DEREK BROWN AND JEFF COFFIN
Saxophone innovator Derek Brown’s unique playing style, using creative, new “beatbox-like” techniques, has wowed audiences across the globe. Previously the director of jazz studies at Abilene Christian University for six years, Derek now lives and performs in Chicago, USA, playing in various bands and projects around the area and throughout the world. His recent BEATBoX SAX music videos and weekly tutorials on YouTube have been very popular among saxophonists and music lovers alike (over 4 million total views), leading to endorsements with Legere, JodyJazz, P.Mauriat, BG, and AKG. Recent festival performances include appearances in China, Germany, France, Russia, Poland, UK, Norway, Malaysia, Taiwan, Latvia, Serbia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, and throughout the U.S.
As described by jazz journalist/historian Scott Yanow, "Brown performs unaccompanied solos that occasionally make one recall Bobby McFerrin in his early prime and the great saxophonist Eddie Harris . . . utilizing slap-tonguing, circular breathing, a wide interest in musical styles and dazzling coordination to create rather unique music."
Jeff is an internationally recognized saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator, and has been traveling the globe since the mid-1990's. He is a three-time Grammy Award winner with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, with whom he began playing in 1997. In July 2008, Jeff began touring with Dave Matthews Band, and officially joined the group in 2009, following the passing of founding member LeRoi Moore.
Some of the artists with whom Jeff has shared the stage and the recording studio include a "who's who" of musicians, such as Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Dave Matthews Band, Branford Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, DJ Logic, New Orleans Social Club, Maceo Parker, McCoy Tyner, Baaba Maal, Phish, Mike Clark's Prescription Trio, Galactic, Kirk Whalum, Widespread Panic, Chris Thile, Willie Nelson, Chester Thompson, Garth Brooks, Van Morrison, J.D. Souther, Vinnie Colaiuta, The Dixie Chicks, 'Rakalam' Bob Moses, Stanton Moore, Brooks and Dunn, Tuvan Throat Singers - the Alash Ensemble & Konger Ol Ondar, George Porter Jr., Umphrey's McGee, Del McCoury, John Scofield, Yonder Mountain String Band, Marc Broussard, Martina McBride, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Wailers and many, many others.
At the 2000 Grammy Awards, in addition to Bela Fleck & the Flecktones winning a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Recording (Outbound), Jeff's tune Zona Mona (Bela Fleck & the Flecktones/Outbound) was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Composition.