James Martin

James Martin, a saxophonist who also sings, produces a groove-laden, soul-rich style that merges longstanding New Orleans customs with present-day jazz. This approach echoes the classic atmosphere associated with New Orleans figures such as Allen Toussaint and Dr. John, yet gains a contemporary slant from his foundational role in the ensemble of Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews. From 2008 onward Martin has directed his own group and released recordings that include the 2012 album Blue, the 2017 release Something's Gotta Give, and Keep Movin' from 2019, which placed in the upper tier of the Billboard jazz listings.

A New Orleans native, Martin began on guitar during childhood before moving to the tenor saxophone. In his final year of high school he took classes at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, where he formed connections with emerging players Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste. He soon performed regularly as a member of Andrews' Orleans Avenue ensemble. After high school Martin juggled touring and recording with Andrews while attending Loyola University on a full scholarship and completing dual majors in jazz saxophone and music industry studies. He eventually left Andrews to concentrate on his solo work, issuing the debut album Blue in 2012 and the follow-up Something's Gotta Give in 2017. Outside his own projects Martin has appeared with Ivan Neville, Flowtribe, Amanda Shaw, James Andrews, Ernie Vincent, and the Soul Brass Band. In 2019 he delivered his third solo album, Keep Movin', which entered the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart at number nine.