Everything Saxophone Podcast Host, Donna Schwartz, spoke with Jason Gay, Saxophonist, Clinician, Author, about how embracing jazz history shaped his performing career.

Jason Gay is a highly sought-after saxophonist, bandleader, teacher, and clinician based in Honolulu, Hawaii. With a career spanning decades, Jason has built a reputation as a versatile musician with deep roots in jazz, blues, and global music traditions. His journey has taken him from Washington, D.C., to stages around the world, shaping him into the dynamic artist he is today.

Early Beginnings and Education

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jason began performing professionally at the age of 16. He toured major cities along the East Coast with the musical and theatrical youth group Uprising, where he led the jazz component. This early experience set the foundation for his career as a musician and bandleader.

Jason later moved to Boston to attend the Berklee College of Music, where he studied under legendary musicians such as Joe Viola, Tomo Fujita, and George Garzone. During his time at Berklee, he won first place in the NAACP competition for Best Instrumentalist and also took home first place in the Joe Kennedy Jr. competition, earning a partial scholarship to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). There, he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Jazz Performance, further refining his skills and expanding his musical horizons.

Serving in the U.S. Navy Band

Following his education, Jason served eight years in the U.S. Navy Band as a Unit Leader, saxophonist, and clinician. During his time in service, he conducted workshops and led musical ensembles across the United States and internationally, performing in Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Guam. His role in the Navy Band allowed him to share his passion for music with diverse audiences while honing his ability to connect through performance and education.

Collaborations and Performance Highlights

Over the years, Jason has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in music, crossing genres and styles with ease. His impressive list of collaborators includes *Mos Def, Boyz II Men, NSYNC, Medeski Martin & Wood, Ravi Coltrane, Mulgrew Miller, Steve Lacy, Jeremy Pelt, Nate Smith, John Blackwell, members of Butcher Brown, and The Temptations. These experiences have enriched his musicianship and deepened his understanding of various musical traditions.

Exploring Chinese Folk Music and the Blues

After leaving the Navy, Jason embarked on a three-year exploration of traditional Chinese folk music. He immersed himself in transcribing, listening, and reinterpreting these melodies, leading to the release of his first self-produced album, “Jason Gay Dynasty” (2017), which is available on all streaming platforms.

Following this deep dive into Chinese folk music, Jason shifted his focus to studying the blues. He transcribed over 120 solos from legendary guitarists such as B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elmore James, Duane Allman, and Jimi Hendrix. This study helped him develop a new blues-based language on the saxophone, expanding tonal expression and exploring the instrument’s full sonic possibilities.

The Sidney Bechet Method Book

One of Jason’s most significant contributions to saxophone pedagogy is his Sidney Bechet Method Book. He believes that while Bechet’s sound is widely recognized, his musical contributions remain overlooked. Jason’s method book provides a deep dive into Bechet’s techniques and style, making his legacy more accessible to modern saxophonists. The book is available in Concert Pitch, Eb, and Bb, along with 33 pages of Bechet licks in major, minor, and dominant keys.

Continuing the Journey

Jason Gay’s career is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and passion for music. Whether through performance, teaching, or writing, he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the saxophone. His ability to blend jazz, blues, and global influences makes him a unique and influential voice in the music world today.

Stay connected with Jason and explore his work by checking out his recordings, method book, and upcoming performances!

Watch the Full Episode here: 

Here’s What You’ll Discover: 

🎷 How Donna met Jason
🎷 Why ligature matters
🎷 Why Jason loves Jody Jazz mouthpieces
🎷 More onto his gear and set-up
🎷 How he got into music
🎷 Lesson from Joe Viola
🎷 Tip from Eddie Bayard
🎷 Why improving his tone takes most of his practice time
🎷 Similarities of learning a language to music
🎷 Sidney Bechet and his influence to Jason
🎷 His new book about Sidney Bechet
🎷 How joining the Navy Band opened up many opportunities

Jason Gay’s Links: 

• Jason’s Bio: https://jodyjazz.com/endorser/jason-gay/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JasonGay4/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usetheblues_jasongay
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpQ-8ia3C_lt9nHAZx4FuA
• Little Wing Solo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AklQKEq5lwo
• Sidney Bechet Book: Link to purchase

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