New Orleans’s vibrant music scene wouldn’t be complete without the soulful sounds of the saxophone echoing through weddings, cocktail hours, and upscale soirées. Whether you’re looking for smooth jazz, upbeat R&B, or classic standards, these ten saxophonists bring not only exceptional skill but also a commanding presence that turns any event into a memorable one.
From veteran performers to innovative ensembles, each artist below offers something unique for your next celebration in New Orleans.
Jason Mingledorff
JASON MINGLEDORFF is one of New Orleans’ most versatile and in-demand saxophonists, composers, and educators. His early musical experiences in Alabama, nurtured on the spiritual music of the church and the soulful grooves coming out of Muscle Shoals, have been evident in his intense, individual approach to playing saxophone throughout his career.
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Gregory Tardy
Professor of Music in Jazz Saxophone Gregory Tardy is one of the most versatile jazz musicians of his generation, equally comfortable in a variety of musical and improvisational situations. Born into a musical family, he began his musical career studying classical clarinet with Russell Dagon and Jack Snavely. In his early 20s, while preparing for a symphony career he discovered jazz saxophone and hasn’t looked back.
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Lance Ellis
A good way to go about explaining the life and experiences of a New Orleans musician would be to view it through his eyes as a student, under the watchful command of Ellis Marsalis. Feel all the spirit of a U.S. mailman delivering an instrumental introduction of the Louis Armstrong postage stamp. Listen to the intensity of a tenor sax player following in the footsteps of the late, great saxophonist Charles Miller. Lance Ellis is this musician. Lance, a former New Orleans postal worker, felt the musical spirit from a young age, learning jazz improvisation techniques from Ellis Marsalis and playing in Mardi Gras parades with his high school and college marching bands. Later, while working for the U.S. Post Office, he and his twin brother Larry both performed with the Postal Service Jazz Ensemble, and Lance helped organize the presentation ceremony for the Louis Armstrong commemorative postage stamp.
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Quintin Gerard W
Veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W., known as The Fnkysax Player, is an O.T.S. Music! recording artist and voting member of NARAS also known as The Grammy®. He is a SESAC songwriter publisher and has produced, recorded, and commercially released five urban contemporary smooth jazz albums since his debut CD release “Fnkysax” which introduced “The method of playing saxophone characterized by incorporating elements of Funk, R & B, Gospel, Blues and Jazz supported by the underlying foundation of the urban culture and experience.”
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Dr. Taylor Assad
Dr. Taylor Assad is an active member of the professional saxophone community and has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in France, Scotland, Croatia, and all over the United States. As an advocate for new music, she has premiered works for solo saxophone, saxophone and live electronics, saxophone and fixed media, saxophone duo, chamber ensemble, and saxophone quartet. Her work in the commissioning of various compositional projects led to her dissertation: “Insights into the Collaborative Process between Electronic Music Composers and Commissioning Saxophonists.”Jonathan Suazo is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and cultural seeder who utilizes music to shine a light on elements of his Puerto Rican and Dominican roots. Jonathan was named one of the top ten emerging Jazz artists of 2023 by the GRAMMYS and his debut album “Ricano” (Ropeadope Records) was listed as one of the best Jazz albums of 2023 by The New York Times
Calvin Johnson CJQ
Calvin Johnson is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He could not escape being a musician as he is a 3rd generation NOLA musician. Johnson was able to nurture and expand his love and interest in the music business at the famed performing arts high school the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA). While having always maintained a full-time music career Johnson received his B.S. in Business from the University of New Orleans. Calvin stayed involved with the community through a number of organizations such as the Preservation Hall Foundation, where he served as a clinician and led youth music workshops throughout the New Orleans Metro Area. He was an avid supporter of music in the City of New Orleans and the youth within his city through a partnership with the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation and the New Orleans Public School System where he served as a musician mentor to aspiring music students. Johnson also had the pleasure of giving back to the community and the continuum of jazz by serving as a faculty member of the prestigious Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp.
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New Orleans Jazz Vipers
In 2001 The Jazz Vipers became the first jazz band to play at the now world-renowned Spotted Cat Music Club on Frenchmen Street. In that same year they won Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Award for “Best Emerging Traditional Jazz Band”. The following year they recorded their first album, The New Orleans Jazz Vipers. As their momentum kept building, so did their regular crowd of local swing dancers. “We’ve always been a dance band,” says Joe Braun. In 2004 they recorded their sophomore album, Live on Frenchmen Street, and received Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album. The next year they won The Gambit’s Big Easy Award for Best Traditional Jazz Group.
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Dickie Landry
Born in Cecilia, Louisiana in 1938, Dickie Landry began his musical training at the age of six when he joined the St. Joseph Catholic Church Choir singing Gregorian Chant for six years seven days a week. Landry picked up the saxophone at age ten and continued the journey that would take him places far removed from the small town in St. Martin Parish where he was raised. After attending what is presently known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he majored in music education, Landry taught for two years in the rural community of Chataignier in St. Landry parish. Restless and tired of playing in a blue-eyed soul band, The Swing Kings, in 1969 Landry moved to New York City to broaden his musical horizons and hopefully find some work.
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Final Thoughts
New Orleans is home to some of the most expressive and versatile saxophonists in the country. Whether you’re seeking smooth jazz for a cocktail hour or a full band for your wedding reception, these musicians bring skill, soul, and showmanship to the stage.
📩 Need help finding the right saxophonist for your event? Reach out anytime at dreamteam@booklive.com — we’re here to help you bring the perfect vibe to your celebration.