Leland Baker is a jazz saxophonist, as well as a music educator; teaching privately, and leading his own project/ lecture series, Bridging Gaps. Leland was born and raised in Providence, RI. He lived and spent time honing his craft in the great cities of New Orleans and New York City. While living in New York City, Leland has had the opportunity to perform with many of the musical geniuses the city has to offer, including Lawrence Clark, Kahlil Bell, Tim Green, and Roy Hargrove to name a few.
Early years: Leland attended Loyola University in New Orleans, LA where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies. While in undergraduate school, he studied saxophone with jazz elites John Ellis, Tony Dagradi, and Ray Moore. While immersed in the creative and soulful spirit of New Orleans, Leland was able to perform with some of the city’s musical masters like Delfeayo Marsalis, Shannon Powell, and Johnny Vidacovich. He later attended the University of Rhode Island where he earned a Master’s Degree in Music Performance. In 2013, he played the Newport Jazz Festival with the URI big band, opening for Joshua Redman. Leland continues to perform, record, and teach throughout New England and NYC.
In early 2016, John was one of 24 young jazz musicians/composers worldwide selected to participate in the prestigious 2 week “Betty Carter Jazz Ahead” residency at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. During the residency, John was privileged to work with internationally acclaimed artists Jason Moran, Eric Harland, Eric Revis, J.D. Allen, Carmen Lundy, Andre Hayward, and Cyrus Chestnut.
John has played at many notable venues including Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, The Apollo Music Cafe, The Side Door Jazz Club, The Lewiston Jazz Festival, The Albright Knox Summer Jazz Stage, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Watch these videos, and cast your ballot below for your favorite Emerging Jazz Artist. Vote once each week, then come back next week to vote for another group of musicians. There will be 3 rounds of voting. We will announce the 4 finalists at the Paul Brown Monday Night Jazz series. Then, everyone is invited to vote in the final round. The grand prize winner gets a cash award and two tickets for the Hartford Jazz Society River Cruise where they will be invited to do a solo performance between band sets.
The Hartford Jazz Society supports the jazz community in many ways. We produce free outdoor concerts in the park, weekly jazz jams, scholarships, and a jazz river cruise just to name a few. Please consider becoming a member to support our efforts.