Roger Glen, great vibe, saxophone and flute player, on May 10, Tues. 8-10:00 p.m. at the Diego Rivera Theater.

For more information music and photos www.freewebs.com/davidhardiman