Biography

Originally hailing from Liberty, Missouri, Jeff Shirley began his musical journey at the age of 7, taking up the guitar by 13. His early years were marked by a passion for fingerstyle guitar, which soon expanded into a deep dive into the work of artists ranging from Steve Vai to Pat Metheny. His love for jazz blossomed in high school, where he earned a spot in the prestigious All-District Jazz Band in Kansas City, Missouri.

Jeff specializes in composing, performing jazz guitar across a variety of ensembles, and teaching. After starting his studies at the University of Central Missouri, he graduated with a degree in jazz performance from the University of North Texas, a renowned program. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in Kansas City's vibrant jazz scene, blending traditional and modern elements while constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre. In 2021 and 2023, JAM Magazine readers nominated Jeff as one of Kansas City’s top four jazz guitarists.

Jeff’s live group, the Jeff Shirley Trio, features all-original jazz and can be heard weekly at the iconic Green Lady Lounge every Tuesday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, alongside drummer Antonio Reyes and bassist Seth Lee. He also frequently performs at venues like Black Dolphin and at special events around Kansas City.

With five albums available on all major streaming platforms, Jeff's discography is a testament to his versatility. His 2012 album 3 Degrees Above Absolute Zero merges electronic music with jazz guitar, creating an energetic and funky soundscape. On this self-produced project, Jeff performed and recorded every part, aside from the turntable scratching. His 2018 release, Point of the Story, explores modern acoustic quartets with innovative harmonies.

In June 2022, Jeff dropped Blue Gold, an ambitious project where he played electric guitar, acoustic, fretless bass, guitar synthesizer, sitar, lap steel, and 12-string guitar. This album also features special guest appearances by musicians Misha Roberts and Max Levy.

His most recent albums, Contigo and Modes of Nature, released in 2024, continue to showcase his evolution as an artist and are available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms. Additionally, Jeff composed original songs for the nationally distributed film The People's Joker, further expanding his creative reach.

Jeff's work has been reviewed by outlets like Plastic Sax and JAM Magazine, and he has appeared on Joe Dimino's "Neon Jazz" podcast and Kansas City’s 90.1 KKFI radio station.