Ed Neumeister (born June 30, 1952) is an American jazz trombonist, composer, and educator. He is recognized for his work as a performer and arranger within the modern jazz idiom, as well as for his contributions to jazz education.
Early Life and Education
Neumeister was born in St. Louis, Missouri. He began studying the trombone in his youth and later pursued formal music training at the University of North Texas, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree.
Career
Performance
Neumeister has performed with a variety of notable jazz ensembles and artists. He has been a member of the Dave Holland Quintet, appearing on recordings such as Dream of the Elders (1995) and Prime Directive (1999). He has also collaborated with musicians including Maria Schneider, John Scofield, and Paul Motian.
Composition and Arrangement
In addition to performance, Neumeister is an active composer and arranger. His compositions have been performed by large ensembles, including the Maria Schneider Orchestra, and he has written works for brass ensembles and small groups. Notable compositions include “Mysterious Ways” and “The Real World.”
Education
Neumeister has held teaching positions at several institutions. He has served on the faculty of the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where he taught trombone and composition. He has also conducted workshops and master classes at festivals and universities across the United States.
Discography (selected)
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As leader/co‑leader
- The Sound of the City (1991) – a solo trombone album.
- One (2005) – featuring a quartet with piano, bass, and drums.
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As sideman
- Dave Holland – Dream of the Elders (ECM, 1995)
- Dave Holland – Prime Directive (ECM, 1999)
- Maria Schneider – Concert in the Garden (ECM, 2004) – trombone contributions
Awards and Recognition
Neumeister has received grants and commissions from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts. He has been recognized for his contributions to contemporary jazz composition and performance.
Personal Life
Details about Neumeister’s personal life are limited in publicly available sources.
References
Information compiled from publicly available biographical sources, discographies, and institutional faculty profiles.
