For smooth jazz trombonist Buff Dillard, success didn’t arrive overnight; it unfolded through vision, persistence, and an unwavering belief in sound as a healing force. What began as a small, four-piece group performing at coffeehouses transformed into a full-band experience that landed on major jazz circuits and theater stages alongside artists like Boney James, Peter White, and Alex Bugnon.

Dillard’s “unique sound” caught the attention of promoters, proving that originality still opens doors. Even when the pandemic disrupted live music, Dillard adapted, pivoting to solo performances and online shows to sustain himself as a career musician, never losing sight of his purpose.

Dillard’s connection to music runs deep, rooted in both family legacy and personal defiance. Born with chronic asthma, he was told he shouldn’t play wind instruments, yet the trombone became his calling. Influenced by his musically gifted family, including a father who once played saxophone with legends like James Brown and Otis Redding, and an uncle deeply embedded in the recording industry, Dillard grew up immersed in sound. Rather than studying instrumentalists, he trained his ear on vocalists, shaping a style that treats the trombone as a human voice rather than just an instrument. That approach, he explains, is what makes his sound instantly recognizable.

When asked to describe his style, Dillard defined it as smooth, melodic, and frequency-driven. More than technique or theory, he focuses on the science of music: vibration, tone, and emotional resonance. His performances are meticulously prepared yet spiritually guided, rooted in visualization and intention. “I see it before it happens,” he explained, describing a creative process that blends rehearsal with meditation. By the time he steps on stage, the show has already come alive in his mind.

Above all, Dillard hopes audiences walk away feeling lighter than when they arrived. He refers to his music as “melodic therapy”, a live experience designed to help listeners relax, release, and relate. “It’s not about me,” he said. “It’s about the energy and the message projected through sound.
Enjoy some of the best jazz Charlotte has to offer, with Buff Dillard live at Middle C Jazz this Wednesday, January 14th.

Article written by Middle C Jazz Marketing Support, Kaela Mason