Internationally acclaimed touring artist and saxophonist Yancyy is known for his smooth sound, impeccable styling and artistic charisma that “…enchants jazz-heads, serenades classical aficionados, inspires the ecclesiastics and electrifies fans of pop, funk and hip hop.”
A gifted solo artist, headliner and opening act, he is also touted as an indelible addition to any performer. His captivating sounds have graced such greats as George Clinton, Will Downing, Howard Hewitt, Marvin Winans, Maysa, Chico DeBarge, Freddie Jackson, Aaron Neville, Jean Carne, Ray Parker Jr., Calloway Brothers, Billy Paul, Tony Rich, Contours, Adina Howard, Michael Henderson, Alexander Zonjic, Gene Dunlap, Marion Meadows, Straight Ahead, Cindy Bradley and many others.
Yancyy made Madison his home 7 years ago, however his bookings and tour schedule keep him travelling, populating his musical journey with concerts, festivals, and performances at religious organizations and corporate events across the globe.
Yet the roots for this remarkable musician have and remain firmly planted in the Midwest. A native of Detroit, Yancyy remembers the first time he heard a saxophone solo in church at the age of 13.
“I remember seeing this gentleman pull a shining instrument out of its case, and I wondered ‘What’s he going to do with that?” Yanccy recalls. “The gentleman began to play the opening notes to ‘I Go to the Rock’, and when I heard that penetrating sound, I was overwhelmed by feeling something deep and spiritual. People around me got excited. I remember thinking, ‘Hey, that’s what I want to do!’”
Yancyy’s calling was so undeniable that his father surprised him with an alto sax and he blossomed overnight as a self-taught prodigy. He joined his high school band and within two years the renowned classical saxophonist Donald Sinta sponsored Yancyy’s attendance at the prestigious Interlochen Fine Arts Academy. He continued his pursuit of artistic excellence, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance at University of Michigan’s acclaimed School of Music.
His musical career took off from that point, earning awards and honors across the globe, including headline artist for the Smooth Grooves European throughout Germany and Italy and headliner for the Alaska Jazz Festival. His music was selected for The Weather Channels’ playlist in 2011.
Yancyy has opened for scores of contemporary music giants, including Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, Temptations, Neville Brothers, Jean Luc Ponty, George Benson, Four Tops, Yellow Jackets, Pieces of a Dream, Earl Klugh, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Atlantic Star, Ohio Players, Kem, as well as peers, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and George Howard.
He is also a gifted composer and arranger, contributing keyboards and vocals on his first solo release. His jazz release, ‘Sax Chronicles, Volume 1’ incorporates several talented composers and Grammy Award winning producer Phil Davis on his previous hit CD “For Your Love” and the holiday CD “Rejoice.”
But despite these accolades, professional success and academic training, what calls him most to his music is the power of its ministry.
“Music a spiritual art form that denotes the life and times of our culture.” He adds, “I use music as a medicinal tool for the listener’s soul.”
From an early age, he knew he was called to create these rhythmic vibrations of joy and melodic inspiration. Over the years, he has witnessed music’s ability to uplift, motivate, transform and penetrate the hearts of humanity.
He explains: “I don’t play for my ego. I believe there is a universal force – the Holy Ghost, a life force, call it what you will — that goes through me to the audience to give them what they need. I’ve seen folk come into concerts one way — down-trodden and stressed – and leave revived.”
“It’s a ministry,” he adds. “A universal language that expresses love. It’s medicine for the soul.”
His sense of ministry extends beyond the concert stage. Yancyy’s passion to help others is evident in his nonprofit work around the globe, each designed to give life-changing support to those in need. Projects have included helping build freshwater wells in Rwanda; supporting abuse survivors and fighting against domestic violence; and providing free shoes and musical instruments to young children.
It is that sense of purpose and inspiration that unites them all.
“Armed with my horn, I will continue to knock down barriers, awaken the spirit and serenade the heart. As long as I breathe, I will plant vibrations that grow into inspiration.”
You can learn more about Yancyy and listen to his music at https://lordyancyymusic.com/
