Lenard Simpson

Originally hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lenard Simpson’s well-earned reputation as “quickly becoming one of the most important saxophonists of this generation” (Kiefer) has secured him a spot as a rising star among his contemporaries. From his early days in
Milwaukee as a self-taught beginner, to formal studies at Northern Illinois University (B.M., jazz performance) and UCLA’s Herbie Hancock Institute (M.M., music performance jazz), Simpson’s natural ability and outstanding musicianship have been recognized by some of the most celebrated jazz musicians and pedagogues across the world, including Herbie Handcock, Christian McBride, Wayne Shorter, and many more. An active, in-demand performer, composer, arranger, and educator, Simpson “is trusted and called upon by some of the highest-level musicians anywhere” (Kendall Moore) due to his strong collaborative musicianship, unique sound marked by “profound soulfulness combined with a sparkling intelligence and curiosity” (Billy Childs), and compassionate and individualized approach to teaching. As a band Leader, Simpson’s quartet has played at the major jazz festivals in the midwest and recently released an album entitled New Beginnings. Simpson’s work as an in-demand sideman has included performances both local and abroad with Billy Childs, Kurt Elling, Marquis Hill, Kiefer, Knower, Sara Gazarek, Clayton Cameron and Brian Lynch. As an Educator, Simpson teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Jazz, he served as an adjunct saxophone professor at Northern Illinois University. and has taught masterclasses for international Jazz Day in Melbourne, Australia, at the Sitka Jazz Festival in Sitka, Alaska. Additionally, Simpson has taught at the Birch Creek Jazz camp, Northern Illinois Jazz camp, and the UCLA Global Jazz camp.