Saxophonist and composer Jim Saltzman is quickly becoming a powerful force on the New York jazz scene. His versatility and forward thinking have led to Jim’s open-minded, eclectic collaborations with some of the most engaging players of his generation.
Born in Pequannock, NJ, Jim received his B.M. in Jazz and Commercial Music (Performance) from the University of the Arts in 2000, and his M.M. in Jazz Studies (Performance) from William Paterson University in 2002, where he was the first saxophonist to complete the graduate program. While attending both schools, he studied with David Demsey, Don Braden, James Williams, Ron Kerber, Frank Mazzeo, Bill Zaccagni, and Rich DeRosa. Jim has also studied privately with Seamus Blake, Rich Perry, and Kenny Werner.
His primary project is his current quartet, which performs his original compositions featured on his newest CD, “Hidden Intentions” was released in April 2007 on Jazz Excursion Records. “Hidden Intentions” was chosen as one of the “Top Ten Jazz CD’s of 2007” by the Boston Globe, and was also listed in the “Critics Picks, Top Jazz CD’s of 2007” by Jazz Times. Jim has also recorded two additional CD’s, “Along the Way” (2000), and “Aggregate” (2003). Jim has performed with Don Braden, Jim McNeely, George Coleman, James Moody, Grover Washington, Jr., Eddie Gomez, Jon Faddis, David Berkman, John Benitez, Jeff Hirschfield, Claudio Roditi, Vanessa Rubin, and many others. He was also a member and contributing composer/arranger of the Cecil’s Big Band for over two years, led by pianist/composer Joe Elefante and featured on ABC’s Nightline on Feb. 18, 2005.
In addition to his busy performing schedule, Jim is also a dedicated educator. He is an Adjunct Lecturer of Music at Drew University in Madison, NJ, where he teaches saxophone, jazz ensemble, Jazz History, and World Music. Jim has also been the head counselor and instructor for William Paterson University’s Summer Jazz Improvisation Camp since 2001, where he teaches jazz improvisation, coaches a small group, and teaches saxophone lessons. Additionally, he teaches a full schedule of private saxophone, flute, and clarinet students in the northern New Jersey area.
Jim is also an author, having written for Down Beat magazine. His extensive masters thesis, “Stylistic Aspects in the Improvisations of Tenor Saxophonist Warne Marsh” is currently seeking publication.
”An infectious collection of original postmodern jazz from a quartet of great
young players led by a
saxophonist I had never heard of before. These guys play with passion and
intensity.” - Steve Greenlee,
The Boston Globe
“If anything, Saltzman's compositions are all about confronting hidden
intentions with blatant honesty.
Honesty must be the best policy, because Hidden Intentions is as honest as
you're ever going to find. In
an age where integrity usually runs second to marketability, Jim Saltzman
takes the road less traveled.
And that makes all the difference.” - J Hunter, All About Jazz
“Jim Saltzman is another gifted, pyrotechnical tenor player out of the
Coltrane-Brecker school, one
who, based on the evidence of this striking debut recording and all-original
program, bears close
watching.” - Samuel Chell, All About Jazz
“Hidden Intentions is innovative and has Saltzman and crew’s insignia
embossed all over it.” - Susan
Frances, JazzReview.com
“”...tenor saxophonist Jim Saltzman let loose - using cries, fast-ripped
phrases, leaping lines and more
to tell his story.” - Zan Stewart The Star-Ledger
“Jim Saltzman is a strong tenor player...“Open The Open Door,” a strutting
soprano sax and electric
piano workout; the driving “No Fault” and “What May Come Of This?”; and the
touching wooden flute
feature “Losing Sight.” - Jerome Wilson, Cadence
“This new recording project may finally be the break-through for composer
and saxophonist Jim
Saltzman. It is a shame that he is not more widely recognized and
appreciated.The overall sound might
be described as muscular and full: individual contributions are both inventive
and deliberate. There is
hardly a wasted note or slight hesitation.This is creative jazz at it's best.
Lunch for your ears!!” -Tim
Price, Saxophone Journal
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