Jeff Bradshaw — often nicknamed “Mr. Trombone” — is a North Philadelphia–raised trombonist whose musical roots trace back to his childhood in the church. That early exposure came through his father, also a trombonist and vocalist, who helped instill in Jeff a deep faith and a love for horn-driven, gospel-inflected music. (torchlv.com) Though he began on baritone horn and sousaphone, Bradshaw gravitated to the trombone during high school band — precisely when others overlooked it — and discovered a distinctive voice for the instrument. (hiddenbeach.com)

Over the past nearly 30 years, Jeff Bradshaw has forged a career as a visionary soul-jazz, hip-hop/funk, and smooth-jazz artist. (Enspire Magazine) What sets him apart is how he elevates the trombone — traditionally considered a supporting instrument — into a lead voice full of emotion, groove, and versatility. (hiddenbeach.com) In doing so, he challenged conventions about which instruments “lead” in modern soul and jazz, helping expand the sonic palette of those genres. (hiddenbeach.com)

Bradshaw’s collaborations read like a “who’s who” of modern music: over the years he’s played alongside giants such as Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Erykah Badu, Jay‑Z, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Jill Scott, and many others across soul, R&B, gospel, hip-hop, and jazz. (hiddenbeach.com) On top of that, he’s released a string of solo albums blending smooth jazz, R&B, gospel, and soul — with his debut album Bone Deep (2004) widely regarded as a breakthrough. (Apple Music - Web Player) His sophomore album, Bone Appétit, continued this evolution and became a signature contribution to what many call the “new jazz” or neo-soul-jazz movement. (CBS News)

In 2025 Bradshaw released his latest album, The Cure, a project he describes as “musical medicine” for the world. (Smooth Jazz Daily) The album features collaborations with acclaimed vocalists and instrumentalists, and carries forward his mission of blending soulful grooves, spiritual undertones, and contemporary jazz sensibilities into something healing and uplifting. (Smooth Jazz Daily)

Beyond music, Jeff Bradshaw also uses his platform for community and social engagement. He’s publicly connected his deep faith and the roots of his musicianship in church to his worldview. (QCity Metro) In interviews and performances, he’s spoken about using music as a voice for justice, unity, and healing — leveraging the trombone’s clarion-call power to uplift and bring people together. (CBS News)

If you like, I can pull up a full discography timeline of Jeff Bradshaw’s albums + major collaborations — it helps highlight how his style evolved over time.