As a toddler, WILL JAXX was immersed in a colorful soundscape created by phenomenal artists such as Al Green, Earth, Wind, and Fire, and the Modern Jazz Quartet. His musical ability began to quickly assert itself and by age 12, the trombone was his preferred method of expression.
During his formative years, WILL JAXX studied with several masters of the instrument including: Mark McConnell (Atlanta Opera), Stephen Wilson (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), and Dr. Marvin Pryor (Cameo). This trifecta helped him develop exquisite technique and a uniquely captivating style--a style which would later garner him the Louis Armstrong Award for Jazz and induction into Who's Who in Music.
At age 18, he was commissioned as Composer and Feature Soloist for the World Premiere of "Beyond the Canebreaks: Moments in the Life of Harriet Tubman," which was performed by The Harry Bryce African American Dance Theatre. This allowed Mr. JAXX to stretch out creatively, while expanding his appreciation of the Fine Arts. He toured briefly with the Theatre before being accepted on a full scholarship to the University of Georgia, where he would study Classical Music Performance under the legendary Dr. Philip Jameson. He later left the University to make inroads into the Music Industry.
In 1998, WILL JAXX started working as a Trombonist with Rohi Productions in their presentation of "King of Glory," an off-Broadway, Gospel stage play. That tenure ended in 2008 when the play went on hiatus. Then, after several years playing behind headlining artists like Allain Tussant, James Ingram, and Angie Stone, Mr. JAXX decided it was time to step into the limelight and express his own creative vision.
His debut album, Dichotomy, presents a milestone for his instrument in Urban Music. Soulful vocalise on trombone are matched with decadent vocals, artful studio cuts, and superb live musicians to produce silky tracks that retain Urban sensibilities. As a collection, the collection stretches the fabric of what we call Jazz. But you be the judge! Grab a copy of "Dichotomy" today, then experience for yourself the aura, the sound, and the swagger that is... WILL JAXX!
WILL JAXX has recently inked an agreement with Getty Images Music© Division allowing them to advertise, market, and lease music from his DICHOTOMY album as part of their vast catalog. His award-winning tunes will join the more than 250,000 con- tent creators and hundreds of media partners represented by the global digital media firm. Getty Images© was established in 1995 and provides creative, multi-media content to millions of clients worldwide, including creative agencies, the Media, corporations, nonprofits, educators and the general public.
WILL JAXX has won a seat in the trombone section of Orchestra Noir, Atlanta's premier African-American Orchestra! The Classical ensemble was formed in 2016 by pioneering Conductor Jason Ikeem Rogers and has very quickly earned acclaim for it's musical diversity by collaborating with such notables as 9X Grammy Winner, Bryan Michael-Cox and Hip-Hop sensations, Migos & 2Chains. Orchestra Noir is a living testament to the African-American legacy of musical excellence and resilience in both Atlanta and the nation. And WILL JAXX is humbled to lend his unique voice and perspective to such a noted ensemble.
WILL JAXX is partnering with the Sisters Empowerment Network for their 3rd Annual CASINO NIGHT, which is part of their Weekend Wine Down charity event to benefit victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. As an added bonus to the libations, food, and gaming, I'll be performing songs in keeping with the evening's theme and will be available to sign autographs afterward. Tickets $50/person and $80 for couples. The fundraiser is part of the Network's "Purple Purse Initiative".
I’ll be involved in a recording session for Afro Jazz innovator, Shola Emmanuel. And playing alongside me will be some of the finest musicians from around the world!
Since the release of his award-winning debut, DICHOTOMY, fans have been clamoring for more music from ATL's
trombonist with swag. And though he hasn't released any music since 2014, WILL JAXX has been steadily making his mark in the Industry from behind the scenes. Hitting studio sessions with the likes of KILGORE (Stevie Wonder saxist), LANCE FURY (former trumpeter for Janelle Monae), and WLPWR (Producer for Eminem, Wiz Khalifah, Yellawolf), he's quietly managed to put together an underground, Hip-Hop discography that's worthy of note (Just check out WLPWR's mixtape 'Free Game' for starters). And most recently, he's been involved in talks with the Executives of SMP Films about joining forces with their house band for the run of a TV game show currently under production. Indeed, WILL JAXX is still in the mix and rumor has it that more solo music will be forthcoming from this powerhouse artist.
"Though I currently play on a vintage axe from the 50's and an antique Conn mouthpiece from 1899, I've had the chance to play test various professional trombone models from all over the world. And of those, there is one that has clearly began to stand out above the rest for me--daCarbo. Dr. Keller and his team at daCarbo have developed a prototype trombone made of carbon fiber that simply takes my breath away. When I speak, the horn listens, then forwards that message to the audience without any fuss or 'talkback'. Playing the piece is an absolute joy and I look forward to the possibility of working more closely with them soon." (to be continued...)
On Saturday, Will Jaxx took home the AHME Award as 2014's "Hottest Jazz Musician" The award caps off an impressive year with his debut album, Dichotomy, winning critical acclaim worldwide and putting proponents of more traditional jazz idioms on notice. "I'm honored that my music and my style is making waves," Jaxx remarked humbly. "And the thought that people as far away as Australia, Botswana, and Switzerland are jamming to my tunes just blows me away."
So far, it's been a phenomenal year! I'm now on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, MySpace, and Reverbnation, so make sure to "like" my fan pages, download free tunes, and... holla at ya boy! I'm just ecstatic about my debut project. Dichotomy is garnering a lot of buzz by Jazz reviewers from all over. Check out a couple of their remarks here: Smooth Jazz Therapy & The Smooth Jazz Ride. My good friend and hit Smooth Jazz recording artist, Ragan Whiteside , has weighed in on the project and given me a wonderful review. And I'm waiting to hear back from Jazz icon, Bob Baldwin, for his official take on the album.
My music has also found its way into heavy rotations in England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, and Africa! You heard right... Dichotomy has gone global! And this is just the beginning! (more coming soon)
Be sure to grab your discounted copies of the Dichotomy album on the "Buy Music" page of my website: www.willjaxx.com. You can also downloads on Amazon, iTunes, CD Baby, MySpace Music and stream via Last.fm, Pandora, Rhapsody, Spotify, and many other fine digital music outlets. And remember... if they don't have it, ask for it!
I just want to congratulate my good friend and flautist extraordinaire, Ragan Whiteside, on her win at the 2014 Black Womwn In Jazz Awards (BWIJA). The blockbuster event was held here in Atlanta and Ms. Whiteside took home the award for "Best Flautist". Other winners of note were Karen Briggs (Best Black Female Jazz violinist), Dee Dee Bridgewater (Best Black Female Jazz Radio Host), and Gail Jhonson (Best Black Female Keyboard/Pianist). For a full list of winners, go to: www.bwijawards.com
I had an awesome time with songstress, Takiya & The Love Peace Movement. We absolutely tore the joint down at Atlanta's own, Le Fais Do-Do. I tell you, it's always a pleasure to work with artists at the top of their game.
You can hear more of Takiya on my debut album, Dichotomy, as she lends her sultry vocals to a tune I co-wrote entitled, "What Does It Mean To Love?" Check it out wherever music is sold or streamed. If they don't have it, ask for it! Also, make sure to buy your copy of Dichotomy here on the "Buy Music" page of my website: www.willjaxx.com.
This quote has really inspired me today: "Worrying is a misuse of the imagination. The imagination should only be used to create great ideas. Stop worrying!"
You can now order my debut project,"Dichotomy" online! Just go to www.willjaxx.com, click on 'Purchase Music,' and order your CD copy. NOTE: A portion of all CD proceeds will go to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America to help find a cure!
has been up this morning approving galleys for my CD cover art. Next on the list, is upgrading my website to accept orders for the CD and my merchandise!
has GREAT NEWS: I had an ad placed up on the billboards of Times Square in NYC promoting my project and website and it looks to pay HUGE dividends! And if that weren't good enough, my Dichotomy project has been entered to compete in the 2013 Independent Music Awards for BEST Jazz Instrumental Album of the Year! This is big stuff and I need everyone's support. Please go on the IMA website and point the judges on the right direction by voting for the "Dichotomy" album by Will Jaxx. Let's win this one for the A!
is #13 on the ReverbNation Charts, y'all! That puts me ahead of the likes of Reagan Whiteside, Modoka, AND Joey Somerville! To my fans--you guys ROCK!!! And for those of you that don't know, Will Jaxx is comin' at ya HARD on da T-Bone, so lookout, Baby!!! (-; www.willjaxx.com
I'm headed over to my Producer's spot to pickup the bounced down sessions of my fully mixed project, so I can hand it over to the Mastering Engineer. Why not just email the sessions? Idk. I just thought hard copies (data disks) would be better.
(Private Event)
Feature performance with Will Jaxx, Takiya & The Love Peace Mov't.
Leslie Mason presents "Mirrors & Canvas On The Wall" with over 100 pieces of original art for sale. Performances by Takiya, Will Jaxx & The Love Peace Movement at Le Fais Do-Do.
Atlanta Steeplechase 2014 featuring The Belles & The Belles Organics Band
Easter Ressurection Service
I will be playing the Westside Music Fest behind headlining Jazz/Blues legend, Myrna Clayton. Also featured will be saxman (and good friend), Dwan Bosman & The Infinite Sound Family. Tickets available at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheater or Ticketmaster.
Featured performance at The Museum Bar
ionslove Entertainment Presents: Ryan Kilgore'd "Just Walk" CD Release [Sax, Stevie Wonder], at the Porter Sanford, III Performaing Arts Center
Show w/ Mr. Potatohead
New Years' Eve Gig w/ Mr. Potatohead All-Star Band at the Piedmont Driving Range
Lock-In w/ Big KRIT & WLPWR for Supahot Beats at The Blue Room Recording Studios
Lock-In w/ Big KRIT & WLPWR for Supahot Beats at The Blue Room Recording Studios
Lock-In w/ Big KRIT & WLPWR for Supahot Beats at The Blue Room Recording Studios
Fat Tuesday @Copeland's
Moton Music Group Presents MMG Launch Party & Music Showcase at Encore Film & Music Studios. Featured Artists include: Will Jaxx, Lance Fury, Allan Knighton, Grace The Martyr, EWC3, and Emerge.
Studio Session w Hott Soss @ThePalace Recording Studio
Gig with Heart 2 Heart @WillowPoint
Recording Session with Takiya & Jai Black at Sun Child Studio
Performance with Heart 2 Heart
Afro Jazz Recording Session with Shola Emmanual at Itchy Brain Recording Studio
Sunday @Club 291
Jean Michaels recording Session at 11th Street Recording Studio
Art On The Atlanta Beltine Lantern Parade
Weekend Wine Down (Casino Night) Sponsored by the Women's Empowerment Network. Venue: Exqisite Events
Shola & Friends Afro Jazz X-Mas Carol Series
Shola & Friends X-mas Carol Series at Buka 2
Recording Session w/ Big K.R.I.T. & WLPWR for Supahot Beats
TBA
Marti Gras Madness at Copeland's of New Orleans
Downtown After 5 Fest 2017 Presented By Subaru
WILL JAXX teams up again with Mausiki Scales & The Common Ground Collective for 2017 iteration of The Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade. With an annual attendance over 50,000+, this night parade is one not to miss.
Orchestra Noir, Atlanta's African-American Orchestra, hosts their Season 2 Inaugural performance at the Ritz Carlton Atlanta
WILL JAXX teams up again with Mausiki Scales & The Common Ground Collective for No Tables No Chairs V--legendary Funk parade & Concert. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at The Old Fourth Ward Skate Park. After the parade, bands will perform and culminate with a full concert by The Common Ground Collective starting at 7 p.m.
Gig w/ The Infiniti Band for The Hyksos Temple Shriner's 13th Annual Charity Ball
Orchestra Noir, Atlanta's African-American Orchestra, hosts Runway At The Symphony downtown at Vinyl @Center Stage
WILL JAXX teams with Orchestra Noir & Angela Simmons for Toast to The Throne: ATL's Most Exclusive NYE celebration! The event will be held at The Fairmont in Midtown Atlanta.
WILL JAXX teams with Orchestra Noir to perform for Masquerade In Paris--an eventful, evening ball at Pairs On Ponce in Atlanta.
WILL JAXX teams up with Reggae band E.R.E. to put on a Bob Marley Birthday Bash at The Listening Room @IBP.
WILL JAXX, Eric Thomas & Friends come together to bring New Orleans to Atlanta at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen off Windy Hill Road.
WILL JAXX teams up once again with The Groovemasters Brass Band for Marti Gras Madness at Copeland's of New Orleans on Cumberland Blvd.
WILL JAXX & Orchestra Noir Present: Melodies At The Mansion--A romantic evening of Classical Music infused with Contemporary stylings.
Black Women In Jazz & The Arts Awards
privete event w/ the group Cashmere
2018 Annual Smyrna Crawfish Boil w/ Atlanta Soul Power: A James Brown Tribute Band
Showcase with the group 1st Generation
Private Event w/ Orchestra Noir at Pontoon Brewing Co.
Private event with the group Xtreme
Event TBA
Private event with the group Cashmere
Symphony On The Lawn w/ Orchestra Noir. Venue: The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA
Ptrivate event with the group Cashmere
Engagement with Atlanta Soul Power: A James Brown Tribute Band
Private event with the group Cashmere
Private event with the group Cashmere