Joe Brotherton

Joseph Brotherton is a staple of the DC jazz community, known for his exceptional musicianship and signature style of trumpet-playing.

Born in Nashville, Tennessee, his trumpet instruction began at age nine and continued through his adolescence in St. Petersburg, Florida, where he is recognized as a prominent alumnus of the Pinellas County Center for the Arts. He went on to study with several luminaries, among them Wynton Marsalis, Ingrid Jensen, and Ron Blake.

After serving as a trumpet player in the U.S. Marine Corps Band Quantico, Joe made his home in Washington, D.C. A fixture of the capital jazz scene, he also performs up and down the East Coast and abroad with myriad artists in every imaginable genre and has shared stages with such notables as Gregory Porter, Aaron Neville, Dr. John, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, and Kermit Ruffins.

When not touring with various bands, you’ll find Joe at home in music rooms in Adams Morgan; the U Street Corridor, DC’s historic jazz district; and Georgia Avenue, where he has a residency at St. Vincent Wine on Monday nights.

Jazz Improv Magazine named Joe “an exciting and spectacular soloist, well-schooled in the tradition and post-bop concepts”, singling out his solos as “notable for their clarity, connectivity of ideas, clear articulation, intonation, and tasteful and measured use of his ample technique.”

Coming soon

Joe Brotherton joins Baltimore-based gypsy jazz band Ultrafaux near the end of their set at the Creative Alliance Theater – Baltimore, December 2014.

With Brazilian artist Seu Jorge at the Blue Note – New York City, August 2018.

The Joe Brotherton Quintet, featuring Seth Washington, performs live at Jojo Restaurant & Bar – Washington, D.C., July 2019.

With Dave Manley for a private event at Woodrow Wilson House – Washington, D.C., July 2020.