Home » Jazz Musicians » Jeff Kashiwa

Jeff Kashiwa

One of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz, Jeff Kashiwa finds pure joy at the heart of his increasingly fast-paced touring schedule by reminding himself, every time he gets on stage, that he’s there to do one thing: Play!

Over the last few years, he’s been doing just that to the tune of almost 100 performances annually, bringing his trademark exuberance to gigs with his longtime band Coastal Access, shows across the country with The Sax Pack (featuring fellow genre A-listers Steve Cole & Kim Waters), dates in the U.S. and England with Acoustic Alchemy and others with Chuck Loeb. Last year, he also reunited with The Rippingtons – whom he originally recorded and toured with from 1990-99 – for the group’s 20th Anniversary Tour; he will be joining his former band for many dates this Summer as well.

Play is also the definitive, one word answer that came to Kashiwa’s mind when he thought about what he truly wanted to do on his fourth CD for Native Language Music. “I asked myself, what am I trying to say, and how do I feel?” he says. “I think I’m simply conveying that I’m beyond playing it safe and keeping the spectrum limited to one color. I don’t want to hold my breath and be so polite. I wanted more of a group vibe and to go back to just having fun. The songs cover a lot of stylistic territory, from funky pop to more classic traditional jazz. They’re all part of my new definition of Play: To be free. To engage in joyful activity. We just got in the studio and said, let’s play. Let’s really play!"

With that mission statement in mind, Play is the spot-on perfect title for Kashiwa’s most adventurous recording to date, reflecting not only his spirited performances on the tenor--beginning with the wild and unexpected 56-second minute improvisational intro “Play! (Prologue)”--but also his loose, high-energy interaction with an exciting ensemble of musicians who are all longtime friends and colleagues.

The emotional core of Play is the eight Kashiwa-produced tracks recorded live at his label's new recording studios in San Clemente, CA – Sounden Studios – with his band Coastal Access, an approach that recalls the saxophonist’s m.o. on his second Native Language release, 2002’s Simple Truth. In addition to longtime members Allen Hinds (guitar), Melvin Davis (bass) and Dave Hooper (drums), the saxman brought in legendary Yellowjackets keyboardist Russell Ferrante to play sparkling acoustic piano and Fender Rhodes, along with famed percussionist Lenny Castro.

Read more

Tags

358
Album Review

Jeff Kashiwa: Back In the Day

Read "Back In the Day" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


Few artists are true trailblazers; most others merely follow in their wake. On Back in the Day, Jeff Kashiwa follows the same contemporary and smooth jazz path taken by many technically competent, but minimally adventurous saxophonists.That may sound like a negative criticism, but it's really not. There have always been jazz musicians whose metier lead them to being solid professionals instead of bold innovators. Back in the Day is the seventh solo album from the former--and sometimes guest--member ...

336
Album Review

Jeff Kashiwa / Kim Waters / Steve Cole: The Sax Pack

Read "The Sax Pack" reviewed by Jeff Winbush


"The Sax Pack," huh? Wonder how long it took to dream up that name?As soon as you see who The Sax Pack is you're either interested or you're not. Between Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa and Steve Cole, you have three guys who have been staples of smooth jazz radio for years. They're all seasoned veterans who can be expected to deliver the goods if your idea of “good" is bland background music that isn't going to challenge, surprise ...

518
Take Five With...

Take Five With Jeff Kashiwa

Read "Take Five With Jeff Kashiwa" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Teachers and/or influences?Leo Potts, saxophone instructor at Cal State Long Beach. Outstanding teacher. Changed my approach to the saxophone. His tonal concepts are with me always. Charlie Shoemake, Jazz improvisation teacher. Clarified jazz harmony for me.I knew I wanted to be a musician when... I heard Chuck Mangione and his band play in Maui during one summer vacation.Your sound and approach to music:I have a melodic approach to playing and let the ...

222
Album Review

Jeff Kashiwa: Peace Of Mind

Read "Peace Of Mind" reviewed by Mark Sabbatini


Somebody's missing the point here. I'm almost hoping it's me.

There's clearly a decent market for albums like Peace Of Mind, the fifth solo album by former Rippingtons saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, since so many of these smooth jazz soundalikes are occupying bin space at music stores. And a small part of me was rooting for this to stand out in the crowd, largely because he's one of a relative handful of players who dabbles at times with a ...

Read more articles
183

Recording

Jeff Kashiwa Produces CD for Debut Artist Hulon

Jeff Kashiwa Produces CD for Debut Artist Hulon

Source: Cheryl Hughey Promotions

A new saxophonist is on the rise in contemporary jazz. Hulon, who brings a fresh perspective on jazz with old-school style, will be releasing his debut CD, First Impressions. Produced by Jeff Kashiwa, this CD promises to be a delightful experience with hot grooves and romantic charm. First Impressions, is scheduled for release in early 2010.

When asked about this new CD and artist, Jeff Kashiwa said, “It's every producer's dream to come across an artist who has 3 qualities: ...

Photos

Concerts

Jun 1 Sat

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Let It Ride

Native Language
2012

buy

Back In the Day

Shanachie Records
2009

buy

The Sax Pack

Shanachie Records
2008

buy

Peace Of Mind

Native Language
2004

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.