Updated: July 3, 2025
Born: December 13, 1967
I was born and raised in the east coast of Canada, and I discovered jazz at the age of 12. By the time I was 15, I was playing in local bands, and soon fronted my own quintet. From 1985-89, I attended the St. Francis Xavier University Jazz program in Nova Scotia, where I studied under an accomplished American Faculty. After years of playing in Halifax, NS I moved to Toronto in 1997. During that time I maintained a steady gig schedule, while also teaching high school. Over the years, I performed alongside such diverse artists as Rosemary Clooney, Frankie Valli, Melba Moore, Leslie Gore, The Maritime Jazz Orchestra, Randy Brecker, Joe Sullivan's Big Band, The Orange Devils, and Jim Galloway's Wee Big band. I have performed at the Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton, Toronto, and Markham Jazz Festivals, as well as Toronto's Beaches Festivals. Some of my career highlights were performing alongside Alex Harding and James Carter in a three baritone front line during the Detroit Jazz Festival, having the opportunity to spend an afternoon in New York with George Coleman, and studying with the great Nick Brignola. in 2020, I released my first album of original music, Gratitude, featuring some of Canada's finest musicians.
Gear
Yamaha YBS 82 Silver Baritone Sax, Phil Barone Custom Rubber Otto Link 9*, Legere Signature 2.5 reeds, Rovner Platinum Ligature
Yamaha YTS 82ZII Tenor Sax, Otto Link Slant 8*, Legere Signature 2.5 reeds, Rovner Versa X Ligature
Yamaha YAS 875B Alto Sax, Phil Barone Rubber New York 6, Legere Signature 2.5 reeds, Rovner Dark Ligature
Yamaha YSS 82ZR Soprano Sax, Jody Jazz HR 6, Legere Signature 2.5 reeds, Rovner Dark Ligature
Conn 8M C Melody, GS Reso mouthpiece, Legere Signature 2.5 reeds, Rovner Dark Ligature
Conn New Wonder II Bass Sax, LeBayle Rosie 7* mouthpiece, Legere #2.0 contrabass reeds, Winslow ligature
Buffet R13 A & Bb Clarinets, Larry Combs mouthpiece, Legere 3.5 European Cut reeds, Rovner Dark Ligature
Noblet Bass Clarinet, Selmer D mouthpiece, Legere European cut 3.5 reeds, Rovner Platinum ligature
Pearl Flute
Yamaha WX5, VL70M tone generator w Patchman Chip
Tags
All About Jazz Articles
Kevin Goss: Gratitude
by Kevin Goss
As I approached the “big five-oh," I started doing some thinking about how much I have to be grateful for: a supportive family, meaningful friendships, and music. I wasn't supposed to make it to the “big oh-five," but I beat the odds and, in the years since, it is my family, friends, and music that have made my life better, along with a couple of goofy dogs. “Ted's Kick" is a boogaloo blues with a bridge. I wrote ...
Continue Reading"Goss is a fluid player with nice tone on each of his instruments. His original material quickly becomes familiar, an asset lacking in so many of today’s albums. You will listen gratefully to Gratitude. " - Joseph Lang, Jersey Jazz, June, 2021
"It’s not often that a recording comes my way featuring a saxophonist who plays soprano, alto, tenor and baritone equally well. But such is the case with the 2020 self produced album Gratitude which introduced me to Kevin Goss and his marvelous playing on all, four saxes. At the outset let me emphasize that THESE GUYS CAN PLAY.The ensemble work is flawless. Soaring above it all is Kevin’s energy and enthusiasm: he’s obviously having a ball and it's infectious as everyone brings their best to this musical party." - Steven Cerra https://jazzprofiles.blogspot.com/2023/08/kevin-goss-gratitude.html
Primary Instrument
Saxophone
Location
Toronto
Willing to teach
Intermediate to advanced
Credentials/Background
Bachelor of education. Private saxophone lessons since 1989
Clinic/Workshop Information
Yamaha Clinician on saxophone and jazz improvisation
Ronnie Cuber
saxophone
Phil Woods
saxophone, alto
Pepper Adams
saxophone, baritone
Cannonball Adderley
saxophone
Michael Brecker
saxophone, tenor
Nick Brignola
saxophone, baritone
Stan Getz
saxophone, tenor
Gerry Mulligan
saxophone, baritone
David "Fathead" Newman
saxophone, tenor
