Aaron Irwin, jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer and bandleader talks about his new release

Today our musical guest artist is Aaron Irwin. Mr. Irwin is a critically acclaimed saxophonist, multi-woodwind player, and composer. He began studying piano when he was 5 years old and switched to the alto saxophone in the 4th grade. In 2024, Mr. Irwin released After (Adhyâropa Records, 2024), his ninth album, which was a collection of works inspired by poetry, as quoted in a AAJ profile, described as "interactions between sound and verse weaving together melancholy, effervescence, and at times, anxiety sparked by chaos." Today we will talk about his latest recording just released this month entitled Spark.

Aaron Irwin is a Brooklyn based saxophonist, multi woodwind instrumentalist, and composer whose work has been praised for its lyricism and emotional clarity. Beyond his responsibilities as a bandleader currently, Irwin is a regular and in-demand jazz club performer on the New York City jazz scene. In addition to leading his own projects, he has performed with ensembles including Darcy James Argue's Secret Society and Jamie Baum's Septet+.

His current trio features Mike Baggetta and drummer Bill Campbell—and have all worked together for many years.

Aaron also has a passion for teaching, for over 20 years, and is currently on faculty at the Packer Collegiate School in Brooklyn. He also recently served on the faculty at Towson University, Towson, MD. for five years. We listen to a portion of two compositions from his new release: the title cut "Spark" and also "Fahey."