Jackson Hardaker is a New York City based trombonist, originally from Christchurch, New Zealand. He moved to NYC in 2009 to pursue and immerse himself on the world of jazz and improvised music, and has been increasingly making his mark on the NYC jazz scene ever since.
His music draws from a range of styles and influences, from within multiple genres of music, as well as garnering inspiration from art, science, and literature.
Having started on piano at age 5, at the age of 10 Jackson began on trombone. He immediately took to it, and progressed at a rapid rate, winning brass player awards, and playing in the senior jazz big band at the Christchurch School of Music before entering high school. Soon after he moved on to play with the university level student big band at the CPIT Jazz School in Christchurch.
Now an accomplished performer and musical improviser, he has completed a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, from Canterbury University, and a Master of Arts in Jazz Performance from The Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College in New York. While at Queens College, he received an award funded by the jazz great, Jimmy Heath.
During this time, Jackson has performed with many of New Zealand’s premier jazz musicians, studied with many of New York’s finest trombonists, and played all over New York and the surrounding states, as well as performing on national (US) television.
Having spent years, performing in other people’s projects, and writing his own material for various solo and collective projects, he has recently released his debut album of original compositions, Watering Can.
“His dedication to the instrument has surpassed that of any trombone student I have taught…” – Scott Taitoko
“…an excellent performer, arranger and composer…” – Jane Gregg