Jim Saltzman profile picture

Jim Saltzman

About Me

Saxophonist and composer Jim Saltzman is quickly becoming a powerful force on the New York jazz scene. His versatility and forward thinking have led to Jim’s open-minded, eclectic collaborations with some of the most engaging players of his generation.Born in Pequannock, NJ, Jim received his B.M. in Jazz and Commercial Music (Performance) from the University of the Arts in 2000, and his M.M. in Jazz Studies (Performance) from William Paterson University in 2002, where he was the first saxophonist to complete the graduate program. While attending both schools, he studied with David Demsey, Don Braden, James Williams, Ron Kerber, Frank Mazzeo, Bill Zaccagni, and Rich DeRosa. Jim has also studied privately with Seamus Blake, Rich Perry, and Kenny Werner.His primary project is his current quartet, which performs his original compositions featured on his newest CD, “Hidden Intentions” to be released in April 2007 on Jazz Excursion Records. Jim has also recorded two additional CD’s, “Along the Way” (2000), and “Aggregate” (2003). Jim has performed with Don Braden, Jim McNeely, George Coleman, James Moody, Grover Washington, Jr., Eddie Gomez, Jon Faddis, David Berkman, John Benitez, Jeff Hirschfield, Claudio Roditi, Vanessa Rubin, and many others. He was also a member and contributing composer/arranger of the Cecil’s Big Band for over two years, led by pianist/composer Joe Elefante and featured on ABC’s Nightline on Feb. 18, 2005.In addition to his busy performing schedule, Jim is also a dedicated educator. He is an Adjunct Lecturer of Music at Drew University in Madison, NJ, where he teaches saxophone, jazz ensemble, Jazz History, and World Music. Jim has also been the head counselor and instructor for William Paterson University’s Summer Jazz Improvisation Camp since 2001, where he teaches jazz improvisation, coaches a small group, and teaches saxophone lessons. Additionally, he teaches a full schedule of private saxophone, flute, and clarinet students in the northern New Jersey area.Jim is also an author, having written for Down Beat magazine. His extensive masters thesis, “Stylistic Aspects in the Improvisations of Tenor Saxophonist Warne Marsh” is currently seeking publication.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/10/2006
Band Website: jimsaltzman.com
Band Members: Jim Saltzman - Tenor/Soprano saxophones, Flute, Bansuri, Native American Flutes, Compositions; Pat Firth - Piano/Fender Rhodes; Jay Foote - Bass; Quinn Blandford - Drums;
Influences: Joe Henderson, John Coltrane, Hank Mobley, Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Mark Turner, Sam Rivers, Lee Konitz, James Williams, Joe Lovano, Sonny Rollins, and a whole slew of others...
Sounds Like: You tell me! (I hope it sounds like Jim Saltzman...)
Record Label: Jazz Excursion Records
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

New Year brings...?

Happy New Year! Things are looking good for '08 - my son, Jackson is doing great! He keeps getting bigger (and I hear that kids tend to do just that), and he's really starting to look around at ever...
Posted by Jim Saltzman on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 07:02:00 PST

Jackson Bryce Saltzman

Jen and I are now proud parents! We had a baby boy on Tues at 10:52 PM  Jackson Bryce Saltzman (9 lbs 10 oz/22 inches long!). Jen was outstanding, and she's feeling great (a bit tired, though).He's...
Posted by Jim Saltzman on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:53:00 PST

What’s new in the land of Jim...

Many great and exciting things on the horizon!"Hidden Intentions" is doing well - lot's of radio play. A West Coast tour is in the works for later this year...I'll keep you posted.More importantly, J...
Posted by Jim Saltzman on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:15:00 PST

Thank you

I recently found out that one of the best teachers I've ever had, Bill Zaccagni, passed away on Friday morning. I was fortunate enough to work with Bill every semester that I was a student at UArts. ...
Posted by Jim Saltzman on Mon, 14 May 2007 10:00:00 PST

Jim Saltzman Live @ Louis 649

Hello everyone!I will be playing at Louis 649 in NYC this Friday night (March 30th) from 9PM - 1 AM.Featuring:Pat Firth - pianoJay Foote - bassQuinn Blandford - drumsIt should be a fun night - I hope ...
Posted by Jim Saltzman on Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:01:00 PST