Sep
21

Phil Denny & JJ Sansaverino Billboard chart-topping international smooth jazz sensations, saxophonist Phil Denny & guitarist JJ Sansaverino, return to BLU with fresh, urban vibes & up-tempo, sultry grooves for a very special live concert appearance!

Saturday, September 21


#1 Billboard recording artist Phil Denny has become a household name in contemporary jazz and remains a topic of conversation and interest among an international audience. Impressive artistry, presence and passion combined with a unique ability to connect with people on and off the stage have earned Denny a resume of notable achievements in just a short time and give reason to play on.
 
Since emerging onto the smooth jazz scene in 2012, much traction has been made by the efforts of saxophonist and businessman, Phil Denny. The 6x Billboard charting, independent artist has been described as a passionate and soulful player often captivating audiences with his smooth, sexy yet energetic style. Friends and fans alike often describe him as a people’s musician having developed and maintained a very active, loyal and ever-growing fan base even before the release of his internationally recognized 2012 debut CD, Crossover.
 

 
The identifiable sound of his silky smooth tenor sax is perhaps most familiar on the hit track Diggin’ On which scored an impressive #13 position on the Billboard chart in 2017. The overall success of his sophomore release, Upswing (2015) helped to further position Denny among his peers and format listeners and was motivation to step up yet again. Align, the forth studio album released in June 2018 is indeed a best-yet collection of eleven original tracks and welcomes great artist collaborations. The debut single, Switch Up earned a career first Billboard #1 as well as the top spot on the Mediabase and Smooth Jazz Network charts.
 
Performances of note to date include an appearance at the 2012 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Headlining Jazz Under the Stars 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya, co-headlining 2014, 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival, 2013/2014 GrandJazzFest, 2014 Inaugural Shoreline Jazz Festival, 2015/2016 Cabin Fever Jazz Festival, 2016 Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Jazz Festival, 2017 Cancun Jazz Festival, 20th Seabreeze Jazz Festival (2018) and is a frequent performer on the venue/club scene. Additionally, Denny enjoys performing as sideman to guitarist Peter White and more.
 


 
With multiple Billboard-charting singles and three highly acclaimed CDs over the past twenty-five years, New York guitarist JJ Sansaverino has reached millions touring the world with his “Benson meets Santana” musical style. An extraordinary performer, JJ has a “take no prisoners” performance attitude, gracing the stage night after night touring on his own or with reggae legend Maxi Priest and bringing his vibe of Smooth Jazz, R&B, and Reggae.
 
A Berklee School of Music graduate and award winner, he has shared the stage with the likes of Maceo Parker, Victor Bailey, Gerald Albright, Randy Brecker, Shaggy, Ricky Lawson, Sean Paul, Rick Braun, the Marley Family, and even performed for Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding in 2002. He just finished a summer world tour with Maxi Priest and his successful “International Groove CD Release Tour 2018”, JJ is continuing his tour through 2019 and is due to release his new singled “I’m Blessed” featuring Maxi Priest.
 

$25 ($10 student w/ ID at door)

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Contact

BLU Jazz+

47 E. Market Street

Akron, OH 44308

(330) 252-1190


Open Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday, 7pm - 11:30pm

 
 
BLU Jazz+ named one of the "Best International Jazz Venues" by DownBeat Magazine
   
 
Committed to the preservation of America's treasured art form of jazz, BLU Jazz+ Masterclass Foundation (BJMF) is a new program developed by the founders of BLU Jazz+ Akron that brings “front-row” jazz education performance & mentorship opportunities to student musicians and art lovers alike through an ongoing series of special events throughout the year.
   
 

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