Born: February 25, 1982 Primary Instrument: Sax, alto
Saxophonist/pianist Brian Hogans has one of the most dynamic, exhilarating, and fervent sounds of today’s young jazz artists. Described as “fluid, fiery, yet subtle”, Hogans pushes the creative envelope when composing and playing, setting new artistic limits for fans and musicians alike. Hogans has just released his debut solo album on Turnaround Records, titled Evidence of Things to Come.
Hogans’ background includes a lifetime of playing music. Hailing from Morrow, GA, he has wailed on the saxophone for over 15 years and played the piano since childhood. Hogans describes that “I chose jazz because I loved its rhythms and harmonies, and because it was different. No one around me was listening to or playing jazz at the time.” Hogans was introduced to jazz by his older brother, Lee, who is now a talented R&B/pop trumpet player in his own right.
Lighting up the stage today as either a saxophonist or pianist, Hogans has studied under noted jazz masters like Danny Harper, saxophonists Bunky Green, Don Bradan, and Antonio Hart, and the late great pianist James Williams. Honing his skills throughout the years, Brian has studied and played as part of the Steins Institute of Jazz and the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Program.
Hogans’ artistic influences come from all corners of the musical landscape. On the saxophone, they include Sonny Stitt, Bird, and Coltrane, among others. On the piano, Hogans credits Cedar Walton, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea as favorites who have helped him craft his unique musical voicing. Says Hogans, “I enjoy how jazz is always changing. There is such a depth to its creative possibilities. I am passionate about harmony, and about the vast artistic options available by manipulating harmonies in my work.”
Hogans has performed with some of the great artists of today’s jazz scene, including James Williams, Winard Harper, Russell Gunn and Marcus Printup. Hogans may be best known, though, as part of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Sean Jones Quintet. In addition to playing and touring with the ensemble, he has played saxophone on two recent Sean Jones albums, Kaleidoscope and The Search Within. In its recent review, Hippo Press said of The Search Within, “I can’t imagine anyone finding a single fault with this album aside from its utter lack of imperfection.” Two songs from the album, “Blak Music” and “Summer Spring”, were also composed by Hogans.
Playing on numerous other recordings, Brian has contributed to three Russell Gunn albums: Bionic: Krunk Jazz, Love Stories and The Return of Gunn Fu. He has played on Greg Diamond’s Dancando Com Ale and played piano on Will Scruggs BlueBari Jam.
Hogans’ has performed at numerous well-known venues throughout the world, including dates with the Sean Jones Quintet at the Detroit Jazz Fest, Chicago Jazz Fest, The Jazz Standard and Iridium in New York, The Dakota in Minneapolis, Jazz Bistro in St. Louis, Snug Harbor in New Orleans and Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA. He has toured in Italy and Germany, and he also plays frequently in the Atlanta, GA area with trumpeter Russell Gunn and with his own collaboration. For fans and jazz lovers, Brian can frequently be heard at Churchill Grounds in Atlanta and also at Blue Note and Groove in New York.
“This is an excellent album to simply appreciate the power of a good song.” - Jazz Inside New York
“Hogans has a clean tone that he can shake into a frenzy, running on the edge of control, or dial down for a sweet tune.” - ATLArtsCritic.com
“[Hogans'] passion for music can be heard and felt through every song and note that is played.” - The Jazz Suite
“...jazz at its finest.” - ATLANTAJAZZ.INFO
Primary Instrument:
Sax, alto
