Jeff Albert Quartet

Biography

The Jeff Albert Quartet is led by Jeff Albert, a highly regarded trombonist, composer, and improviser whose career bridges the worlds of jazz tradition and experimental music. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Albert began performing professionally while still in high school during the 1980s. He moved to New Orleans in 1988, immersing himself in the city's vibrant musical culture, and became a prominent figure in both its jazz and creative music scenes. Albert's academic journey includes degrees from Loyola University New Orleans and the University of New Orleans, where he studied under jazz luminaries such as Ellis Marsalis and Harold Battiste. He later became the first graduate of the PhD program in Experimental Music and Digital Media at Louisiana State University, reflecting his deep engagement with both acoustic and electronic music traditions.

Throughout his career, Albert has been recognized for his innovative approach to improvisation and ensemble leadership. His work with the Jeff Albert Quartet and other groups, such as the Instigation Quartet, is characterized by a blend of free jazz, structured improvisation, and collaborative exploration. He has released albums on respected labels like RogueArt and Clean Feed Records, and his 2020 album 'Unanimous Sources' was named a top 10 jazz record of the year by the Boston Globe. Albert's versatility extends to classical and popular music, having performed with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orleans Opera, and accompanied artists ranging from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to Stevie Wonder and U2. In addition to his performance career, Albert is a dedicated educator and researcher, having served on the faculties of Loyola University New Orleans and, since 2023, Georgia Institute of Technology. His legacy is marked by his contributions to improvised music, his mentorship of emerging musicians, and his research in music technology and pedagogy.

Fun Facts

• Jeff Albert was the first graduate of the PhD program in Experimental Music and Digital Media at Louisiana State University.
• He played trombone on the Grammy-winning Bobby Rush album 'Porcupine Meat' and on Pretty Lights’ Grammy-nominated 'Color Map of the Sun.'
• Albert has performed on soundtracks for major films, including the Academy Award-winning 'Green Book.'
• He was named multiple times in Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll as a Rising Star Trombonist.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ellis Marsalis - Studied jazz with Marsalis at the University of New Orleans (Jazz studies and ensemble work) [late 1980s–early 1990s]
• Harold Battiste - Jazz studies mentor at University of New Orleans (Jazz ensemble and improvisation) [late 1980s–early 1990s]
• Stephen David Beck - PhD advisor at Louisiana State University (Experimental Music and Digital Media PhD) [2010–2013]
• Jesse Allison - PhD mentor at Louisiana State University (Experimental Music and Digital Media PhD) [2010–2013]

Key Collaborators

• Hamid Drake - Drummer in Instigation Quartet and Bindu Reggaeology band (Instigation Quartet albums, Bindu Reggaeology tours) [2010s–2020s]
• Kidd Jordan - Saxophonist in Instigation Quartet (Instigation Quartet recordings and performances) [2010s]
• Joshua Abrams - Double bassist in Instigation Quartet (Instigation Quartet recordings) [2010s]
• Jeb Bishop - Co-leader of The Lucky 7s (The Lucky 7s albums and performances) [2000s–2010s]
• George Porter, Jr. - Trombonist and horn arranger in Runnin’ Pardners (Runnin’ Pardners live and studio work) [2003–present]

Artists Influenced

• Students at Loyola University New Orleans and Georgia Tech - Mentored and taught improvisation, music technology, and jazz performance (Student ensembles, research projects) [2010–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Similar In The Opposite Way (Similar In The Opposite Way)
2. I Was Just Looking For My Pants (Similar In The Opposite Way)
3. 9th Ward Trotsky (Similar In The Opposite Way)
4. Subtle Flower (Similar In The Opposite Way)
5. Chalk & Chocolate (Similar In The Opposite Way)
6. Bag Full Of Poboys (Similar In The Opposite Way)
7. (Could Have Been A) Napkin (Similar In The Opposite Way)
8. Folk Song (Similar In The Opposite Way)
9. Morph My Cheese (Similar In The Opposite Way)
10. Rooskie Cyclist (Similar In The Opposite Way)

External Links

• Spotify