NEW ALBUM coming soon
8.22.25
MAYHEM
Duo project with acclaimed drummer Mark Guiliana to be released on Endectomorph Music.
Jason Rigby breaks new ground with his latest duo recording MAYHEM, featuring Grammy-award winning drummer Mark Guiliana. Crafted specifically for vinyl format, this innovative project marks a bold evolution from Rigby’s acoustic jazz roots, blending electronic and acoustic instruments to create a hybrid musical texture. After collaborating for over a decade as a core member of Guiliana’s Jazz Quartet, Rigby ventures into uncharted territory with this groundbreaking set of music. The album combines Rigby’s original compositions with improvised pieces layered through collaboration with sound engineer Pete Min. Some tracks feature streamlined tenor and drum improvisations, while others incorporate analog synthesizer, keyboards, electronic processing, and various percussion instruments, showcasing a vibrant soundscape filled with unexpected textures and rhythms.
Bandcamp - pre-order digital downloads and limited vinyl.
Photography : Colleen Chrzanowski
NYC-based saxophonist and composer.
Earthy sound, deep groove, harmonic exploration, organic creativity.
“American saxophonist/composer Jason Rigby has this spontaneous capacity to adapt his way of playing to different styles and moods. Rigby leads with resolve, evincing an outgoing posture, compositional bravura, and laudable flair for exploration.”
- London Jazz News
“There’s a breathy tone, some of the Coltrane to Pharaoh preach, and seemingly boundless chops. (That breathy tone in part is particularly attractive; the Michael Brecker/Jan Garbarek ‘glossy’ lineage is cool too, but sometimes I crave something darker and fuzzier).”
- Ethan Iverson
“Rigby’s burly tone and searching improvisations recall the expressionistic flights of Ornette Coleman and Joe Henderson.”
- John Murph, DownBeat Magazine
“The warmth of Rigby’s tone and the rigor of his ideas come across even in the stormiest free blowing.”
- David R. Adler, Stereophile
A non-conformist in the jazz and modern music world who has carved his own path STEEPED IN AUTHENTICITY AND UNIQUENESS.
events
4.18
worldwide : MAYHEM 1st single RELEASE: ”terra firma”
5.16
Brooklyn, ny : BAR BAYEUX - 8pm
Matt Pavolka Quintet
5.22
NEW YORK, NY : jazz gallery - 8pm
Jazz Composer’s Collective
5.30
worldwide : MAYHEM 2nd single RELEASE
6.10
NEW YORK, NY : MEZZROW
dave cook w/ gary wang
6.18
new york, ny : SONY HALL - 8pm
gino vannelli
6.19
new york, ny : MEZZROW
Mike Holober & marvin stamm
7.11
worldwide : MAYHEM 3rd single RELEASE
8.19
Los angeles, CA : ZEBULON : MAYHEM Release Show - 8pm
***jason rigby + mark guiliana w/ alan hampton***
8.22
*worldwide : MAYHEM record RELEASE*
8.29
brooklyn, ny : BAR BAYEUX - 8pm
jason rigby quartet w/ martha kato, chris morrissey
ABOUT
Photography : Colleen Chrzanowski
Jason Rigby commands a voice on the saxophone that is both compelling and unmistakably his own. Renowned for his individuality and Zen-inspired artistic approach, Rigby brings a fresh, expressive spirit to today’s music landscape. His wide-ranging work spans analog synthesizers, woodwinds, and percussion, often weaving together textural experimentation with deeply rooted improvisational skill.
He has performed across the globe at premier venues and appears on multiple Grammy-nominated recordings. In addition to leading his own innovative ensembles, Rigby is a frequent collaborator, contributing to projects led by icons such as Aretha Franklin, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, and Arturo O’Farrill. For the past decade, he has been a vital force in Mark Guiliana’s groups, including Jazz Quartet, Space Heroes, and BEAT Music. His latest project, MAYHEM, is a duo collaboration with Guiliana, recorded by Pete Min, highlighting their deep musical chemistry and commitment to sonic exploration.
Jason currently performs in groups led by Cameron Brown, Mike Holober, Miho Hazama, Jeff Davis, Matt Aronoff, Jared Schonig and Jihye Lee. He has also been a member of bands led by Mike Baggetta, Michael Formanek, Chris Morrissey, Eivind Opsvik, George Schuller, Kris Davis, Darcy James Argue, David Binney, Alan Ferber, Asuka Kakitani and Arturo O’Farrill.
MaKING MAYHEM
Photographer/video maker Charlie Weinmann visited us in the studio on the second day of recording my new album MAYHEM and captured footage of some of our creative process. Both Mark and Pete were instrumental in the resulting recording, offering essential vision and creativity throughout.
We went into the studio with a handful of my compositions and a carful loaded with instruments: tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, flute, drums, cymbals, African drums, gongs, various percussion and a Prophet 6 analog synthesizer. We took advantage of Pete Min’s studio instruments and recorded Rhodes electric piano, acoustic piano, treated miniature piano, pump organ, celeste, Moog bass, and various signal processors. I’m very happy with what we created and can’t wait to share it with everyone!
Photography :
Colleen Chrzanowski