Andre Hayward is an extremely gifted trombonist with the sound and clarity reminiscent of the late J.J. Johnson. His gospel-tinged approach is refreshing and will warm the hearts of anyone he comes in contact with. He is by no means a purist and can function in a wide range of musical settings.
Born in Houston, Texas in 1973, Hayward's first exposure to the world of music was through hisparents, Melvin and Barbara Hayward where musical talentexists on both sides. Hayward began playing tromboneand tuba at the age of 11 under the tutelage of LeonSchreiber and 2 years later with Bob Odneal who waslead trumpeter for Maynard Ferguson. Hayward continued playing through high school where he attended the High School for Performing and Visual Arts under the direction of notable jazz educator,Robert "Doc" Morgan. He continued to honehis skills with Houston's legendary educator,Conrad O.Johnson. It was Conrad's instruction, and the opportunityto work in his big band,"The Big Blue Sound", where hereally started to gain experience working in an ensemble.
He landed his first engagement with trumpeter Roy Hargrove for a European tour after being heard at a jam session during a festival while playing with the Texas Southern University Jazz Ensemble. After Hargrove, Hayward performed and recorded with singer/bandleader Betty Carter for five years in her acclaimed "Jazz Ahead"program. Other acclaimed performers include Joe Williams, Slide Hampton, John Lewis, Mingus Dynasty Big Band, Gerald Wilson, Kirk Whalum,Jimmy Heath, The Duke Ellington Orchestra and Illinois Jacquet's Big Band. His most recent performance credits are The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra of 8 years. He is also a new member of The San Francisco Jazz Collective led by Joshua Redman.
In 2003, he received first place and a $20,000 scholarship at the International Thelonious Monk Trombone Competition in Washington,DC. Hayward is also an educator who has conducted numerous clinics and workshops in various parts of the US and overseas. He serves as adjunct trombone professor at both The New England Conservatory and New York University.
