American jazz tenor saxophonist Jason Rigby is known for his compelling inside-outside style of improvising. Rigby has performed at major venues in the US, Japan, Russia, and Europe as both leader and sideman, and has appeared on numerous critically-acclaimed recordings. Jazz Improv magazine states that Rigby "brings a fresh, creative spirit to the forum, opening the door to a world in need of musical rejuvenation." In 2005 Jason Rigby created his own quartet based out of New York City. His debut recording, Translucent Space, released on Fresh Sound New Talent, was highly praised by critics and named one of 2006 Records of the Year by WIRE. His second release, The Sage, was also highly praised. 

As a leader, Rigby has performed with Billy Hart, Tom Rainey, Rudy Royston, Gerald Cleaver, Mark Ferber, Jeff Davis, Jeff Hirschfield, Thomas Morgan, Cameron Brown, Kermit Driscoll, Eivind Opsvik, Phil Palombi, Mike Holober, Russ Lossing, Dan Wall, Kris Davis, Mike Baggetta, and Russ Johnson. Rigby's Detroit-Cleveland Trio is his main current project, and features bassist Cameron Brown and drummer Gerald Cleaver. Heavy Merge is an explosive trio which Rigby co-leads with pianist Russ Lossing and drummer Jeff Davis. Since 2007 Rigby has been one-third of the electronic-garage-jazz group Heernt, along with drummer Mark Guiliana and electric bassist Cole Whittle. Additional sideman efforts include performing with the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet, Mike Holober's Balancing Act, Cameron Brown Quartet, George Schuller and Circle Wide, Eivind Opsvik's Overseas, the Jeff Davis Band, the Mike Baggetta Quartet, Chris Morrissey, Aretha Franklin, and bassist/film composer Kyle Eastwood. In addition to the aforementioned bands, Rigby has earned a strong reputation for his large ensemble work, most notably with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Alan Ferber, David Binney, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Asuka Kakitani, Arturo O'Farrill's Afro-Cuban Jazz Orchestra, and the Westchester Jazz Orchestra, to name a few.

A strong advocate for music education, Jason Rigby is a passionate and effective mentor to younger musicians, having taught a wide spectrum of ages from single digits to post-university students. He currently maintains a healthy private studio in NYC and serves as adjunct lecturer at the City College of New York in Harlem. Many of his high school students have gone on to attend prestigious conservatories in the US. Mr. Rigby has given performance masterclasses at universities both in the US and abroad, in addition to serving as guest soloist, clinician and conductor at various festivals and student performance opportunities.

http://www.jason-rigby.com