Jae Sinnett

Jae Sinnett is a musical visionary and a man of extraordinary talent. He is a consummate drummer, composer, and band leader who has produced 14 recordings – the first of which was released in 1986. His most recent recording – Zero to 60 – was released in February 2016.

Jae has written over 250 compositions. He has also scored music for five documentaries – one of which (John Biggers: Stories of Illumination) was aired on PBS. Jae’s dream of having his trio perform with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra was realized on Oct. 10, 2014. The performance was met with outstanding reviews.

Jae’s other professional life places him as approaching his 27th year as jazz producer/host for NPR affiliate WHRV-FM 89.5 in Norfolk, VA. Jae hosts the popular jazz show Sinnett in Session Monday through Thursday evenings from 9 pm to 1 am and Sunday afternoons from 1-5 pm. He also hosts The R&B Chronicles, heard Friday evenings at 7 pm. Both shows can be heard on demand.

Jae is a prolific fundraiser for his commercial-free radio station. In 1998, he was nominated for the Gavin Jazz Programmer of the Year award by his peers in the industry. As a jazz educator, Jae taught history, theory and percussion at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, VA for eight years. He also directed the GSA Big Band and Jazz Combos. He was an adjunct drum set and jazz ensemble instructor at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA. Jae attended Norfolk State and Old Dominion Universities as a music education major. His instruments of choice are Sonor Designer and Delite Series Drums and Sabian Cymbals. He is a veteran clinician and educator.

Jae’s quartet for Zero to 60 consists of saxophonist Ralph Bowen, bassist Terry Burrell, and pianist Allen Farnham.

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