bio
A new trombone voice calls for a new era.
Born and raised in Denville, NJ, Brian Simontacchi first fell in love with Glenn Miller and the music of the swing era. It wasn’t until his brother gave him a copy of “The Best of John Coltrane” that his trajectory changed forever. With one foot in the past and one in the present, Simontacchi pushes the trombone to its absolute limit (& beyond!) with soulful tones, explosive lines, rhythmic and harmonic intensity, and a dark, mellow sound reminiscent of Curtis Fuller and Slide Hampton.
At the Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz, Brian studied with the great Steve Davis. Davis’ lyrical style, hard swinging rhythmic concept and harmonic mastery became a focal point of his sound. Later on, he attended William Paterson University to earn his Master’s, studying with John Mosca. He also cultivated a relationship with Curtis Fuller, who remarked that he had left an impression on him.
In 2019, Brian joined Frank Lacy’s Classical Jazz Ensemble. He was honored as Frank chose to play trumpet in his own band to allow Brian to play trombone. In 2024, he joined Frank’s Septet, focusing on the music of the Jazz Messengers from the 1970s and 80s. He has been truly honored to apprentice with a Jazz Messenger for seven years.
Brian’s employers have included Frank Lacy, Josh Evans, Tyler Mitchell, Valery Ponomarev, Allen Lowe, Winard Harper, Captain Black Big Band, Mark Johnson, Fabio Morgera, Julius Tolentino, Lance Bryant and Shout, Eric Wyatt, The Makanda Project, Jonathan Barber, Matt Dwonszyk, Kendrick Oliver & The New Life Jazz Orchestra, and more. In 2013, he recorded on Allen Lowe’s project “Man with Guitar: Where’s Robert Johnson?” featuring Gary Bartz. In 2026, he performed at the Music of Now Festival with Tyler Mitchell’s group, featuring Marshall Allen.
In 2019, Brian formed o3 with Corey Garcia and Matt Dwonszyk. He is currently a member of Frank Lacy’s Septet and Classical Jazz Ensemble, Mark Johnson and Edge of Jazz, and the Constellations Big Band, in addition to his own groups. His first recording project(s) are in development.
“Don’t be limited by the instrument.” - Curtis Fuller