Art Sherrod Jr.

Recording Jazz Saxophonist

United States

For years I struggled to find consistency in many different brands of cane reeds. All woodwind players can relate to what it’s like to only have 2 or 3 reeds that are truly playable out of a box of 10. Well, things took a turn for the better once I was introduced to Legere reeds. I have been using Legere reeds for the past six or seven years and I have not looked back. Once I found the strength that worked best for me I have NEVER had to worry about consistency. I can literally close my eyes and pull a reed from my holder and know that it is going to play unbelievably. That’s what Légère brings to the table. Imagine how sweet it is to just focus on playing your instrument and not have to worry about whether your reed is going to fail you at the climax of your solo. Don’t take the risk. Allow Legere reeds to elevate your performance.

The creative part of Art was shaped by rich experiences, the people with the greatest influence in his formative years, exposure to a wide variety of cultures, religion, and the arts. These people, places and things advanced an innate curiosity, and have nurtured a strong desire for originality. This is a perfect narrative of Art Sherrod, Jr.’s life, a precise summary of his love for music and how his faith has been moulded. Art is a work in progress, and as the progression of life, he is the first to tell you that his taste in music varies greatly and continues to mature. The influence of growing up in Texas created an appreciation for everything from Country & Western, to Rock N’ Roll, Rap, Hip-Hop, to Gospel and of course Jazz! His love for music began in church, sitting alongside his amazing mother - who sang and played the B-3 organ, and father who sang in the male chorus. Even to this day, their devotion for singing continues to be very personal.

It’s as if Art knew from the age of 5, his muse would be the saxophone and his avocation would be creating music that inspires, heals, and praises God, music that speaks to the soul and makes us smile. During Art’s four-year tenure as a midshipman attending the United States Naval Academy, few people knew he was a musician. But shortly after his time at the academy, Art felt a strong desire to be creative again and step away from the more analytical side of life, which allowed him to start playing the saxophone again. Influenced by the likes of David Sanborn, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Kim Waters and other notables, he gained a greater appreciation and respect for strong melodies, grooves, tone and soulful expressiveness. To date, Art has had the opportunity to share the marque and/or stage with notables such as Natalie Cole, Angie Stone, Boney James, Kenny Lattimore, Howard Hewett, Phil Perry, Miki Howard, Chante Moore, Will Downing, Maysa Leak, Ann Nesby, Nick Colionne, Sheila E, Pete Escovedo, Brian Culbertson, Jeff Golub, Peter White, Alex Bugnon, Four80East, Loose Ends, Cuba Gooding Sr. and the Main Ingredient, Michael Henderson, Jean Carne, Norman Connors and many others.