About TJ

Award winning musician TJ Norris is a jazz trombonist and bassist with one foot firmly planted in the past and another leading to the future.

The Student and The Teacher: In personal and professional spectrums TJ is both student and teacher. A master musician, Norris graduated with a Bachelor’s in Jazz and performed alongside legends like Stevie Wonder, George Clinton, Ellis Marsalis and Kirk Franklin. Under the guidance of Paul McKee and Robert Griffin TJ’s evolved into both maestro and master instructor. When he isn’t hitting the stage as member of the Uptown Jazz Orchestra he’s on stage with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. TJ understands the eb and flow of progress and knows that in order to influence the conversation you must continue your education.

Above The Frey: TJ’s skill and sincerity is rare in the social media age. His ability to connect with genuine content and dialogue provides the perfect alternative for vapid entertainment and communication on the internet.

Family First: Whether he’s at home with his wife and son or performing alongside longtime collaborators TJ’s about family. A man of value, Norris knows the quality of the individual and the time spent investing in a relationship is more valuable than a cast of sycophants. TJ builds bonds with his audience after an electric set and takes time to speak with fans via social media. He sees everyone as a participant and collaborator in the greater narrative of TJ Norris and prizes the ability to share his journey.

Beauty & The Beat: Jazz is perceived in the public sphere as a dislocated, almost academic form of music. TJ’s mastery of jazz provides him the full spectrum of skill to execute any sound. Norris has collaborated with legends of funk, soul and gospel and can capture the explosive energy of any genre. Listeners can expect a vast catalogue of music from TJ throughout 2018 covering the spectrum.

A Righteous Path: TJ’s core principles are discipline and commitment. Jazz is a field that even great natural skill needs to accompany restless rehearsal. He chased a narrow path in the post-millennial world and reaped the rewards of tireless work.

Performed with Greats such as:

Stevie Wonder

Kirk Franklin

John Clayton

Delfeayo Marsalis

Wycliffe Gordon

Dee Dee Bridgewater

George Clinton

Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews

Scotty Barnhart

Shannon Powell

Mem Shannon

Leon Anderson

Wayne Bergeron

Sal Lozano

Manic focus