A classically trained trombonist with an interest in philosophy, Jeb Bishop pursued studies in both at Northwestern University, North Carolina State, and Loyola University. In the early ‘80s, Bishop was drawn away from orchestral training and toward Raleigh, North Carolina’s developing underground rock scene--playing bass guitar in local bands Stillborn Christians, Angels of Epistemology, Egg, and Metal Pitcher. By the early ‘90s he was working toward a graduate degree at Loyola and making connections with Chicago jazz musicians, playing guitar and bass in a variety of ad hoc lineups with artists such as Weasel Walter, Flying Luttenbachers, and Kevin Drumm. In 1995, Bishop joined the Vandermark 5, making his first forays into the trombone within an improv-jazz context. By the 2000s he was devoting himself exclusively to the instrument, performing and recording with a coterie of international free music talent, including Peter Brotzmann, Joe McPhee, Rob Mazurek, and Globe Unity Orchestra.