Hank Roberts Concerts

Experience Hank Roberts

Hank Roberts is a highly respected American jazz trombonist, composer, and educator. Born in 1958, he gained prominence throughout the 1980s and 90s as a sideman with influential figures like Anthony Braxton, Julius Hemphill, and Steve Lacy – experiences deeply shaping his own distinctive voice. Roberts’ playing is characterized by a lyrical tone, inventive improvisation often incorporating extended techniques, and a commitment to freely improvised music alongside structured compositions.

He’s released numerous albums as a leader, beginning with *Slow Change* (1987) on Enja Records, showcasing his evolving harmonic language and rhythmic complexity. Later recordings like *Quiet Music* (2004) demonstrate his exploration of space and texture. A long-standing member of the Creative Music Ensemble at Wesleyan University since 1996, Roberts has dedicated himself to fostering new generations of improvisers. He's received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and consistently performs internationally, lauded for both his technical skill and conceptual depth within the avant-garde jazz landscape. His work frequently blends elements of free jazz, contemporary classical music, and world music influences.