Best known for his work with Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and with the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis big band, he leaves a large discography both as leader and sideman and a strong reputation as both a large ensemble composer and distinguished educator.
Brookmeyer arrived in New York as a both a trombonist and pianist. He was good enough, in fact, to record a two-piano album with Bill Evans in 1959. But it was his work on the valve trombone with the likes of Gerry Mulligan, Stan Getz and Clark Terry – and his work as a composer, notably for big band – which sustained his career for over five decades. His proteges include acclaimed large ensemble composers Maria Schneider, John Hollenbeck and Darcy James Argue.
Brookmeyer recently released his latest album, Standards, with the New Art Orchestra, the Germany-based large ensemble he has worked with extensively. http://www.bobbrookmeyer.com/