The Melissa Jean Group

Emerging jazz trombonist Melissa Jean has been described by Curtis Fuller as technically creative and emotionally powerful. Her improvisation is inspiring and motivating for the listener, and she draws you in with a raw expression that directly relates to life experience.

Melissa has had the honor of performing with many legendary jazz musicians including Benny Golson, Alice Coltrane, Branford Marsalis, Terence Blanchard, Carl Allen, Rodney Whitaker, Steve Turre, Wycliffe Gordon, Gerald Wilson, and Patti Austin.

She has made several appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC as part of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program in 2009 and 2006, led by Dr. Billy Taylor and Nathan Davis, and as part of the 2006 International Association for Jazz Education(IAJE) Sisters in Jazz Quintet at the Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. Other notable venues that Melissa has performed at in New York City include The Garage, Perk’s, Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Club, and The Blue Note.

Past employment opportunities include working with various bands on Carnival Cruise Lines and at Disneyland. For two years, she played regularly with the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra and worked as a mentor for the Detroit Civic Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Rodney Whitaker in Detroit, MI. Currently she performs weekly with her own quartet at Perk’s Jazz Club in Harlem. Keep an eye out for their upcoming CD Transitions which is being released this summer!

Melissa lives in New York City, and received her master’s degree in jazz performance at The Juilliard School where she studied with Steve Turre. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree at The University of Michigan where she studied with Dennis Wilson. Former teachers also include Curtis Fuller and Wycliffe Gordon.

The Melissa Jean Group plays a blend of jazz, soul, and funk led by female musician Melissa Jean on trombone. The group also features Tomek Miernowski on guitar, Willerm Delisfort on organ, and Lawrence Leathers on drums. These young musicians have come together from all over the country and are keeping the torch burning by blending a mix of traditional jazz standards with new originals, experimenting with different styles inspired by the music that has been keeping the soul alive for so many years.