Saxophonist and multi-wind artist, composer and arranger Kris Jensen is a versatile musician who has forged a diverse musical career. A veteran sideman to legends for nearly two decades now, Jensen has performed throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Bangkok, Thailand, and Switzerland. Kris is associated with many prominent artists in jazz and rock including the Allman Brothers Band - as well as the individual members’ bands (Gregg Allman and Friends, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Dickey Betts and Great Southern)- trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson, and a host of others.
In 1996, Jensen was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. He has studied Jazz and African-American music at the University of Hartford, where he would later teach under the auspices of jazz saxophone legend Jackie McLean. Jensen continues to carry on the great tradition as both a performer and educator. Recent performances of particular note have included concerts or appearances with jazz legends such as trombonist Curtis Fuller, alto saxophonist Phil Woods, and pianist Larry Willis. He has appeared on New Jersey Public Television with Maynard Ferguson, on “Late Night with David Letterman” with Gregg Allman & Friends, and on stage with The Allman Brothers Band, The Dave Matthews Band, and with Warren Haynes and Govt. Mule.
Currently, Jensen keeps an active freelance performing schedule in addition to touring regularly with Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band with whom he can be seen monthly at the famous Iridium jazz club in New York City and at festivals and venues across the U.S. and beyond. He also serves on the music faculties of the Indian Mountain School, The Salisbury School, The Millbrook School, and in Hartford with the Bushnell “Jazzicians” student scholar program.
Check out Kris with these videos. We're extremely proud to have Kris with The Music Shop. Look for great things to come, including clinics, master classes, jazz theory curricula, and more!