Being a conduit for emotion and awareness through the bass, Joe Sanders does the utmost to constantly and creatively be in the moment with every note he plays.
As a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin he developed an appetite for various musical styles throughout his adolescence, from hearing blues on the radio to exalted voices in the Baptist Church. Joe has been fortunate to perform and learn alongside such luminaries as Dave Brubeck, Christian McBride,Terence Blanchard, Ron Carter, Roy Hargrove, John Clayton, Jimmy Heath, Charlie Haden, Herbie Hancock, Charles Lloyd, Wayne Shorter and Geri Allen.
Upon the completion of the Thelonious Monk institute, Sanders relocated to New York City where he eventually emerged as an intrinsic part of the thriving NYC jazz scene. Joe expanded his relationships started through various jazz education programs with visionaries such as Gerald Clayton, Justin Brown, Christian Scott, Ambrose Akinmusire, and Walter Smith III, all the while forging new, impactful, and meaningful kinships.
These collaborations with members of his generation and the influence of his elders pushed Sanders into a newfound way of conceptualizing the bass, music, and life.
Joe has released 3 albums under his name :
- INTRODUCING JOE SANDERS (Criss-Cross Jazz label - 2012)
- HUMANITY (Joe Sanders Music - 2017)
- PARALLELS (Whirlwind Recordings - 2024)
"Parallels" is a look at both sides of life while at home and on the road. It features live performances of four new compositions, four songs produced at his home studio featuring him on all instruments with special guests and two re-imagined arrangements.
Compromised of some of the finest musicians in contemporary jazz, the "Parallels" band features Seamus Blake (Mingus Big Band, Michael Brecker), Will Vinson (Linda May Han Oh, Aaron Parks, Trio Grande) & Gregory Hutchinson (Ray Brown, Betty Carter, Joshua Redman).
"As bassist, composer & leader of the band my role changes minute by minute; whether providing and sustaining a groove, connecting with the audience or playing solo unaccompanied bass. My wish and goal is for the listener to leave the performance feeling uplifted by the powerful sounds and vibrations." - Joe Sanders
Joe Sanders' Parallels feat. Seamus Blake, Will Vinson & Greg Hutchinson
Joe Sanders - bass
Seamus Blake - tenor sax
Will Vinson - alto sax
Greg Hutchinson - drums
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Joe Sanders + String Quartet - String Quartet #1
Joe Sanders - bass
Seamus Blake - tenor sax
Will Vinson - alto Sax
Greg Hutchinson - drums
Peter Urgin - violin
Klemen Bračko - violin
Barbara Grahor - viola
Kristijan Krajncan - cello
Premiered in Slovenia in March 2024, Joe Sanders' String Quartet #1 features double bass, alto saxophone and drums. The compositions and arrangements have a rich, layered texture that seamlessly blends elements of jazz and classical music, creating a unique and mystifying sound at times. The ensemble achieves a richness and depth comparable to that of a string quintet, due to the incorporation of Sanders' bowed bass that enhances the overall texture and harmonic foundation. The collaboration showcases the versatility and expressive potential of both genres, offering a fresh and innovative listening experience.
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Joe Sanders - “Humanity”
Joe Sanders - bass
John Ellis - tenor Sax
Aaron Parks - piano
Eric Harland - drums
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Joe Sanders & Rob Clearfield “Conversations” Duo
Joe Sanders - bass
Rob Clearfield - piano
Attend a rare reunion of two distinguished musicians for an evening devoted to the piano–bass duo. Their artistic trajectory, spanning Milwaukee, Chicago, and now France, reflects a long-term collaboration grounded in both technical mastery and personal affinity.
The program will highlight the expressive range of the duo, from lyrical, introspective passages to rhythmically driven improvisations. Through their longstanding musical dialogue, Joe and Rob invite the audience into a reflective exploration of harmony, interaction, and form in contemporary jazz performance.
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"An openness to different forms of musical expression lies at the very heart of this latest release from bassist Joe Sanders." - Jazz Journal
"Sanders’s has given us a tantalising look into his musical world that embraces such diversity with open arms, and shows how one can utilise such differing musical approaches in a way that it is truly creative." - Jazzviews
"Captivating" - Record Collector
"Everything is melodious, warm and modern but with a solid foot in tradition" - Blogg.no
"Parallels" devrait réussir à séduire les amoureux du blues, du swing et du groupe, ceux qui aiment la musique qui se mélange et se marie à d'autres sons." - Jazz Radio
"Joe Sanders est l’un des grands contrebassistes de sa génération, tant par la qualité de son sens de l’accompagnement, la puissance de sa sonorité que dans ses talents de soliste" - La Terrasse
"Intense, profond et réjouissant" - Jazz Magazine
"De l'inventivité, de l'audace, du groove et de la décontraction. On est fan" - Le Soir