Brian Scherer is an American jazz saxophonist, flautist, and woodwind musician based in upstate New York. Known for his exceptional live performances, he has spent over 47 years in the music business as a performer and educator. He has studied at Fredonia, Potsdam, and Oswego State Universities. He is an active performer, clinician, and private teacher with 40 years experience. Some of his performance credits are work with Don Menza, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra Jr., Martha Reeves, and Frankie Valli. A central New York favorite, he has been a regular artist with the Desantis Orchestra, Funky Jazz Band, ESP, Blue Norther, Stroke, and many others. He is also a former public school teacher and NYSSMA judge
Currently he performs with his solo act utilizing his own custom backing tracks, his own straight ahead jazz quartet, and the electric jazz quartet Actual Proof.
Originally from Buffalo, he now resides in Adams, NY and Leesburg FL.
"The thing that makes Brian such a standout on sax and on stage is that he's fluent in so many different disciplines of jazz and so fluent in so many styles of music. Whether he's fronting his own group, a sideman for a jazz fusion group, or a featured soloist with a Big Band, he makes every 'conversation' between the musicians on stage more interesting because he 'speaks' their language. He's also a Star and an entertainer with a distinctive style, sound and presence. Three notes into a tune, you know it's him. As an all around stylist, he's as great as it gets, but it's really his sound that sets him apart. It's unmistakable and it's great. In fact, he'sgreat! Five Stars!" ~ Frank Malfitano, Syracuse Jazz Fest 2026
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"The thing that makes Brian such a standout on sax and on stage is that he's fluent in so many different disciplines of jazz and so fluent in so many styles of music. Whether he's fronting his own group, a sideman for a jazz fusion group, or a featured soloist with a Big Band, he makes every 'conversation' between the musicians on stage more interesting because he 'speaks' their language. He's also a Star and an entertainer with a distinctive style, sound and presence. Three notes into a tune, you know it's him. As an all around stylist, he's as great as it gets, but it's really his sound that sets him apart. It's unmistakable and it's great. In fact, he'sgreat! Five Stars!" ~ Frank Malfitano, Syracuse Jazz Fest 2026
“He and his Sax=One. Beautiful to hear and to watch”- JULIE CLEMENT 2022 Patron
"We so enjoyed your performance! You are so talented, it was an amazing night!” -LORI HABLE 2023 Patron
Brian’s virtuosity across all three saxophones and flute, allow him to play exquisitely on every Jazz genre from contemporary, latin, and straight ahead. A must book for this jazz curator. - Dave Kaspar, Curator of #JazzinTheBurbs #JazzbyTheLake
I was blessed to have Brian judge my music students for a number of years in my band program. As an elementary band director, it was crucial for me to find a balance of positive criticism and reality for my student's progress. Brian did an outstanding job making my students feel accomplished while giving them subtle help to move to the next level. Any suggestions for improvement were always followed by steps for success. As a band director, I could not have asked for a better experience for my students than having Brian judge them and help them become better musicians. I highly recommend him as a supporter of musicianship in any capacity.
He is truly one of a kind. -Tom Machuga
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