"Steve Wiest is a pioneer. Fearless. A visionary who dares to break convention. His music erupts from deep within, unrestricted and unapologetic. This work isn’t seeking approval—it’s a pure, joyous expression of his soul. Oh, and he’s got that sly grin!"
— Jimmy Pankow, Hall of Fame Songwriter, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Trombonist, Founding Member of Chicago
Multiple Grammy-nominated jazz composer and trombonist Steve Wiest is celebrated worldwide for his cutting-edge compositions and electrifying trombone playing. His creative reach spans far beyond jazz—he’s a recording artist, composer-arranger, sci-fi author, cartoonist, and educator, thriving across multiple artistic disciplines.
Wiest’s rise began with a four-year stint as a trombonist and composer for Maynard Ferguson, contributing to albums like Storm and Live from San Francisco while penning originals like South 21st Shuffle. His fiery YouTube solo on Denis DiBlasio’s Don’t Stop remains a legendary showcase of jazz trombone.
After leaving Ferguson’s band, he earned a master’s in jazz studies at The University of North Texas (UNT), performing on seven recordings with the One O’Clock Lab Band. He later spent 17 years directing Jazz Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, while also touring with The Doc Severinsen Big Band, playing alongside legends like Snooky Young, Conte Candoli, and Ernie Watts. In 2008 Wiest began his tenure as Director of the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band where he earned two Grammy noms for the band on his first recording as director. Steve concluded his time in academia with a 7-year stint as Co-Chair of Jazz Studies at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music. .
A Visionary Composer
In 2006, Wiest released his debut album, Excalibur: The Steve Wiest Big Band, a modern jazz work praised by Bob Mintzer for its vivid storytelling and bold arrangements. His Grammy-nominated arrangement of Bésame Mucho on Maynard Ferguson’s final album The One and Only solidified his reputation as a top-tier arranger.
Continuing to innovate, Steve reimagined pop songs in Out of the New (2008). While directing UNT’s One O’Clock Lab Band, he was nominated for a Grammy on Lab 2009 for his original Ice-Nine in the catagory of Best Instrumental Composition. and the album itself was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble.
Beyond Jazz: Sci-Fi, Funk, and Innovation
Wiest’s 2014 release, Concerto for Folded Space, blended jazz with a sci-fi narrative, featuring members of Chicago and jazz greats like Bob Mintzer. The project led to his debut novel of the same name, now available on
his site, with an **audible version coming in 2025**.
His follow-up, Phröntrange: The High Road, explored jazz fusion with Eric Gunnison, Art Bouton, Bijoux Barbosa, and Mike Marlier. He then launched Vinyl Hampdin, a powerhouse horn band described as “what Chicago would have sounded like if they started in the 21st century.” Vinyl Hampdin went on to record two albums: "RED" and "BLUE."
Educator, Innovator, and Entrepreneur
A passionate teacher, his insights into lead trombone playing culminated in the book Leadology and the Leadology Podcast, which has now grown into the new WIESTWORLD Podcast. All of which are available to purchase and listen to right here at steve-wiest.com and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Wiest also champions independent creative communities. He launched
JamTrek, a social platform for musicians, and built a dedicated trombone community around Leadology.
A Life of Creativity
Continuing his dynamic career as a performer, composer, and educator, Steve Wiest also thrives in cartooning, illustration, voice-over work, and storytelling. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Deborah, and their golden retriever, Phoebe.
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