Bob Merrill

New York-based trumpeter, vocalist, arranger, and bandleader Bob Merrill maintains a busy schedule as a performer specializing in straight-ahead jazz and standards. Born and raised in Manhattan, he began his jazz education under the guidance of the legendary trumpeter Red Rodney. Following high school, Merrill enrolled at both Harvard and the New England Conservatory, later serving as a fellow teaching jazz at Harvard. He moved back to New York in 1986 and established his own studio, dividing his efforts between creating music for television commercials and overseeing recording sessions with artists including Sting and Patti LaBelle. During those years, he also served as musical director for his uncle, the pianist Joe Bushkin. Merrill issued his first album, Catch as Catch Can, in 1997, with Got a Bran' New Suit appearing in 2005. He maintains a steady performing schedule across the United States and has performed as a featured soloist with the Philadelphia Pops, the Nassau Pops, and the Boston Pops. In 2015 he issued his fourth solo album, Cheerin' Up the Universe.