Bill Saxton

Biography

Bill was born in Harlem and attended NYC public schools. His music career spans from the late 1960’s to the present. After graduating from The New England Conservatory of Music in Boston with a degree in jazz music, he went on to appear with and/or record with jazz giants, such as Roy Haynes, Jackie McLean, Clark Terry, Nancy Wilson, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Count Basie Orchestra, Frank Foster, Carmen McRae, Mongo Santa Maria, Roy Ayers, Barry Harris, Tito Puente, and Charles Tolliver, to name a few.

Saxton toured with the US State Department extensively in West Africa. He went on to play across Europe and into Japan and the Caribbean. The White House honored him during Black Music Month, The Harlem Jazz Museum featured his life and The Library of Music at New York’s Lincoln Center housed his induction as a Jazz Legend.

In Harlem he also established himself as a bandleader of world class musicians for over ten years being joined by Bobby Watson, Hilton Ruiz, Bobby Forester and John Hicks.

Bill has composed more than 80 musical compositions. Tunes such as Beneath the Surface, One for Booker and Priorities earned a three star rating and critical acclaim in Downbeat and BeBop and Beyond Magazine.

In 2003, Saxton and fellow musician, Sinclair Acey, established the Harlem Jazz Scene, Inc. a 501c3 organization to promote and preserve jazz. Programs in Jazz Literacy and the formation of The Harlem Youth Jazz Band, for public school students, have been the driving force for Bill and Sinclair’s organization.

“Bill’s Place” opened in 2006. Bill rejuvenated a historical jazz landmark. In 1927 during prohibition, the famous Swing Street, 133rd Street between Lenox and Seventh Avenues, was the after hours hangout for Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Moms Mabley, Langston Hughes, and the like. The popular joint at 148 West 133rd, a speakeasy, was home to Willie the Lion Smith on piano and a place in Harlem, for little known, young Billie Holiday to develop her singing. This space is now alive and full of the spirit of the jazz of the past.

“Bill’s Place” is continuing the purist legacy of serious straight-ahead-jazz. Bill Saxton lives his African American heritage and represents Harlem at its best. He is Jazz.

Discography

http://www.billsaxton.com/