Jeff Mellott has spent his entire life in Ohio and become a fixture on the Cincinnati scene. His trio, Us Today, recently release its fourth album, Computant. After starting at a community college, he transferred to Ohio Univeristy and went on to earn a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from the College Conservatory of Music at The University of Cincinnati. In addition to Us Today, Jeff performs with guitarist Brandon Coleman and many other Cincinnati-based jazz artists, and has diversified his working life between performing and being a Music Educators Rep for Willis Music.In this podcast, Jeff talks about:* The evolution of Us Today* Getting featured on NPR* The band’s composition process* His upbringing and musical background in Ohio* Starting out at a community college, transferring to Ohio University, and going on to grad school at University of Cincinnati* His other job with Willis Music, outfitting music educators with everything they need from instruments to sheet music to tech* His advice on endorsements* What keeps him in Cincinnati, and the city’s musical legacy* Appreciating the different pockets and regions of American music* The possibility and feasibility of someday moving away from CincinnatiJeff Mellott endorses Canopus drums, Bosphorus cymbals, and Vic Firth drumsticks