Jeff Trott

Guitarist/singer/songwriter Jeff Trott has been a member of such bands as Wire Train and World Party, in addition to launching a solo career. But Trott's name is probably most recognizable among fans of Sheryl Crow, as he's co-penned some her best known songs. Hailing from San Francisco, Trott began playing music at a young age - taking trumpet lessons in elementary school and later, picking up his older sister's guitar. Trott eventually became involved with a local theater group, where he earned the title of 'junior musical director.' The mid '80s saw Trott join new wavers Wire Train - appearing on such albums as 1986's self-titled release, 1987's Ten Women, and 1992's No Soul No Strain, and for a brief stretch during the early '90s, playing with World Party (1990's Goodbye Jumbo). Trott had been aiming to launch a solo career for some time, but his prior engagements kept putting it off - until he relocated to Portland, Oregon in 1997. Enlisting the help of several other musicians (programmer Keith Schreiner, drummer Jeff Anthony, and Everclear's touring keyboardist, James Beaton), Trott began laying down tracks for what would become his debut solo release. But the project could truly get off the ground, Trott began collaborating with Sheryl Crow, resulting in such hits as "If It Makes You Happy," "Everyday is a Winding Road," and "My Favorite Mistake," as Trott received the 1998 BMI Songwriter of the Year award. 2001 finally saw the release of singer/songwriter's solo debut, Dig up the Astroturf. Additionally, Trott has served as a producer for other artists (Stevie Nicks, Jeremy Toback, Crow), and has toured as a guitarist with Tears for Fears, Pete Droge, and Crow).