Sam Knight

From an early age, Sam Knight’s world was filled with the captivating sounds of artists like The Carpenters, Elton John, Queen, Mozart, and Chopin, thanks to his parents who played their music during long car journeys and on the kitchen radio. These melodic influences sparked a deep love for music in Sam, particularly melodies that connect with audiences on a profound level. At the age of 10, only two years into playing the saxophone, Sam made a life-changing decision: he wanted to become a musician. His journey began at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama (RWCMD) Saturday School, where he immersed himself in the study of jazz ensemble playing, preparing himself for future musical pursuits. This dedication led him to join Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester in 2012, where he spent two years furthering his knowledge of jazz and refining his skills. During his time at Chetham’s, Sam deepened his understanding of jazz under the guidance of esteemed educators like Iain Dixon, Steve Berry, and Les Chisnall. 

In 2014, Sam pursued his dreams by enrolling in the renowned Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London. He specialised in Jazz Performance, focusing on the saxophone. His commitment and talent were recognised when he achieved an impressive 1st Class with Honours upon graduation in 2018. During his time at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Sam also became a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO), serving as an official deputy for the Tenor Saxophone chairs. Additionally, his membership in the Guildhall Jazz Orchestra opened doors to valuable experiences, performing alongside esteemed artists such as Liane Carroll and Julian Siegel. Along the way, he received guidance from renowned musicians such as Jean Toussaint, Charnett Moffett, Ben Wendel, Trevor Tomkins, Gareth Lockrane, Tom Richards, Christian Forshaw, Malcolm Edmonstone, Scott Stroman, Barry Green and Martin Speake.

Since 2014, Sam has immersed himself in the vibrant London music scene, constantly refining his skills and expanding his musical horizons. He has become a versatile musician by collaborating with various artists and projects, leaving his mark on the industry. He has taken on multiple roles, from writing, recording, and producing music for the UK-based indie band ‘The Goodbye Look,’ to being a valued sideman in jazz quintet ‘The Pucciarelli Group,’ the jazz-rock fusion band ‘Elephant Talk,’ and the Slovak/British jazz-folk fusion collective ‘Topolana.’ In addition to his live performances, Sam frequently engages in studio sessions, showcasing his skills as a writer, arranger, and recording artist. Sharing his passion and knowledge, he also takes pleasure in teaching students of all ages and abilities.

Sam’s musical adventures extend beyond borders, as he frequently joins European artists for tours. In 2019, Sam delighted in the Italian jazz scene as ‘The Pucciarelli Group’ embarked on a tour of southern Italy’s jazz clubs. Since 2021, Sam has been actively involved in the recording and touring of Ester Wiesnerova‘s acclaimed album ‘Blue Journal.’ Garnering positive reviews from esteemed publications such as JazzWise Magazine, The Whole Note, and Downbeat, Sam has had the opportunity to bring this captivating music to audiences across Slovakia, Austria, the UK, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Mexico. Sam is also no stranger to music outside of the jazz world, recently touring Switzerland with Blues-Rock artist Felix Rabín, delivering memorable performances at renowned venues like Kofmehl. When not on tour, Sam captivates audiences at prestigious British venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Vortex, Pizza Express Jazz Club, The Spice of Life, Hampstead Jazz Club, The Verdict.

Since the pandemic disrupted the music industry, Sam has devoted his time to furthering his musicianship. He has delved into music production, refining his teaching abilities, and rekindling his focus on the heart of his passion—the saxophone. In 2020, Sam embarked on a new chapter by relocating to Slovakia. Over the next three years, he divided his time between London and Bratislava, utilising the global lockdowns and restrictions to nurture his improvisation, composition, production, songwriting, lyric writing, vocal, and piano skills. This period of self-enrichment culminated in the creation of Sam’s debut album, ‘Knight Life,’ set for release on AMP Music & Records in 2023.

Sam Knight’s journey as a saxophonist, composer, and band leader is a testament to his unwavering dedication and pursuit of musical excellence. With each performance, recording, and collaboration, he continues to push the boundaries of his creativity and captivate audiences with his music.