James Wylie is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer
His new album “To Our Land” is available now.
Originally from Wellington, New Zealand, currently based in Greece.
Introduced to music at a young age through classical repertoire, he gravitated toward the saxophone in his teenage years, an instrument that opened a gateway into the world of jazz and improvised music.
His distinctive voice bridges diverse musical worlds, and he is active as a bandleader and sideman recognised for his versatility, depth, and ability to move fluidly between contemporary jazz, free improvisation, and modal traditions from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. He brings this expansive experience and enthusiasm into his work as an educator, having spent many years sharing his knowledge and passion for music through a teaching ethos that emphasises deep listening, cross-cultural fluency, and creative exploration.
New Album Out Now
Recorded in Greece with a superb ensemble of Thessaloniki-based jazz musicians, James Wylie makes his Rattle debut with an album of beautifully recorded and performed compositions that will delight fans of high-quality contemporary jazz.
Projects
James Wylie’s ALIVE AND WELL
James Wylie’s Alive and Well seamlessly bridges the worlds of jazz and improvised music with the rich melodic sensibilities of Eastern modal forms, resulting in a dynamic synthesis of global musical language
People of the Wind
An explosive trio inspired by the ecstatic traditions of “zourna” stretching from West Africa to the Far East.
The Lost Cities Ensemble
The musical ensemble Lost Cities is a flexible platform that gives me the opportunity to seek out and express my latest adventures in music and culture.