BIMHUIS TV Presents: WAYNE ESCOFFERY QUARTET

Grammy-winning saxophonist presents his new album Like Minds.

Wayne Escoffery tenor saxophone, David Kikoski piano, Ugonna Okegwo bass, Mark Whitfield Jr drums

Wayne Escoffery is one of the most gifted saxophonists in American jazz. A musician with respect for the jazz tradition, but one who looks beyond the smoky jazz clubs of the past. For example, his album The Humble Warrior included an interpretation of a choir piece by composer Benjamin Britten, alongside original compositions. This spring sees the release of the new album Like Minds by The Wayne Escoffery Quartet, which includes collaborations with likeminded jazz giants such as trumpeter Tom Harrell and singer Gregory Porter.

Wayne Escoffery made name in Mingus Dynasty, Big Band, and Orchestra. For more than a decade he played tenor and soprano saxophone in the band of trumpet legend Tom Harrell. With Jeremy Pelt and Jonathan Blake he co-founded the all-star band Black Art Jazz Collective. He has recorded and performed with a who’s who in jazz including Ron Carter, Abdullah Ibrahim, Eddie Henderson, Randy Brecker, and Herbie Hancock. Wayne won a Grammy with the Mingus Big Band, and topped the Downeat Critics Poll in the categories Rising Star Tenor Saxophone, and Rising Star Soprano Saxophone.