Andrew Distel was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. While studying at
the prestigious College Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, he was taken
under the wing of Mary Ellen Tanner, a close friend and colleague of
Rosemary Clooney. Under her tutelage, he was able to sit in and learn from
some of the great musicians in the Cincinnati jazz scene—John Von Ohlen
(drummer for Stan Kenton) and Cal Collins (West Coast guitarist for Benny
Goodman). His mentors on the trumpet include the much sought after teacher
and clinician, Pat Harbison; and the world-renowned trumpet guru, William
Adam, former professor at Indiana University.

Upon his arrival in Chicago, he began headlining at such notable venues as
the Pump Room, the Green Mill, Pops for Champagne, Green Dolphin Street and
performing at a variety of festivals including the International Association
of Jazz Educators. Andrew’s steady weekend performances at The Pump Room
have given him the opportunity to hone his craft even further with a band
that is comprised of some of the rising stars of the Chicago jazz scene.

He has performed or recorded with Ira Sullivan, Bobby Caldwell, Ron Hawking,
Rob Parton, Fred Hersch, Paul Leim, Brent Mason, Jimmy Nichols, Joe Chemay,
Scott Burns, Ted Sirota, Bob Bowker, Darmon Meader the Lakeside Singers, and
the Phil Degreg Trio.