Brent Birckhead, an award-winning artist, embodies a dynamic fusion of traditional and contemporary styles, transcending genre boundaries with his woodwind artistry and composition. Rooted in a profound reverence for musical legacy and driven by an innate compulsion for creative risk-taking, Birckhead's artistic journey reflects a visionary approach to life as a rising leader.
Educated at Howard University, earning his BME and MM degrees, Birckhead honed his craft and established himself as a formidable talent. During his time at Howard, Birckhead received accolades including "Best Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist" and "Outstanding Instrumental Jazz Soloist" by Downbeat Magazine, and was named "Best Alto Saxophonist'' by the Washington City Paper in 2011. The New York Times hailed him as "one of the most riveting young improvisers in New York."
Throughout his professional journey, Brent has shared stages with renowned artists like Lauryn Hill, SWV, Nas, and George Duke, expanding his musical horizons and embracing a fusion of genres that redefine contemporary jazz.
In 2019, Birckhead released his self-titled debut album on Revive Music. It is rooted in activism, introspection, and sonic experimentation. It was called an album ”with multiple layers of musical expression, emotional depth, and social commentary.”
His second album, "Cacao", released in April 2024, is a testament to his growth and evolution as an artist. The album has received critical acclaim, with Downbeat Magazine praising it as "an album you can play forever on a loop." Paris Move describes it as "an album as enjoyable as a hot chocolate sipped on the terrace of a cafe on a winter afternoon."
Birckhead also shares his knowledge and passion as a professor of saxophone at Baltimore School for the Arts and Morgan State University, nurturing the creativity of the next wave of musicians. Brent Birckhead's influence resonates in jazz and beyond, leaving a lasting legacy for years to come.
Brent Birckhead plays a custom Syos mouthpiece on his alto and his soprano saxophone.
