Jimmy Merchant
Jimmy Merchant, a Jersey Shore native, is a 24-year-old professional saxophonist, composer, and arranger. He currently works as an in-demand sideman for live performances and studio sessions, and as an educator/guest clinician for all age groups. Some of the bands and artists Jimmy performs with are: Quincy Mumford and The Reason Why, Eryn Shewell, Evangelia, Bryan Hansen Band, Leeds, The Pickles, The Mike Dalton Band, Eastside Mix, Soul Project, Joe Barracata Band, Chrissie Limos, New Power Soul and LYF.
Jimmy started playing saxophone when he was 10, and remained committed to pursuing his formal education in the arts. He attended the prestigious Mannes Prep of The New School of Music in Manhattan where he majored in Music Theory and Saxophone Performance. He went on to Rutgers University Mason Gross School of Arts where he graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Performance. At Mason Gross School of Arts, Jimmy studied under, and was mentored by, Mark Gross. He has also studied under Bruce Williams, Ralph Bowen, Michael Ghegan, Ken Hitchcock, Joe Ravo, Ron Poorman, and Ed Vezinho, and has had the privilege of participating in Master Classes and Lessons with the late Billy Taylor, Eddie Palmieri, Jerry Bergonzi, Esperanza Spalding, Randy Brecker, Carl Allen, David Dempsey, Rich DeRosa, Wayne Escoffery, Johnny Rodgers, Danny Mallon, Randy Napoleon, Denis DiBlasio, Frank Lacy, Alex Foster, and Craig Handy.
An RS Berkeley endorsed Artist, Jimmy’s professional jazz training and background enable him to be a versatile saxophonist in many different genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and country.
When not busy with his performances, recording sessions, and teaching, you usually can find Jimmy spending time with family and friends on the shore that he loves so much -- Jersey.
