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Edward Neumeister

A longtime fixture on the New York, SF Bay Area and European and now Los Angeles jazz and classical scenes, Neumeister has been composing and leading his own groups since 1978.

Ed has recently assembled the crème de la crème of Los Angeles Jazz and Studio musicians into ENJO (Ed Neumeister Jazz Orchestra) to perform and record his works. Mostly commissioned from European Bands and Orchestras, with the exception of a few pieces currently being played by the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra where Neumeister played for almost 20 years, most of the pieces will be heard for the first time in the US including at least one World Premiere written especially for the premiere concert December 22 2008, at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles.

As a composer Neumeister has received commissions from all over the world including: The Metropol Orkest (Netherlands), Hamburg Radio Big Band (Germany), Maribor Opera Orchestra (Slovenia), Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (New York), Milky Saxophone Quintet (Paris) and Sophisticated Ellington Project (Tokyo). He has received three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a grant from the Aaron Copland Fund and Commissions by, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), International Associate for Jazz Education (IAJE), and a Grammy nomination.

He has received three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, commissions by, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), International Associate for Jazz Education (IAJE), and a Grammy nomination.

As a trombonist, Ed performed for 15 years in the Duke Ellington Orchestra under the direction of Mercer Ellington, 19 years with the Mel Lewis Big Band (which during Neumeister’s tenure became the multi Grammy-nominated Vanguard Jazz Orchestra). Neumeister has also performed and recorded with artists ranging from Jerry Garcia to Gerry Mulligan. Though considered by critics as a jazz player given his extensive resumé in that genre, Neumeister’s classical chops are second to none. Over the course of his career he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet and many others in and around his native San Francisco Bay area and New York, his home of over 20 years.

Since 1992, Ed has been touring extensively both as a soloist and as a leader of The Ed Neumeister Quartet and The NeuHat Ensemble. Neumeister has recorded seven albums as a leader including modern big band, trombone quartet, chamber trio, jazz quartet and quintet as well as a concerto for cello and big band.

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4
Album Review

Ed Neumeister: Suite Ellington

Read "Suite Ellington" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan


Trombonist Ed Neumeister opened his excellent quartet outing, New Standards (Meistero Music, 2005) with an energized take Duke Ellington's signature tune, “Take The 'A' Train." It was apparent that he had a way with Duke's music. A quick dip into Neumeister's resume finds that he played in Duke Ellington's Orchestra for sixteen years, post-Duke, when the maestro's son, Mercer, held the baton. So he has the great experience of a marination in one of America's Greatest Composer's music. With Suite ...

10
Album Review

Ed Neumeister: Suite Ellington

Read "Suite Ellington" reviewed by Karl Ackermann


A complete summary of trombonist Ed Neumeister's musical career would date back to his pre-school years. Initially a regular fixture on the San Francisco circuit, he later immersed himself in the New York jazz scene dividing almost thirty-five years between the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Mel Lewis Big Band. His additional experiences with classical orchestras and ensembles helped solidify his skills as a conductor and composer. On Suite Ellington, Neumeister and his sextet take on some familiar and less ...

216
Album Review

Edward Neumeister: Reflection

Read "Reflection" reviewed by Celeste Sunderland


Combining Ed Neumeister's loose, flowing trombone lines with the organized counterpart of a tightly sewn rhythm section, a vibrant, balanced calm permeates Reflection. Mimicking the natural patterns of a day or a life, the album's rhythmic energy shifts smoothly within a single tune, or from track to track. The result never seems unwarranted; in fact, unexpected moments regularly pique interest, like when the chimes glint off Fritz Pauer's piano lines during “It Was After Rain That the Angel Came, composed ...

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“I want to tell you what a fantastic time we all had with Ed. His playing was nothing short of spectacular! I don't think that I have ever heard anyone play the trombone with such technical mastery, with such a great sound from the top to the bottom of the horn and with such originality. As with any virtuoso, his horn has become an extension of his being.

My band, Northern Arizona University Jazz One, had the opportunity to perform some of Ed's big band music - 3 original pieces and 2 arrangements of jazz standards. Each of the charts was a pleasure to learn and play. His writing is some of the freshest, most original and challenging music I have come across.

Ed gave two clinics both of which were very instructional, factual and full of fun

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Primary Instrument

Composer / conductor

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Check out the videos on YouTube. Ed is available for private lessons in person and via video conference. Contact Ed for times and rates

Clinic/Workshop Information

Ed is a long time clinician for King Trombones, currently through Conn-Selmer Corporation.

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