About
Los Angeles-based saxophonist Bob Reynolds is a Grammy-winning member of the instrumental group Snarky Puppy, an award-winning composer, and a prolific recording artist with 10 top-selling solo albums to his credit.
Widely known for his work with both Snarky and John Mayer, he’s been a featured soloist with Grammy-winning instrumentalists like Larry Carlton, Chris Botti, and Jeff Lorber and worked with a host of pop artists including Michael Bublé, Idina Menzel, Josh Groban, The 1975, and USHER.
The New York Times called him “a self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer,” and his solo albums showcase his melodic improvisational style, tuneful songwriting, and, as the LA Times put it: “hip-swiveling” grooves. His Guitar Band album, filmed live in concert, has over 4 million views on YouTube.
A pioneer in online education, Bob has coached thousands of musicians since 2010 through his innovative Virtual Studio, and more than 76,000 people subscribe to Bob's YouTube channel where he shares behind-the-scenes videos of what it’s like balancing his music career with raising a family.
Born in Morristown, New Jersey in 1977, Reynolds grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where he started playing saxophone at age 13. Although he listened to a range of music as a kid, by his late teens he was a dedicated jazz student. After high school he honed his skills at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, where he mentored with George Garzone, Hal Crook, and others. Bob is a passionate educator and in-demand clinician. He co-founded an annual retreat for saxophonists and, through his Virtual Studio, he helps musicians become confident improvisers. Bob lives in Los Angeles and shares insights on balancing a music career with raising a family through his popular YouTube vlog.
“A self-assured saxophonist and an unassuming yet effective composer…”
NEW YORK TIMES
"...Reynolds flexes an assured hand with melding hip-swiveling jazz and funk as a bandleader."
LA TIMES
“Some of the freshest, most compelling, and most soulful music I have heard recently. Bob Reynolds is an amazing musician, with something very exciting and original to say.”
Joshua Redman, Grammy-nominated saxophonist
“Bob is one hell of a saxophonist! His sound is rich and his execution is effortless.”
Michael Brecker, Grammy-winning saxophonist
Bio (the long one)
It's a rare saxophonist who's as comfortable in an arena full of rock fans as in an intimate jazz club. Bob Reynolds is a rare saxophonist.
Reynolds spent years touring the world in John Mayer's band, winning new fans with his solos on crowd favorites like “Vultures,” “Wheel,” “Gravity” and “Covered in Rain.” Watch his performances on YouTube and you'll see hundreds of accolades from admiring fans—not a normal occurrence for a saxophonist in a rock band. Reynolds' partnership with Mayer reminds many of Sting's collaborations with Branford Marsalis in the 1980s. Both he and Mayer are big fans of that band.
Reynolds has recorded and performed with everyone from Usher, Josh Groban and the Jonas Brothers to Amos Lee, Willie Nelson and Nellie McKay. He calls himself a "melody architect" and refuses to be boxed in by conventional genre labels. A child of the 80s, Reynolds' music is a blend of his early influences (Sting, Bruce Hornsby, Tears for Fears), R&B and soul (Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder), and jazz (Stan Getz, Joshua Redman, Chris Potter).
At the same time as he's been touring the world to packed stadiums and playing with A-list superstars, Reynolds has stayed true to his jazz roots with performances in clubs across the U.S. Three of his five albums were recorded live with a who's who of the jazz and rock worlds, including keyboardist Aaron Goldberg, guitarist Mike Moreno, bassist Reuben Rogers, and drummer Keith Carlock, who's toured with both Sting and Mayer. Reynolds' records reflect his affinity for the jazz tradition at the same time as they display his skill with pop music. He makes the music he wants without compromise.
For Reynolds, music is about communication with the listeners. One of his album titles, Somewhere in Between, suggests his ability to cross genres. The album features jazz heavyweights Eric Harland on drums and Aaron Parks on piano, along with keyboardist Oli Rockberger of Mister Barrington and, on two tracks, John Mayer. It's a seamless and fearless blend of jazz, blues, rock and pop.
Inventive. Unconventional. An instantly recognizable player with his own musical vision who still finds a way to fit in no matter what the situation. As a leader or a band member, Reynolds is focused on melody, connection, and emotion. Say it again: Bob Reynolds is a rare saxophonist.
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“Bob is one hell of a saxophonist! His sound is rich and his execution is effortless.”
– Michael Brecker, Grammy-winning saxophonist
“Irresistible...leaves one wanting more.”
– JAZZTIMES MAGAZINE
“...A perfect foil for [John Mayer's playing]”
– ROLLING STONE
"Reynolds accomplishes the difficult task of incorporating funk, rock and soul touches without losing the essential swing and driving intensity of jazz...Bob Reynolds is someone to watch."
– ALL ABOUT JAZZ
"[Somewhere in Between] is a tremendously appealing album...and should be a massive jazz radio hit..."
– BURNING AMBULANCE
"...First-rate and creative within the modern mainstream."
– ALL MUSIC GUIDE