Brandon Woody is a Baltimore-born, Bach-endorsed trumpeter, composer, and bandleader whose music flows from the rich lineage of Black music—including jazz, gospel, improvisation, and beyond—to explore themes of love, resilience, and community. Hailed by The New York Times and Los Angeles Times as a rising force in contemporary jazz, Woody signed with the legendary Blue Note Records in November 2024 and released his debut album, For The Love Of It All, in May 2025. Featuring his longtime band Upendo—Troy Long (keys), Quincy Phillips (drums), and Michael Saunders (bass)—the album showcases Woody’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Woody has built his career from his hometown, drawing on Baltimore’s vibrant creative culture and community spirit. His work has received praise across major publications, with DownBeat highlighting his “rich and expressive” tone and the Financial Times noting the album’s emotional range “from gentle lyricism to swaggering virtuosity.” The Washington Post described Woody’s music as “radiating warmth, purpose, and a sense of place” and “staggeringly self-assured.”

As a performer, Woody has played venues and festivals including ATL Jazz Fest, The Shed, August Wilson Center, University of Maryland, Michigan State Universit Baltimore Museum of Art, Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Roots Picnic, and the Walters Art Museum, among others. He has collaborated with artists including Terri Lyne Carrington, BADBADNOTGOOD, Danilo Pérez, Casey Benjamin, Marcus Gilmore, the Robert Glasper Black Radio Orchestra, Paul Russell, Derrick Hodge, Marc Cary, and Solange Knowles. Dedicated to bridging generations through music, he has led masterclasses and workshops at institutions across the country, where he uses music as a tool for healing, connection, and joy.