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Bob Reynolds

It’s a rare saxophonist who’s as comfortable in an arena full of rock fans as in an intimate jazz club. Bob Reynolds is a rare saxophonist.

Reynolds spent years touring the world in John Mayer’s band, winning new fans with his solos on crowd favorites like “Vultures,” “Wheel,” “Gravity” and “Covered in Rain.” Watch his performances on YouTube and you’ll see hundreds of accolades from admiring fans—not a normal occurrence for a saxophonist in a rock band. Reynolds’ partnership with Mayer reminds many of Sting’s collaborations with Branford Marsalis in the 1980s. Both he and Mayer are big fans of that band.

Reynolds has recorded and performed with everyone from Usher, Josh Groban and the Jonas Brothers to Amos Lee, Willie Nelson and Nellie McKay. He calls himself a “melody architect” and refuses to be boxed in by conventional genre labels. A child of the 80s, Reynolds’ music is a blend of his early influences (Sting, Bruce Hornsby, Tears for Fears), R&B and soul (Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder), and jazz (Stan Getz, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter).

At the same time as he’s been touring the world to packed stadiums and playing with A-list superstars, Reynolds has stayed true to his jazz roots with performances in clubs across the U.S. Three of his five albums were recorded live with a who’s who of the jazz and rock worlds, including keyboardist Aaron Goldberg, guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Keith Carlock, who’s toured with both Sting and Mayer. Reynolds’ records reflect his affinity for the jazz tradition at the same time as they display his skill with pop music. He makes the music he wants without compromise.

For Reynolds, music is about communication with the listeners. One of his album titles, Somewhere in Between, suggests his ability to cross genres. The album features jazz heavyweights Eric Harland on drums and Aaron Parks on piano, along with keyboardist Oli Rockberger of Mister Barrington and, on two tracks, John Mayer. It’s a seamless and fearless blend of jazz, blues, rock and pop.

Inventive. Unconventional. An instantly recognizable player with his own musical vision who still finds a way to fit in no matter what the situation. As a leader or a band member, Reynolds is focused on melody, connection, and emotion. Say it again: Bob Reynolds is a rare saxophonist.

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Album Review

Snarky Puppy: Empire Central

Read "Empire Central" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi


A diciotto anni dalla nascita, gli Snarky Puppy sono tornati a Dallas —luogo d'origine della formazione— per registrare un nuovo album scegliendo l'approccio preferito: quel “live in the studio" con pubblico in sala che ha caratterizzato le loro opere migliori. Quindi otto notti alla Deep Ellum Art Company per mettere a punto 16 nuovi brani, ora pubblicati in doppio album, in triplo vinile. Il disco privilegia il ritorno ai valori musicali originari: una fusion ...

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Album Review

Doug Webb: The Message

Read "The Message" reviewed by David A. Orthmann


The trappings of The Message, tenor saxophonist Doug Webb's eleventh release for Posi-Tone Records, are perhaps recognizable to anyone with an interest in jazz conventions. All hands, except for drummer Charles Ruggiero, contribute at least one composition. While some are more adventurous (tenor saxophonist Bob Reynolds' “Where Did You Come From?," and alto saxophonist Greg Osby's “Nekide") than others (Webb's “Caught In The Webb" and organist Brian Charette's “Bonnie Lass"), there is nothing here that pushes the envelope or prompts ...

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Radio & Podcasts

Bob Reynolds: Running The Changes

Read "Bob Reynolds: Running The Changes" reviewed by Leo Sidran


This year musicians and creative people have had to confront themselves, their work, and their ambitions head on, and Bob Reynolds is no exception. But unlike so many of us, Bob already had some mechanisms in place to process that struggle in a creative way. Bob is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and educator known for his work with Snarky Puppy, John Mayer, Larry Carlton, and 12 solo albums. He is no stranger to large stages and tour busses. At ...

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Album Review

Snarky Puppy: Immigrance

Read "Immigrance" reviewed by Josh Deakin


Three years after their last release, Snarky Puppy's thirteenth studio album Immigrance makes a statement as a standard for jazz fusion that all modern artists should take note of. The opening track, “Chonks," sets the tone of the record with a fierce drum fill from Larnell Lewis which is reminiscent of reggae tones, an aesthetic which Snarky Puppy enjoy teasing on occasion. The record keeps pace as it weaves together the collection of songs which gives the illusion ...

12
Album Review

Mark Lettieri: Things Of That Nature

Read "Things Of That Nature" reviewed by Mike Jacobs


Some musicians just have a certain skill set. You know, the one that could make “Mary Had A Little Lamb" entertaining enough for you to go out and buy their cover of it? As on his previous albums, guitarist Mark Lettieri's fifth solo outing Things of That Nature reminds us that he is one of those guys. It also reminds us that despite having those serious chops--and a proclivity to rock-out--Lettieri puts way too much emphasis on musical ...

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The Jazz Life

Making Friends with a Giant: How I first met Michael Brecker

Read "Making Friends with a Giant: How I first met Michael Brecker" reviewed by Bob Reynolds


Bob Reynolds is one of those great tenor saxophone players and teachers you should know but perhaps don't. He's in that class of great musicians like drummer Anwar Marshall, tenor player Tivon Pennicott, and Scottish guitarist Kevin Mackenzie who work steadily, gigging and releasing an increasingly excellent body of work you should definitely check out if you haven't yet heard it. Bob is a Grammy Award-winning member of the band Snarky Puppy and is known for his work with both ...

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Interview

Bob Reynolds: Communication Is Key

Read "Bob Reynolds: Communication Is Key" reviewed by R.J. DeLuke


Bob Reynolds, a saxophonist and composer of note with nine recordings under his own name and a work load that has him playing with artists like Larry Carlton, Snarky Puppy, Josh Groban, John Mayer and others, pauses when considering the genre of jazz and how he fits in. Reynolds doesn't have to apply his talents to the changes of jazz standards or neo-bop workouts written by his peers to be fulfilled. He can do it. It can be ...

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Festival

The London Saxophone Festival Set for May 21-27, 2018

The London Saxophone Festival Set for May 21-27, 2018

Source: Dynamic Agency

May 2018 sees the launch of the inaugural London Saxophone Festival, a celebration of all things sax, taking place at a range of venues and event spaces across the capital. This week-long series of events will involve performances from world class musicians, educational workshops, film and exhibitions. The festival will feature some boundary breaking players at the very top of their game, and will be a rare chance to witness some of the very best saxophonists in the world perform ...

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Education

Bob Reynolds to Present Free Master Class This Saturday, November 12 at Saxquest

Bob Reynolds to Present Free Master Class This Saturday, November 12 at Saxquest

Source: St. Louis Jazz Notes by Dean Minderman

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds (pictured), known for his association with hit-making singer/songwriter John Mayer, will be in St. Louis to present a free master class at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, November 12 at Saxquest, 2114 Cherokee St. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Reynolds also has performed or recorded with other well-known musicians such as Michael Buble, Nellie McKay, Richard Bona, Tom Harrell and Brian Blade. The Los Angeles resident played in the house band for NBC's Bonnie Hunt Show ...

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Video / DVD

Saxophone Powerhouse Bob Reynolds on Mastery, John Mayer, and More

Saxophone Powerhouse Bob Reynolds on Mastery, John Mayer, and More

Source: Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever.

In a very special video piece for Best. Saxophone. Website. Ever., NYC saxophonist and music entrepreneur Marc Plotkin interviews saxophonist, composer, educator and sideman to John Mayer, Bob Reynolds. For those of you who only know him as John Mayer's sax man, you're only getting a small slice of Bob Reynolds' musical world. Michael Bublé, Nellie McKay, Guy Sebastian, Richard Bona, Tom Harrell, and Brian Blade are just a few of the talents he's shared the stage and studio with. ...

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Interview

Bob Reynolds Interviewed On The Jason Crane Show

Bob Reynolds Interviewed On The Jason Crane Show

Source: All About Jazz

On the latest episode of The Jason Crane Show, Jason Crane interviews saxophonist Bob Reynolds. Reynolds has made a name for himself in the bands of singer-songwriters Jonah Smith and Nelly McKay, and he'll spend 2007 on the road with John Mayer. Reynolds has a new album out called Can't Wait For Perfect on the Fresh Sound New Talent label. The CD is getting strong reviews from folks like Michael Brecker and Joshua Redman. You can find out more about ...

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Performance / Tour

Bob Reynolds at Kokopelli's in Savannah,Ga. October 6th & 7th 2006

Bob Reynolds at Kokopelli's in Savannah,Ga. October 6th & 7th 2006

Source: Two for the Show Media

Fresh Sound New Talent recording artist, composer and saxophonist Bob Reynolds will be performing with his Quartet at Kokopelli's in Savannah, Ga. on Friday and Saturday, October 6th, 7th, 2006 at 8 PM.

Bob Reynolds (sax), Louis Heriveaux - (piano), Delbert Felix -(bass), Justin Varnes (drums)

Saxophonist/Composer Bob Reynolds Kokopelli's 107 W. Broughton Savannah, GA. 8:00PM For information call (912) 236-7280 “A self-assured tenor saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective ...

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Recording

Bob Reynolds - Can't Wait for Perfect / Fresh Sound New Talent #255

Bob Reynolds - Can't Wait for Perfect / Fresh Sound New Talent #255

Source: All About Jazz

IN GOOD COMPANY: YOUNG SAXOPHONIST JOINS LABEL THAT LAUNCHED BRAD MEHLDAU, KURT ROSENWINKEL, THE BAD PLUS

Saxophonist/Composer Bob Reynolds Releases His Fresh Sound New Talent Debut, Can't Wait For Perfect, Available May 9th, 2006

“An amazing musician ... some of the freshest, most compelling and most soulful music I have heard recently"--Joshua Redman “This CD sounds amazing!! Bob is one hell of a saxophonist!"--Michael Brecker

Three-time winner of ASCAP's Young Jazz Composer Award, Bob Reynolds' debut CD on the label ...

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Event

Bob Reynolds's CD Release Show at Jazz Standard April 5

Bob Reynolds's CD Release Show at Jazz Standard April 5

Source: All About Jazz

Saxophonist/Composer Bob Reynolds Celebrates the Release of His Fresh Sound New Talent Debut Can't Wait For Perfect At the Jazz Standard, New York City, April 5th, 2006

Show times are Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at 7:30 and 9:30p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased from the Jazz Standard by phone at (212) 576-2232 or online through www.jazzstandard.net. Student discount is $15 w/I.D. The Jazz Standard is located at 116 East 27th Street between Lexington and Park Avenues.

An extraordinary ...

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"Some of the freshest, most compelling, and most soulful music I have heard recently. Bob Reynolds is an amazing musician, with something very exciting and original to say." JOSHUA REDMAN

"Bob is one hell of a saxophonist! His sound is rich and his execution is seemingly effortless." MICHAEL BRECKER

"Best Debut - 2006 Jazz Poll" THE VILLAGE VOICE

"By far one of the most impressive CDs to debut this year." ABYSS JAZZ MAGAZINE

"A self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer." THE NEW YORK TIMES

"The CD title is ironic, since the execution is largely faultless." DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE

Read more

Michael Brecker
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Josh Hou
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Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

The Message

Posi-Tone Records
2022

buy

Empire Central

GroundUP Music
2022

buy

Burning Room Only

Deep Cat Records
2022

buy

Things Of That Nature

GroundUP Music
2019

buy

Immigrance

GroundUP Music
2019

buy

Quartet

Self Produced
2018

buy

Videos

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