Jay Thomas
OICMF Big Band
tenor saxophone
Seattle native Jay Thomas is among the leading jazz soloists in the Northwest. His career spans decades, beginning with a recording in New York City with James Moody in 1970 and including his most recent recordings with DownBeat Readers Poll winners Gary Smulyan and Matt Wilson. He has recorded with and performed alongside numerous luminaries of the jazz world, including George Cables, Charles McPherson, Machito’s Latin Jazz Orchestra, Harold Land, Cedar Walton, Billy Higgins, Slim Gaillard, and Herb Ellis. Nat Hentoff spoke of Mr. Thomas’ artistry in the Wall Street Journal, saying, “Thomas improvises with the joyous élan of his vintage progenitors.” In 2020, Mr. Thomas was the winner of the Journalist Jazz Heroes Award for being a long-term mentor and inspiration for young jazz players. For more information, see jaythomasjazz.com.
Sponsor: Leonie Sandercock