MEET THE ARTIST

Ryan Dragon

Los Angeles trombonist Ryan Dragon moves between jazz, studio work, composition and avant-garde music, while serving as Jazz Trombone faculty at CalArts.

Ryan Dragon’s work connects improvisation, composition, studio playing, education and ensemble leadership rather than settling into a single lane.

Official artist site →

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Ryan Dragon · live at JAX

Just like our Artists, you too belong to our JAX family.

WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW THEM

Ryan Dragon, in four essential details.

The player is also the teacher.

Dragon serves as Jazz Trombone faculty in the Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts.

A composer-led statement.

Orenda Records issued Kid Songs in June 2015, with Dragon credited on trombone, as producer, and as composer of most of the album.

His horn reaches beyond the bandstand.

Dragon played trombone on the original motion picture score for Crazy Rich Asians.

Two trombones, one ongoing conversation.

Dragon co-leads the trombone duo Dragon/Sellers with Joey Sellers.

THE STORY

From composition to the horn.

Dragon studied jazz composition at Berklee and built a Los Angeles career that spans jazz, studio and avant-garde work. His recorded output includes the Orenda release Kid Songs, while his performing life extends from Dragon/Sellers to film-score sessions and large-ensemble work.

RECORDINGS & MEDIA

Five JAX appearances. A broader trombone story.

The connected broadcasts place Ryan Dragon in Joey Sellers’ Jazz Aggregation, Tony Guerrero’s West Coast Sound, Jumpin’ at JAX and tonight’s BBB trombone section.

JUMPIN’ AT JAX

Tony Guerrero & friends · 2020

An early large-ensemble chapter in the archive.

WEST COAST SOUND

Tony Guerrero · 2020 and 2024

Two broadcasts connect Dragon to the evolving project.

JAZZ AGGREGATION

Joey Sellers · 2022 and 2026

A second recurring JAX relationship before tonight’s BBB appearance.

EDUCATION & TEACHING

Composition into the classroom.

Dragon studied jazz composition at Berklee and now serves as Jazz Trombone faculty at CalArts, linking compositional thinking, improvisation and instrumental practice in his professional life.

LIVE AT JAX

The Room Comes Alive.

START HERE · LIVE PERFORMANCE · CAMPUS JAX APPEARANCE · Oct 4, 2026

The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel — Live from Campus JAX

JAX HISTORY

Ryan Dragon at Campus JAX

A selective history of live performances and appearances, preserved across visits to the room.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Previous JAX moments

REPLAY · Oct 4, 6:30 PM

The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel

Blistering big band jazz with rockabilly fire

REPLAY · Aug 27, 6:30 PM

Joey Sellers' Jazz Aggregation

Original large-ensemble jazz · Two world premieres · An all-star Los Angeles ensemble