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Over the last decade tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery has been the most honest and straight-ahead musician that's been true to his craft. In addition to being a dedicated husband and father, Wayne's been a leader as well as a sideman playing with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Jackie McClean, Tom Harrell, and the Mingus Dynasty Bands.

What sets Wayne apart from his other contemporaries is that he can add depth to anybody that he co-leads with or accompanies.The compositions he's playing with his new quintet stays true to the post-bop sound as well as presses forward in fusion. He continues to mature as musician while expressing his voice on the saxophone. Wayne embodies what our past jazz masters did, that's to create pure and honest music and not care about what people think. Although most musicians play standards, he's a trailblazer that's pushing the boundaries of music.

The London, England native moved to the US with this mother at age six. It wasn't until his late teens when Wayne got interested in jazz and the saxophone. He started out in choir but attended the famed Artist's Collective co-founded by his mentor Jackie McClean in Hartford, Connecticut. McClean saw his dedication and gave him a full-ride at The Hart School here Wayne graduated summa cum lade and was one of his best students. Although his plan was to graduate and move to New York City and pursue jazz music full-time, McClean encouraged Wayne to audition and try out for The Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance. After accepting the institute's scholarship, he moved to NYC and hasn't looked back.

Wayne's latest disc "Tides of Yesterday" is on the Savant label and is available on i Tunes or Amazon.com. For upcoming tour dates visit him on the web at escofferymusic.com