By Paul Duclos
Published: May, 2016
Bay Crossings 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 often unwinds 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.
Bay Crossings: 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 4th grade. My later jazz influences were J.J. Johnson, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Clifford Brown, Lee Morgan and John Coltrane. I came along in the generation with the great musicians from Indianapolis.
BC: How did you become the bugler at GGF? Was there an audition, or were you simply known as a renowned trumpeter and hired on the spot?
Hardiman: In 1996 I was told 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 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 Golden Gate Fields until the present time.
BC: What are your most memorable events at GGF?
Hardiman: When people in the audience applaud and request songs, I try to play as many requested songs as I know. I’m oftentimes 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.
BC: 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.
BC: 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.
In April, I played at the Caribbean Club in Burlingame with Pepe y su Orquesta and also at the Roccapulco Club on Mission Street, opening up for the famous vocalist “La India” on Saturday, April 30. I am producing a tribute to my late great friend and musician, the drummer for my big band and president emeritus of City College of San Francisco, Dr. Willis F. Kirk Jr., at the Diego Rivera Theater, 50 Phelan Ave. in San Francisco on May 15 from 2-5 p.m.
For more information, see www.freewebs.com/davidhardiman.
Follow Paul Duclos’ Cultural Currents online with his blog at: paulduclosonsanfranciscoculture.blogspot.com
