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Jason Hammers

Originally from Gaithersburg, MD, Jason Hammers grew up in Stafford, VA where began his musical journey on the alto saxophone at age 11. He then attended Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA to continue his musical education. It was during his freshman year that the tenor saxophone became his main instrument. As a member of the CNU Jazz Ensemble, he performed at the Ella Fitzgerald Jazz Festival from 2007-2009, performing with Kurt Elling, Steve Zegree, The New York Voices, Kenny Garrett, and Dave Douglas. In his senior year, Jason was a member of the CNU Jazz Combo I that was selected to perform at the 2009 North Texas Jazz Festival and earned an Outstanding Soloist Award. He had also become an established freelance musician in the greater Hampton Roads area, perfoming at many venues in Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Virginia Beach. Later that year, Jason graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.Mus. degree specializing in Classical and Jazz Performance.

In the fall of 2009, Jason was accepted in the Masters of Music program at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he was a student of Ben Schachter. While at UArts, Jason's music was heard at some of the area's most well known venues such as Chris' Jazz Cafe, as well as on WRTI, Philadelphia's NPR affiliate and jazz radio station. He also became the first recipient of the university's Jazz Scholar Award. Jason completed the program in 2010 writing his thesis titled “The Comeback: Frank Foster’s Impact on the Count Basie Orchestra.”

He is currently a freelance performer, composer, and educator in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

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Album Review

Ian Charleton Big Band: A Fresh Perspective

Read "A Fresh Perspective" reviewed by Jack Bowers


After earning a master's degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas, saxophonist Ian Charleton thought it might be a good idea to join a service band for a short time. He wound up in the Navy and, as of 2020, had spent two decades leading, playing in, touring the world and writing for various Navy bands. Then he thought it might be a good idea to release a big-band album under his own name. Like that other ...

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Take Five With...

Take Five With Jason Hammers

Read "Take Five With Jason Hammers" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Jason Hammers:Originally from Gaithersburg, MD, Jason Hammers grew up in Stafford, VA where began his musical journey on the alto saxophone at age 11. While a student at Stafford Senior High School, he was named to numerous All-County and All-District Bands and had established himself as a featured soloist with the school's jazz ensemble.

Upon graduating high school, Jason matriculated to Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA to continue his musical education. ...

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Primary Instrument

Saxophone

Willing to teach

Beginner to advanced

Credentials/Background

B.M. Classical/Jazz Performance M.M. Jazz Studies

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Music

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