Wayne Escoffery

“Every time he plays, saxophonist Wayne Escoffery brings a sense memory that includes early days in the church choir in New Haven, Connecticut; the wisdom and watchful eye of the legendary Jackie McLean; time spent with The Mingus Big Band, Ron Carter and Tom Harrell.” –WBGO

Acclaimed tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, a two-time Grammy Award winner and longtime member of The Mingus Big Band, is widely regarded as one of the premier tenor saxophonists of his generation. His sound is commanding yet lyrical, rooted in the hard-bop tradition while exploring modern harmonic territory. One of the most prominent protégés of the great Jackie McLean, Escoffery authentically channels the energy and passion of his formative mentor.

All About Jazz says, “Not since the works of bassist Charles Mingus and saxophonist John Coltrane has there been music so charged with emotion and so engulfed in spirituality.” Stereogum adds, “the band leader’s playing…