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.
