Bob Ferrel was born in 1960 in Montclair, NJ. A hard-working player and teacher, Bob often teaches 6-8 hours a day en route to evening rehearsals and performances. He has played with countless musical giants, ranging from the Ellington band to Southside Johnny and the Jukes (with Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi) - and with the most talented individuals - how about Ella and Sarah, Cootie Williams, Kenny Garrett, Mulgrew Miller, Slide Hampton, Raul De Souza, Nancy Wilson, Eddie Henderson and many more. He is currently the Musical Director of the Richie Cecere's Big Band, which performs every Saturday night at Richie Cecere's Supper Club, in Montclair, NJ. Bob has travelled worldwide with the Spirit of Life Ensemble since 1997, (Music director 2000-2005) recording four CDs, and a French movie entitled "Spirit Energy". Bob still finds time to work with his soulful, superb quartet that features Michael Cochrane, Calvin Hill and Yoron Israel. From New York to Tokyo, Paris to Sydney, Bob's exploding sound has convinced millions that the trombone is an instrument worth checking out.
- Dr. Jean Szlamowicz - Contributor to "Jazz Hot, Paris" and "Downbeat."
His stylistic range stretches from the realm of swing to free, haunting multiphonics and Latin extravaganza, raging hard-bop and raving hard-core blues. He defines it as a transposition of Coltrane's music to trombone.
Bob also upholds a studio of 35-40 students on a weekly basis, ranging from elementary school to post graduate students. He has helped students earn over 180 placements into New Jersey Area, Region and All State Bands and Orchestras and over $350,000 in scholarships to colleges and universities all over the country.
