Ian Hendrickson-Smith

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Primary Instrument: Saxophone

Alto, Tenor, Baritone Saxophonist and Flutist Ian Hendrickson-Smith has been and continues to be one of the most sought after musicians in New York City. Mostly noted for his remarkable tone, soulful approach and blues driven melodies he's been reaching audiences world-wide through numerous recordings and live appearances. Born in New Orleans, Ian Hendrickson-Smith began his professional music career in 1996, after four years of studies at the Manhattan School of Music.

Ian's extensive recording experience most recently includes the release of his fourth date as a leader, titled “Blues in the Basement” (Cellar Live Records) following the releases of “Still Smokin'” (2004 Sharp Nine Records),”Party of Three” (2003, K-Pasta Records) and his highly regarded debut CD, “Up in Smoke!” (2003, Sharp Nine Records). He can also be heard on a host of other records as a sideman, check out the “Recordings” page for complete info.

Hendrickson-Smith has worked/and or recorded with: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, Mofro, Robbie Williams, Amy Winehouse, The Charles Mingus Big Band Workshop, Phillip Harper, Etta Jones, David Hazeltine, Melvin Sparks, Danny Moore, Popa Chubby, The J.B.'s (Fred Wesley and Pee Wee Ellis), Adam Scone, Lee Fields, Michael “Spike” Wilner, Mark Ronson, Shiner Massive, David Sanborn, The Hotpants, The Macktet, The Uptown Quintet, The Night Crawlers, etc.

Last Updated: October 30, 2007

”Mr. Hendrickson-Smith boasts a relaxed, warm melodic bent and an engaging sound; he's a real swinger, and he's steeped in the blues…..an old soul who's got something to say that people ought to hear.” -Zan Stewart, Jazziz Magazine

”He remains an unquestionable master of the genre; at a mere thirty one years of age, Hendrickson-Smith, who doubles on flute, is the possesor of a world-weary tone that many players his senior would kill for.” -Peter Aaron, All About Jazz

”Hendrickson-Smith's straight-ahead session captures the essence of a century of great music...an album that brings out the best in straight-ahead jazz for the 21st century.” -Cadence Magazine

”It's marvelous to hear alto saxophone playing like that.” -George Coleman