Tim Lin

Born and raised in a small suburban town called Fremont, California, Tim Lin is a Taiwanese-American jazz talent whose progressive sound comes from his love of the bebop jazz tradition and history.

In his youth, Tim studied with bay area saxophonist and educator Dann Zinn. Guided by Zinn's inspirational teaching for developing craftsmanship of daily practice, Tim discovered his passion for jazz and calling to become a musician.

Soon after, Tim received a scholarship to study with the world-renowned jazz recording artist Bob Sheppard at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

During his college years in Los Angeles, Tim was a member of the award winning USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra lead by Bob Mintzer, in addition to the USC Honors Combo directed by Jason Goldman. 

Tim was the first runner up for the International Taichung Saxophone Competition behind Tivon Penicott. Tim was also a finalist in the 2018 Thelonious Monk Institute College Program (Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) where he performed for Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Herb Albert.

Tim has performed with jazz luminaries such as Kenny Burrell, Tootie Heath, Russell Ferrante, Terri Lyne Carrington, Carl Allen, Mike Clark, Essiet Okon Essiet, among others.

Tim has been mentored by some of the greatest tenor saxophonists of our generation including Bob Sheppard, Bob Mintzer, Larry Schneider, and is currently a student of Jerry Bergonzi.

Currently splitting his time between New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Taiwan, Tim is an active jazz artist & freelance musician, educator, author, and composer on the scene.

Tim’s debut record entitled “Romance in Formosa” was produced by Bob Sheppard, featuring Andy LaVerne on piano, Jay Anderson on bass, and Billy Drummond on drums. Purchase a copy of his new record HERE.

Sophomore recording December 2022 forthcoming.

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