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Jim Butler

Tokyo jazz saxophonist

About Me

Jim Butler, a native Californian, has been playing the saxophone for over 45 years. He focuses on modern and original jazz. The Jim Butler Jazz Group have recorded seven CDs: ”Journeys” (2003); “Live in Tokyo!” (2005); “Night of a Thousand Years” (2009); “Postcards from the World” (2014); “Let’s Get Lost” (2019); “Perseverance” (2022); and “Short Stories” (2023).

Jim started out as a music educator, directing a jazz ensemble and teaching saxophone, woodwinds, and Jazz Studies at The University of North Florida. He has a Doctorate in Music from the University of Texas at Austin. During this time he appeared professionally as a saxophonist with many different artists including Mel Torme, Crystal Gail, The Drifters, Rosemary Clooney, Tony Campesi, and Sam Moore.

Jim was Lead Alto Saxophonist for the United States Air Force Field Bands for 23 years until his retirement in 2018. In the Air Force Band, he toured to North and South America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Bob Mintzer, Ed Shaughnessy, Jim McNeely, Toni Tennille, and other notables in the music industry. As Director of the Air Force Commanders Jazz Ensemble, he led the group in tours of the United Sates, and to the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Jim is a former saxophone student of Harvey Pittel and Jim Rotter, and has also studied with David Liebman and Charles McPherson.

Jim lives in Tokyo and remains very active as a musician and educator. Catch the group at their next show! You can see more information here on this homepage, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jim.butler.9, or Instagram. Also, check out his YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4SBkxw_lJYa4Lx6pyuVkSQ

My Jazz Story

Growing up. my dad loved jazz. And when I listened to Benny Goodman or Miles Davis or Count Basie., I was simply transported by the magic. I've wanted to recreate the power and magic of music every day since that time.