Trombonist, composer, and educator Peter McEachern has been a vital force in Connecticut’s jazz landscape and the international music scene for decades. His bold tone, inventive compositions, and collaborative spirit have made him one of the most respected figures in modern jazz. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with a remarkable range of artists, including Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Mario Pavone, Thomas Chapin, and minimalist composer Lamont Young. His versatility bridges the blues, avant-garde, and post-bop worlds with seamless artistry.

McEachern’s acclaimed albums — No Chordett, Shockwave, Bone Code, and Code 2 — have received high praise, with Code 2 earning 4.5 stars in DownBeat Magazine and being named one of the Top Jazz CDs of 2021. His upcoming release, Streamin’, showcases the Peter McEachern Quintet featuring Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere (bass), Julian Shore (piano), Noah Preminger (saxophone), and Michael Sarin (drums). The record captures the quintet’s deep chemistry, weaving expressive improvisation with lush harmonic landscapes that balance structure and freedom — a hallmark of McEachern’s musical vision.

In addition to his work as a performer, Peter is a dedicated educator and musical researcher. In 2022, he received a grant from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts (with support from the federal ARPA) to compose and install an ambient sound installation for The Five Points Center for the Visual Arts. The piece explores the relationship between musical frequencies and cognitive function, reflecting his ongoing curiosity about the intersection of art and science.

A veteran of the Litchfield Jazz Camp faculty since 1998 and Chair of the Music Department at Salisbury School, McEachern continues to mentor the next generation of jazz musicians. With Streamin’, he and his quintet reaffirm jazz’s vitality — fusing tradition, innovation, and emotional depth into a sound that is distinctly their own.