Rodney Lancaster

Rodney Lancaster, a native of St. Louis,MO , first moved to New York City in 1993 to pursue his career in jazz music. He has since performed with some of the top musicians and jazz orchestras of the day in addition to numerous show performances. Since the start of his career at age 19 backing Ella Fitzgerald, Lancaster has performed with: Illinois Jacquet Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson & Big Bop Nouveau, the Lionel Hampton Orchestra, the Toshiko Akioshi / Lew Tabakin Orchestra, Betty Carter and Jazz Ahead, Charli Persip and Supersound, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra (performing the Dorsey trombone solos in place of Buddy Morrow), the Manhattan Symphony Jazz Orchestra conducted by Dennis Mackrel, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, the Xavier Cugat Orchestra, the Glen Miller Orchestra, David Berger and the Sultans of Swing, Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks, George Gee, the Wayne Andre Septet (four trombones & rhythm), Frank Capp and his Big Band, Juggernaut, the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, “Cats” on Broadway - Wintergarden Theater, “Miss Saigon” - The Broadway Theater, “Fosse” on Broadway, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The New Jersy Pops Orchestra, The Gramercy Brass Orchestra, North Texas One O’clock Lab Band - Lab Band Albums ‘83, ‘84, ‘85, ‘89, “Best of North Texas.” In addition, Rodney has worked with Marlena Shaw, Johnny Mathis, Vic Damone, John Pizzarelli, Jack Jones, Joni James, Marvin Hamlisch, Toni Tennile, Captain & Tennile, Bob James, Lola Falana, Lynn Roberts, The Platters, Four Tops, Fifth Dimension, Temptations, Leslie Gore, Little Anthony, Bob Hope, Tommy Tune, Scott Record, Lynn Anderson, Petula Clark, Carol Channing, Jerry Vale, Bucky Pizzarelli, Shirley Jones, The Mills Brothers, Fred Travalena, Rich Little, Red Buttons, Robert Goulet, Al Martino, George Kirby, Pete Barbutti, The Four Freshmen, Ricky Scaggs, Brian Stokes Mitchell , Joel Grey, Sheila E, Ed Calle, Michael Amante, and Patti Austin. Along the way, Rodney was graduated from the University of North Texas with the Bachelor of Music degree, and from the Manhattan School of Music with the degree, Master of Music. The degree, Doctor of Musical Arts was conferred by the University of Miami. While attending the Manhattan School of Music, Rodney was chosen to receive the Wayne Andre Award, a scholarship from the New York Brass Conference. Along this time, Rodney also appeared in the New York Times magazine with Betty Carter's group, Jazz Ahead in an article featuring up and coming young jazz musicians chosen by Ms.

Carter called, "The Next Miles Davis May Be On This Page".

Awards

The Wayne Andre Award, a scholarship from the New York Brass Conference.