Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Evan Knight! Positive proof that the beat goes on! What’s the beat? It’s the heartbeat of real people who want and need to be impacted by what’s in our souls — not what’s expected from radio consultants. This is really good music. He’s only at the beginning though (exciting huh!) so stay tuned.”
- Kirk Whalum;
Grammy nominated saxophonist - Kirk Whalum
“A very impressive debut recording from a very talented Evan Knight, “Reminiscence,” a pulsating first-rate recording of Smooth Jazz, is definitely bound to get critical acclaim from jazz critics and audiences alike. This album marks the entrance of a new breed of Smooth jazz artist, one with potential to change the scenery a bit.”
- Edward Blanco; ejazznews.com - ejazznews.com
“Given the uncertainty that currently permeates the smooth jazz scene, it is immensely encouraging to discover the new fresh talent of Evan Knight.”
- Denis Poole of the UK; smoothjazztherapy.com - smoothjazztherapy.com
“I have been listening and I am greatly impressed, Evan is fantastic and I must say is one of Smooth Jazz’s greats, he is awesome and I am proud to play his music!”
- Jon Chauvie – Owner MixUtah.com, The Mix 94.5 - MixUtah.com
“Evan Knight’s debut CD full of passion.”
- Mark Bialczak; CNY music critic - syracuse.com
Discography
ALBUM:
Reminiscence
SINGLE:
Sound Check
RADIO PLAY:
Sound Check
Cool Breeze
Hopes & Dreams
Reminiscence
Magic In The Air
Photos
Bio
(Web bio, updated):
Evan Knight started playing sax at the age of 10. At 16, Evan played nationally for several years with Benny Mardones and the Hurricanes. He was the Star Search winner on Warren Hill’s first annual Smooth Jazz Cruise where he also performed with nationally recognized guitarist, Chieli Minucci. Evan has performed at Lincoln Center in NYC as lead alto sax player in the 315 All-Star Jazz Band. He has performed at numerous Upstate NY venues and festivals as the lead soloist in the Evan Knight Band. Evan has also performed in his hometown of Syracuse, NY with bands such as After FX, Atlas, The J Project, The Blacklights and UAD.
Recently EK has performed in TX with artists such as Shaun Martin (Grammy winner with Kirk Franklin), Bernard Wright (Miles Davis), Bobby Sparks (Marcus Miller, Roy Hargrove), and RC Williams (Erykah Badu) to name a few. Back in NY, EK performed with renown latin jazz flautist Dave Valentin and also opened for Peter White at Glenora Wine Cellars as part of their "Jazz Greats at Glenora" concert series. In the summer of '09, EK won a SAMMY (Syracuse Area Music Award) for Best Jazz CD and was voted by Syracuse New Times readers for Best Jazz Band, also was awarded a USI (Upper State Independent) Award under the Jazz category.
Now with the release of his debut album and another on the way, Evan is on the brink of making his mark in the contemporary jazz genre.
(Personal Sonicbids update):
With my first "professional" gig being at 12 years old, I've had about 12 years of experience performing. My influences started with Michael Jackson, Prince, and James Brown. After already adopting that style to my musical persona, I then went back to study Miles and Coltrane...and that progression I think makes me different. I like to try and find the best of both worlds and mesh them together. My performances can be both smooth and relaxing, and other times very high energy and dirty. I like testing what the audience is looking for by exploring the borders of contemporary jazz and straight ahead, occasionally heading into more of an R&B or sometimes jam band feel. Every audience is different which makes every performance is different and fresh. The band and I play from our hearts and the music is very genuine. We just love to play.
Please take a look at some videos at www.youtube.com/eksax.
Links
