This talented jazz saxophonist was born in the U.K. and arrived here in NYC during the 80s. When Wayne Escoffery was 11 years old he joined the Trinity Boys Choir and his career took off like a rocket. He had decided by age 16 to learn how to play the saxophone. He met jazz artist Jackie McLean who is a well-known saxophonist himself and founded the jazz program at the Hartt School. He earned a scholarship to the school and graduated then attended the Thelonious Monk Jazz Institute at the New England Conservatory.

Wayne Escoffery has played with the best in jazz music from Ron Carter, Mingus Big Band, LaVern Butler, Eddie Henderson, and many others. He has also toured with the legendary Herbie Hancock. He made his debut in 2001 with the album, Times Change and followed it up with Intuition in 2004. He has released several albums since then as a leader and many others as a sideman. I’m in love with his new album, Like Minds and my favorite song is “Nostalgia In Times Square.” He has several guests on the album with Gregory Porter singing two of the songs as well as Tom Harrell, and Mike Moreno. Wayne Escoffery plays with his quartet which features jazz pianist, Dave Kikoski whom I met many, many years ago with his own trio. I can’t wait for some dates here in NYC. Check out this super-talented saxophonist and support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!