Biography

Originally hailing from Liberty, Missouri, Jeff Shirley began his musical journey on piano at the age of 7 before taking up the guitar at 13. His early years were marked by a passion for fingerstyle guitar, which soon expanded into a deep dive into artists ranging from Steve Vai to Pat Metheny. His love of jazz developed early, perhaps fittingly, since his first word was “Bird.”

Jeff specializes in composing, performing jazz guitar across a variety of ensembles, and teaching. After beginning his studies at Central Missouri State University, where he studied with the great trumpet player and arranger David Aaberg, he graduated with a degree in jazz performance from the University of North Texas, one of the country’s most respected jazz programs. Since then, he has become an active figure in Kansas City’s vibrant jazz scene, blending traditional and modern elements while continually 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 work is deeply connected to the Kansas City jazz community. He has performed extensively at venues including Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin, and has worked with artists such as Jenna Bauer, Tate Berry, Kelley Gant, Max Levy, and Baby J. He is also a member of the Artists Recording Collective, working with founder Chris Burnett. His musical path has been shaped by many Kansas City artists, including Todd Wilkinson, Michael Pagan, Rod Fleeman, Danny Embrey, and many others he grew up hearing and admiring.

His 2018 release Point of the Story explores modern acoustic quartet writing, with innovative harmonies and original compositions. The album features Bob Bowman on upright bass and Roger Wilder on piano and Rhodes, bringing together some of the deep musical language and experience of the Kansas City jazz scene.

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

Contigo and Modes of Nature, released in 2024, continued to showcase his evolution as an artist and are available on vinyl, CD, and digital platforms. Jeff also composed original songs for the nationally distributed feature film The People’s Joker, further expanding his creative reach.

In 2025, Trio Live at Green Lady Lounge was released, marking Jeff’s first live album and documenting the energy of his original trio music in one of Kansas City’s most iconic jazz rooms.

Jeff has continued releasing new music, including the May 2026 single Periharp and The Limits of the Sky, featuring Jenna Bauer. He has also been developing more homespun and experimental pieces, including Starway, Perfectionist, and Tides, pointing toward the next chapter of his work.

Jeff’s music has been reviewed by outlets including Plastic Sax, and he has appeared on Joe Dimino’s Neon Jazz podcast as well as Jazz Afternoon with the Jazz Canadian on Kansas City’s 90.1 FM KKFI with Brad Gregory.

Jeff is currently working on his next album, with more music and surprises to be shared soon.