Drew Ashby

Drew Ashby is emerging as one of the most exciting new voices in jazz. His unique visual style and innovative creative approach earned him a notable victory at the SXSW 2023 IMDbPro Music Video Competition, where he stood out among remarkable talents like Docheii, Mac Miller, Diplo, Miguel and others. Drew Ashby’s music is a gumbo of jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements, seamlessly intertwining in each of his compositions. His eclectic style combines traditional acoustic instruments like grand piano, upright bass, and horns with modern electronic textures and grooves from the contemporary rap and hip-hop scenes. Originating from Richmond, Virginia, he began playing the trumpet at the tender age of 6. With guidance from his father, jazz composer Ashby Anderson, Drew was already performing with Trombone Shorty and learning from the late Frank Foster by the age of 12. By just 14, he had already drawn the admiration of jazz icons such as Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis. By age 17, Drew Ashby had relocated from Richmond to immerse himself in the vibrant New York City jazz scene. There, he quickly made a name for himself, performing and touring with artists Solange Knowles, Talib Kweli, Terrace Martin, Natasha Diggs, Ulysses Owens Jr., and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def).