James "Saxsmo" Gates Bio
James “Saxsmo” Gates is one of Richmond’s premier musicians. As a saxophonist, Saxsmo has a flaming passion that is evident in every note played. Undeniable passion along with his bell-like tone quality ignites a fire that is sure to light the hearts and souls of all true jazz enthusiasts.
Saxsmo is a Richmond native and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1978. He attended Virginia State University and later transferred under a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee in 1984. Also with a full scholarship, he received his Masters in Jazz Studies at North Carolina Central University 2011. Saxsmo is the Founder/ Director/Coordinator of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Studies Program at Virginia State University. Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation (Key To The City Award) Living Legacies 2015. Gates has played and traveled extensively in the United States and abroad in performing with such notable artists as Joe Kennedy, Jr., Art Blakey, and the Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie, Clark Terry, Walter Davis, Jr., Walter Bishop, Jr., The Temptations, Dianne Reeves, Jimmy Cobb, Hod O’Brien, Larry Willis, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Larry Carlton, Jeff Lorber, Alex Bugnon, Terrance Blanchard, Delfeayo Marsalis, Billy Kilson, Patrice Rushen, Steve Wilson, Lonnie Listen Smith, Steve Turreand The Main Ingredients.
Saxsmo credits the forefathers and Masters of Jazz for his musical foundation and passes it along every chance he gets by serving as a teacher and instructor of jazz.
Saxsmo released his first CD in August 1993 entitled “Yes I Can” and has released his newest CD “C’Mon Over To My House”.Saxsmo’s Brand New Exciting Recording called “It’s Time” on the 804jazzLabel featuring the great Fred Wesley has not only made the Smoothjazz.com Top 50 Indie Charts#45 and was also nominated for this year 2009Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year
# 43
Saxsmo’s new recording “Gates Wide Open” was released January 1, 2013, with many of his best friends such as Fred Wesley, Freddie Fox, and Walter Beasley. Nominated twice for the year 2013 Grammy Awards for Best Arranger and Best Soloist (# 18on the Smooth Indie Charts)
Saxsmo’s new Single recording and video “Together We Can Make It” was released on September 8, 2017, Nationally and Internationally around the World. October 2017, “Together We Can Make It” Made #4on the Billboard Charts. Saxsmo’s next Full recording “Stepping Out” will be released April 3, 2020. Stay tuned!
Saxsmo’s new Single recording and video “Together We Can Make It” was released September 8, 2017 Nationally and Internationally around the World. October 2017, “Together We Can Make It” Made #4 on the Billboard Charts. Saxsmo’s next Full recording “Stepping Out” was released April 3, 2020. Many Singles made the charts such as “Together We Can Make It! - #18 on the SmoothJazz Listener Charts! “Hero” Made #6 on the SmoothJazz Listener Charts! January, February, March, April 2021, “Living For The Love Of You” - #7 on the SmoothJazz Listener Charts, “I Want You”- #7 on the SmoothJazz Listener Charts Twice and the Record “Stepping Out” #7 on the on the SmoothJazz ChartBound 50 Below! Killing Me Softly #4 on the SmoothJazz Listener Charts! Saxsmo’s next recording (Single – “Georgia” Featuring Strings) on the 804Jazz Label will be next moth! The entire recording Titled (Saxsmo’s Den) June 2024.
Contact Information:
James ‘Saxsmo’ Gates
(804) 426-6305 – cell
Email: James.Gates123@comcast.net
Web Site: www.saxsmo.net
"Stepping Out" with VSU's James "Saxsmo" Gates (youtube.com)
Keepers of the Flame - Style Weekly
Review: James “Saxsmo” Gates - "Stepping Out" - Style Weekly
Review: James "Saxsmo" Gates at the Capital Ale House (May 14) - Style Weekly