Brad Shigeta

Trombonist, arranger, educator Brad Shigeta is originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba and has been a professional musician for almost four decades. Brad has performed, recorded and toured the world with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Dave Holland’s Big Band, Clifford Jordan Big Band, The Manhattan Ragtime Orchestra and Vince Giordano’s NIghthawks. While with the Duke Ellington Orchestra for over a decade, he toured and recorded with featured artists Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson, Cleo Laine, Barry Manilow, Tony Bennett, as well as jazz legends Clark Terry, Bucky Pizzarelli, Al Grey, Buddy Tate, Herbie Hancock and Quincy Jones.

Brad received his Bachelor degree in jazz trombone performance from McGill University and his Master’s degree from New York University where he received the Eubie Blake scholarship while studying privately with legendary trombonist Jimmy Knepper. Shigeta also worked regularly with legendary jazz trombonists Britt Woodman, Buster Cooper, Chuck Connors, Benny Powell, Wayne Andre, Jack Gale, Al Grey, and Eddie Bert. During his two decades of living and working as a jazz trombonist in New York City from 1990-2009, Shigeta recorded major Hollywood film scores (The Aviator, Bolden! The Buddy Bolden Story, Amelia, Finding Forrester), national television and radio commercials as well as the Jerry Lewis Telethon.

While living in New York City, Brad coached ensembles and gave private lessons at The New School, New York University and Jazz At Lincoln Centre. Currently, Brad is a regular featured soloist with the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, The Saskatchewan Jazz Orchestra and the Jen Hodge All Stars in Vancouver. His band: Brad Shigeta’s Swingtime Band performs for dancers across Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest.