Jeff Shirley - Blue Gold (2022)

Originally from the Kansas City, Missouri area, Jeff started studying music at 7 years old and began playing guitar at 12 years old. His specialties are composing, playing jazz guitar in a number of different ensembles, as well as teaching. He first attended UCM, and as a graduate of University of North Texas with a jazz performance degree, he has since been growing in the Kansas City thriving jazz scene. From traditional to modern, he is always trying to create and innovate, while honoring the tradition.

In September 2021, JAM (KC's Jazz Ambassador Monthly magazine) nominated Jeff as one of the top four favorite jazz guitarists in the city.

Currently he is playing at places like Green Lady Lounge (5 nights a week!), with Mark Slimm, Brian Steever, Taylor Babb and Antonio Reyes. When he can, he also plays at Black Dolphin, the historic Mutual Musician's Foundation (including hosting the jam); The Phoenix; The Blue Room (including hosting the jam session); McCormick & Schmick’s; Parker at the Fontaine, as well as other venues and high-profile events in KC. These include being featured on the NPR radio show "12th Street Jump," a featured act at Jazz Ambassador’s SupperClub, numerous civic events hosted by Mayor Sly James, and more.

Jeff’s last album "Point of the Story" has been included on many platforms, including regular rotation on Green Lady Radio and KKFI 90.1, and websites/blogs like those of Debbie Burke and Johnson County Library. "Point of the Story" included Roger Wilder, Bob Bowman, Matt Leifer and Ryan Theilman

He is set to release his new album "BLUE GOLD" on June 10, 2022, Jeff plays electric guitar, acoustic, fretless, guitar synthesizer, sitar, lap steel and 12-string guitar on this album.

He teaches jazz guitar at Ottawa University as well as R.E.W. Music.