John Watkins

John Watkins, p.k.a. “J Saxx”, was born in Cleveland Ohio. He developed his love for music at the early age of 8 by listening to his father Rev. John C. Watkins and his uncle Lamar Gaines. Having the opportunity to enroll into the Cleveland School of Arts, allowed J Saxx to expand his knowledge of wind instruments as well as music theory and music production.

Some of J Saxx earlier influences stemmed from local sensations like Russell Thompson, Kenny Legrand and Eddie Baccus, Jr. to National recording artist Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane, Grover Washington Jr., Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Everett Harp, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Cecil Rucker, Eric Gould, Michael Becker, Joshua Redman, Kenny Garrett, David Sandborn, Kenny G, and Thelonius Monk. After Leading his band, “Notes plus Sounds” and performing at several events as well as TV programs like FOX8 morning show, Jazz saxophonist and recording artist John “J Saxx” Watkins is launched his solo career. Johns sound truly represents that common fabric that unifies all music across many mediums, from traditional Jazz to old school R&B, pop to fusion/rock; music that reaches all generations and age groups from both ends of the spectrum. His music represents a new platform laced with a familiar touch of the old, connecting all genres of music. J Saxx has shared the stage with the Whispers, GC Cameron and the Temptations, performed at the Black Heritage Festival in Kentucky, he has also performed in a musical production play starring movie actor Leon. What ascends J Saxx performances is his electrifying stage presence that distinguishes him from traditional saxophone players.

J Saxx ended 2014 on the cover of Lifestyles Magazine, and started 2015 with his debut Jazz single release “In My Soul” which aired on 107.3FM the Wave that stayed in heavy rotation for several months. In 2015, John “J Saxx” Watkins showcased his solo career at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland Ohio in front of a sold out crowd. At the 2016 NAMM Show in California, J Saxx became an endorser of Dakota Sax (saxophones), Theo Wanne (Mouth pieces) Legere (reeds) and Silverstein Works (Ligatures). 2017 Started off with J Saxx performing with Jonathan Butler in Los Angeles, California as he released his second single “Hoodwinked” in February. 2018 J Saxx introduced his new single “Airbourne to Cali” released in May laying the ground work for the launch of his debut Album coming this fall.

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