JIGGS WHIGHAM

JIGGS WHIGHAM is an internationally acclaimed trombonist, band leader, and educator. He is an adventurous, modern jazz trombonist, who sums up his musical philosophy saying, "Train your ear to be as quick as your eye, be a poet, avoid cliche licks, and meet your responsibility to your audience.' 

The versatile performer, born in Cleveland, Ohio, first came to the attention of critics ana fans at 17 as featured soloist and first trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, directed by Ray McKinley. Following 2 years with Miller, in 1963 the young trombonist went on to lead action with Stan Kenton. Next he was active freelancing in the competitive New York City music world. 
Following a year of studio, radio and Broadway musical work in thE Big Apple, the trombonist moved to Cologne, West Germany, where he joined the Kurt Edelhagen Jazz Orchestra at the West German Broadcasting Company. Using Cologne as home base, and in addition to his considerable work with European radio and television.

Whigham has performed throughout Europe with such notables as Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie Thad Jones - Mei Lewis, Dexter Gordon, George Gruntz, Freddie Hubbard  and Lee Konitz. 
Today, the trombonist divides his time between U.S. and European tours and teaching. In 1979 he was appointed director of the jazz department at Cologne University College of Music, where he teaches. He lives in nearby Bonn, West Germany. This swinging musician with the gorgeous sound plays a King trombone and is an exclusive artist and clinician for the United Musical Instrument Company. He is also a board member of the National Association of Jazz Educators and Vice President of the International Trombone Association His current releases include "The Third Stone" on Panda Records, "Trombone Summit," "Hope," both on Pausa Records, and "A Five Star Edition' with The Brass Connection on Innovation Records. Jiggs Whigham is now accepting concert engagements wth his own ensemble, with all- star groups, and as a featured soloist.