Jeff Chilton is a Portland based multidimensional musical artist, educator, and band leader, who resides in a lovely tiny home with his partner Jackie and their cute, if allusive kitty "Boo". Chilton was born in the capital district of NY to classical music aficionado Cecile Stewart and Music Teacher/Church Choir Director Douglas Chilton; he holds a B.M. in Music Education with a Jazz Concentration from Ithaca College where he studied with Jeffrey Gray, Harold Reynolds, Greg Evans, and Michael Titlebaum.
 

After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2014, Chilton worked for 2 years aboard Royal Caribbean Cruise ships, performing in over 30 countries and 3 continents with notables such as The Platters, The Las Vegas Tenors, and The Diamonds. In 2016 Chilton settled in Portland, OR to pursue original creative music as both a sideman and leader. During his Portland career, he has played with international indie band Broken Social Scene, as well as local PDX favorites Dirty Revival, Onion the Man, and the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble at venues such as the Crystal Ballroom, Pickathon Music Festival, Jack London, Doug Fir, Goodfoot, Wonder Ballroom, Star Theater, and Roseland Theater. Chilton has recorded on numerous independent tracks by artists such as Adebisi, David Barber, Tribe Mars, Jonny Cool, Jack Maybe Project, and The Afternooners in acclaimed settings such as Jackpot Recording Studios, Maproom Recording Studios, and Supernatural Sound.
 

Chilton is also a commanding band leader and artistic personality. He composes, directs, and fronts the ensemble Jay Si Proof, a 7 piece project featuring horns, vocals, and a rhythm section described as “earth jazz alchemists” by Vortex Magazine. The group's vintage, 70's influenced aesthetic was featured in director Dan Caplan's music video “Our Lament,” shot and edited entirely on Super 8 film. The ensemble continues to gain buzz for their fusion of jazz, funk, hip hop and nature based spiritualism and was recently awarded an RACC project grant to collaborate with, and empower emerging local talent.

 

In addition to performing, Chilton manages his own private trombone studio, is the Jazz Band Director with nonprofit Montavilla Jazz, and is an on demand clinician within Portland Public School music programs. His students and ensembles have been selected for multiple honors and awards including the Oregon All-State Jazz Band, All State Solo and Ensemble, and All-State Orchestra. He is the founder and director of the Brass Cats, a self sustaining, intergenerational NOLA style Brass Band bridging the gap between student and professional.
 

When he isn't rambunctiously playing the trombone or out supporting his thriving local music community, Chilton spends his time drinking craft beer, backpacking in the PNW, and playing guitar by the fire with friends.