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Steve Cole possesses a commanding presence in contemporary jazz today. Few artists have had the quick recognition and sustained successes this relatively young man has had. Smooth Jazz, a term Steve is only partly comfortable with, has been the forum for his most recent efforts. In addition to having three albums under his own name, he has collaborated with contemporary jazz and pop artists Jeff Lorber, Larry Carlton, Brian Culbertson, Waymon Tisdale, Rick Braun, Peter White, and even pop star Boz Scaggs.

The native of Chicago found his niche in contemporary jazz, receiving many accolades early on. Steve Cole’s first solo album, Stay a While, produced a pair of #1 NAC hits, When I Think Of You and Say It Again. A third song from the debut album, Where The Night Begins, rose to the top five as well. This was capped off at the 2000 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards where Steve was the recipient of the Prism Award for Best New Artist.

Winning an award for Best New Artist happened once before, although in a much different arena. At the age of 18, Steve was a winner in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s concerto competition. That honor led to a performance with the Chicago Symphony in his freshman year at Northwestern University.

Alto and soprano saxophonist Warren Hill has firmly taken his place among popular, contemporary instrumentalists. He boasts an impressive list of accolades in the smooth jazz format, having had several notable hits on the NAC charts. He has seven CDs under his own name and has contributed to projects by Madonna, Chaka Kahn and the rock band Restless Heart. Any fan of smooth jazz is certainly familiar with his music and passionate saxophone sound.

Warren Hill’s playing is inspiring, energetic and perhaps most notably – sensual. He is a former guitar player with a passion for playing ballads. “I love playing funky stuff and rocking out, but man – I don’t play a ballad soft and pretty, I play it intensely.” His ability to cry through the horn is reminiscent of David Sanborn and his image pairs well with his steamy ballads. It is obvious when listening to him live or on CD that he is playing from the heart.

Despite Warren Hill’s commercial success, one cannot deny that he has a great command of the saxophone. His technique appears flawless, intonation impeccable and altissimo crisp and precise. The tall and lean saxophonist hails from Toronto. However, he has spent recent years in the U.S. He first moved to Boston and then Los Angeles. He relocated to Nashville for four years after the ’94 earthquake in L.A. and now lives with his wife and daughter in Boulder, Colorado.

Chops Horns, featuring saxophonists Darryl Dixon and Dave Watson, has been on the rebound. Following a stunning world tour with Alicia Keys, the duo just recorded the song “Impossible” on Christina Aguilera’s...

Seattle-born Aaron Heick is currently a freelance saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist living in New York City. He became a long-time member of R&B diva Chaka Khan’s touring band, following what was to be a one-time recording session. Over the past 20 years, Aaron has also worked with a diverse group of artists including Paul Simon, Suzanne Vega, Aretha Franklin, Carly Simon, Frank Sinatra, Donald Fagen, Vonda Shepard, Cyndi Lauper, Ben E. King, Bobby Caldwell, Vanessa Williams, Manhattan Transfer, Steps Ahead, Jim Beard, Dennis Chambers, Grover Washington Jr. and Ray Baretto.

Saxophonist Aaron Heick has immersed himself in a musical community as diverse as the City of New York itself. In addition to his eight-year association with Chaka Khan, he has maintained a role as an active member of the New York studio scene. Between his frequent tours to Europe and Japan, Aaron Heick also finds time to sub regularly on Broadway.

It seems there is no one specific definition for Aaron Heick’s work as a saxophone player. His musical pursuits are as varied as his interests. The one constant in his musical life is the saxophone.

Many young saxophonists have aspirations of becoming well-known and respected jazz musicians. Some may choose the study of legitimate saxophone, trying to exist in the world of the classical recitalist. Others may try to perfect their doubling capabilities in order to play Broadway shows or back up popular artists on tour. Then again, it is likely that many instrumentalists wish to establish themselves doing jingles, and recording projects for television, film and radio. Perhaps they even hope to write, arrange and record their own music.

Dan Higgins lives out each of these dreams as he plays and records saxophone and woodwinds in Los Angeles. Although you may not have heard his name or seen it in print, you have likely heard his playing countless times. With more than 300 motion picture credits, Dan has become one of L.A.’s elite first call saxophonists and woodwind players. Working with John Williams, Quincy Jones or Steven Spielberg may not be daily routine for Dan Higgins but it’s part of the mix that he’s made his career.

Dan Higgins, a particularly motivated person who is driven to succeed at all he tries, he never had a plan or design for his future in music. “I just wanted to play well and play jazz.”