Brian Culbertson Tickets

Brian Culbertson News and Information Even though Brian Culbertson might be categorized as lite jazz, his music has just enough "oomph" to keep you interested. The talented young composer/arranger/keyboardist/trombonist's music has maturity that is, at times, beyond his years, and Culbertson credits his dad with helping him develop an ear for the type of music that he makes.

His father, Jim Culbertson, a respected high school jazz band director and trumpeter, cultivated a love of sanguine sounds for young Brian who eagerly listened to anything his dad listened to. Their Decatur, IL, home would be alive with the recorded sounds of Maynard Ferguson, Buddy Rich, the Brecker Brothers, and David Sanborn. Growing up, Culbertson also listened to '70s R&B/pop/funk bands like Blood, Sweat & Tears, Tower of Power, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Culbertson began his musical training at the age of eight with piano lessons, at nine he moved to drums, ten trombone, and bass at 12. Bored with classical recital pieces, he began composing in junior high. By his freshman year in high school, he was experimenting with the then-new Yamaha DX-7 synthesizer and an old four-track recorder in the basement of his parents' home. His dedication earned him six individual and five group Downbeat student awards.