Peter Nelson | Trombone

Born in Lansing, MI., Nelson found the trombone at age 10. He quickly became immersed in improvised music, performing regularly as a sideman and leader. Earning a bachelors degree in Jazz Studies at Michigan State University allowed Peter to study and perform with some of today’s top jazz artists such as renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker. After spending a year after college producing and recording his second album as a leader, Nelson moved to Brooklyn, NY where he currently performs, composes, and teaches in a number of musical settings. 

Nelson has been a finalist in every major North American jazz trombone competition and in 2012 was awarded the prestigious Sudler prize in the Arts. He leads multiple groups performing new exciting original music. Nelson is also a sought after section player, having performed with jazz orchestras backing the likes of John Hendricks, McCoy Tyner, Benny Golson, Jamie Cullum and Terence Blanchard to name a few. 

As a composer, Nelson has amassed a body of work that includes everything from jazz ensemble to contemporary pop. His music has been featured in films, art installations, dance, and has been heard at clubs and concert halls across the country. 

He has released the album, Clock Stories Volume 1, which is available on Amazon.

Nelson’s versatility as a performer has led to a wide variety of performances and recordings with artists such as Verve Pipe, Rodney Whitaker, The Captain Black Big Band, Jamie Cullum, The Hudson Horns, Marianne Solivan, Dan Pugach nonet, Matt Wilson, Grupo Aye’, The George Gee Swing Orchestra, Fleur Seule, Valerie Ponomarev, Michael Dease Big Band, and a score of others.  

Peter's newest release, Ash, Dust and the Chalkboard Cinema, is available now on Amazon and Spotify.