Kalia Vandever

Kalia Vandever is a Brooklyn-based trombonist, composer, and bandleader whose warm, textural approach to jazz feels both introspective and expansive. Known for her lyrical trombone playing and atmospheric compositions, she’s become a standout voice in New York’s contemporary jazz scene, collaborating with artists like Moses Sumney, Okay Kaya, and Joseph Shabason. Her 2022 debut album *Regrowth* (released via Biophilia Records) showcased her talent for blending improvisation with subtle electronic touches, while follow-up releases like *In My Dream House* and *Cycle In Mourning* lean into moody, cinematic explorations. A Juilliard-trained musician, Vandever also works as an educator, advocating for creative expression through programs like New York Youth Symphony’s Jazz Band Classic. Whether through solo projects or collaborative features, her work radiates a quiet, contemplative energy that invites listeners to lean in closer.