Founded in 2017 by Jennifer Wharton, Bonegasm emerged as a seven-piece ensemble that places the trombone at the forefront while weaving together jazz, classical textures, and improvisation. Based in New York City, the group quickly garnered attention for its orchestral yet intimate approach, earning praise from DownBeat as a standout example of trombone-centric modern jazz. Jennifer Wharton’s leadership extends beyond Bonegasm into Broadway work (including The Great Gatsby) and music education, where she teaches bass trombone at Rutgers University and Montclair State University.
Bonegasm’s work has been supported by a series of prestigious grants, including the 2020 NYC Women’s Fund for Media, Music and Theater grant, a Chamber Music America grant for Grit & Grace, and the Jazz Road Foundation grant. The ensemble’s debut release on Sunnyside Records, Bonegasm (2019), followed by Not A Novelty (2021) and Grit & Grace (2023), showcases a trajectory that blends robust ensemble writing with expressive soloists. The debut album even charted on the Billboard Jazz Chart in its first week, signaling broad industry recognition.