Ryan Keberle & Catharsis

Biography

Ryan Keberle & Catharsis is the flagship ensemble of acclaimed American trombonist, composer, and arranger Ryan Keberle, who was born on June 16, 1980, in Spokane, Washington. Raised in a musically rich environment—his father a jazz trumpeter and professor, his mother a piano teacher—Keberle began his musical journey with classical violin and piano before embracing the trombone as his primary instrument. He excelled academically and musically, eventually studying at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard, where he trained with renowned jazz educators and performers.

In 2012, after years of collaborating with jazz luminaries and pop icons alike, Keberle formed Catharsis, a pianoless quartet originally featuring Mike Rodriguez (trumpet), Jorge Roeder (bass), and Eric Doob (drums). The group quickly gained recognition for its melodic, groove-driven sound, blending jazz tradition with Latin, blues, and contemporary influences. Over time, the ensemble expanded to include guitarist and vocalist Camila Meza, further enriching its sonic palette. Catharsis has released several acclaimed albums, including 'Music is Emotion,' 'Into the Zone,' 'Azul Infinito,' 'Find the Common, Shine a Light,' and 'The Hope I Hold,' the latter inspired by Langston Hughes’ poetry.

Keberle’s work with Catharsis is lauded for its emotional depth, inventive arrangements, and seamless integration of diverse musical styles. The group’s legacy lies in its ability to honor jazz’s roots while forging new pathways, making Keberle a leading voice in modern jazz and an influential figure for a new generation of musicians.

Fun Facts

• Ryan Keberle worked for six years as a Catholic church music director, singer, pianist, and organist during his early years in New York City.
• He is known for integrating electronics and analog synthesizers, such as the Korg Minilogue, into his jazz performances, including with Catharsis.
• Keberle’s father was a jazz trumpeter and professor, and his mother a piano teacher and church music director, giving him a deep musical foundation.
• He has performed with a diverse range of artists, from jazz legends like Maria Schneider and Wynton Marsalis to pop stars like Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake.

Members

• Ryan Keberle - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Steve Turre - Trombone instructor at Manhattan School of Music (Student years, foundational technique and jazz approach) [1999–2001]
• Michael Abene - Composition teacher at Manhattan School of Music (Guided compositional development) [1999–2001]
• Manny Albam - Composition teacher at Manhattan School of Music (Guided compositional development) [1999–2001]
• Wycliffe Gordon - Trombone instructor at Juilliard (Advanced jazz trombone studies) [2001–2003]
• David Berger - Composition teacher at Juilliard (Jazz composition and arranging) [2001–2003]

Key Collaborators

• Mike Rodriguez - Trumpeter, original member of Catharsis and Double Quartet (Catharsis albums, Double Quartet projects) [2012–present]
• Jorge Roeder - Bassist, core member of Catharsis (Catharsis albums) [2012–present]
• Eric Doob - Drummer, original member of Catharsis (Catharsis albums) [2012–present]
• Camila Meza - Guitarist and vocalist, later member of Catharsis (Catharsis albums including 'Azul Infinito', 'Find the Common, Shine a Light', 'The Hope I Hold') [2015–present]
• Maria Schneider - Big band leader; Keberle performed and recorded in her orchestra (Maria Schneider Orchestra projects) [2000s–2010s]
• Darcy James Argue - Big band leader; Keberle performed in Secret Society (Darcy James Argue's Secret Society) [2000s–2010s]
• Sufjan Stevens - Touring and recording collaborator (Touring band, live performances) [2010–2012]

Artists Influenced

• Hunter College jazz students - Keberle is a professor and mentor, shaping young jazz musicians (Student ensembles, recitals, masterclasses) [2016–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Become the Water (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
2. Al Otro Lado del Rio (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
3. Empathy (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
4. Ancient Theory (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
5. Fool on the Hill (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
6. Mindfulness (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
7. The Times They Are A-Changin (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
8. Strength (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
9. I Am a Stranger (Find the Common, Shine a Light (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))
10. I Thought I Knew (For Pedro Giraudo) (Azul Infinito (feat. Camila Meza, Mike Rodriguez, Jorge Roeder & Eric Doob))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz