Born: July 9, 1979 Primary Instrument: Guitar
Jeff Shirley was born outside Liberty, Missouri. Found and fell in love with guitar at age 13. Fell in love with jazz shortly thereafter, after being exposed to a Keith Jarrett Trio concert on PBS, thinking, “How is all of this music coming from JUST 3 people?!” Was in Kansas City All-District Jazz Band in high school. Attended Central Missouri State University under the instruction of David Aaberg. Went to University of North Texas under the instruction of Fred Hamilton as well as Dan Haerle, Lynn Seaton, Mike Steinel, John Murphy and more. Was in various lab bands and guitar ensembles, including the 4:00 Lab Band. Graduated with a degree in Jazz Studies. Since graduation, he has been focusing on jazz guitar as well as electronic music production. He is heavily influenced by synth-bass and dance music of the 80s, as well as great bands like Weather Report, Pat Metheny Group, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and George Duke. When he's not writing music like this, he's either teaching, performing with his band (Air Crew), or performing at clubs in Kansas City like The Majestic, The Blue Room, and the Mutual Musician's Foundation.
A few of the first jazz albums he ever owned:
Joe Pass “Chops”,
Al Di Meola “Kiss My Axe”,
Pat Metheny “Bright Size Life”,
John McLaughlin “The Promise”,
Awards:
Louis Armstrong awardDisclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Guitar
Location:
Kansas City, MO
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Credentials/Background:
REW Music in Olathe and Lenexa
