Mike Phillips
In this era, it is a rare feat when a saxophonist becomes a globally recognized star, but that is exactly what Mike Phillips has accomplished. The Mt. Vernon, New York native has used his indescribable talent to open doors traditionally reachable for sax players. Mike has toured with musical icons like Stevie Wonder and Prince, played the inaugural balls of Presidents Clinton and Obama, and has played to standing ovations at the Montreux Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival and more. Wherever Mike Phillips takes the stage, he is remembered and sought after for his electrifying performances.
Phillips is a well-studied, hard-working musician who experimented with many instruments before settling in with the saxophone. Embracing music seriously as a young child, Phillips had already gained a laudable level of mastery over his instrument by his teen years. At the tender age of 16, Mike decided to enter a professional music career. And after an impromptu stage debut at New York City’s Wilson’s nightclub 1993, Mike soon became a fixture in Manhattan’s live music scene.
Word travelled near and far about Mike Phillips’ uncanny performance ability, and before long, he was offered a record deal with Hidden Beach Recordings and put on tour with Jill Scott. The opportunity catapulted Phillips’ career to heights that any musician or singer would have dreamed of––let alone a saxophone player!