Renowned as an American saxophonist, recording artist, and producer, BJ Simmons stands as a rare instrumental talent with the unique ability to captivate mass audiences. Having graced stages worldwide alongside esteemed musicians and serving as a resident artist in Bahrain, BJ has not only showcased his exceptional musical prowess but has also dedicated himself to educating aspiring talents in his hometown of Washington DC. In 2014, he made a significant mark with the release of his solo debut album, 'Acronyms,' featuring groundbreaking explorations that heralded the arrival of a major new force in the music industry.
Currently, BJ Simmons is on a compelling musical journey, promoting his latest release, 'We Wear The Mask.' This adventurous fusion of jazz, funk, and Afro-beat serves as a poignant portrait reflecting the contemporary state of the world. Channeling reflections on the events of 2020 into his compositions, BJ crafted this major statement after months of introspective meditation. Named after Paul Lawrence Dunbar's timeless poem, 'We Wear The Mask' exhibits intricate harmonies and hypnotic rhythms that promise a lasting impact. Collaborating with a stellar supporting cast, including talents like bassist Herman Burney, trumpeter Brandon Woody, and drummer Howard “Kingfish” Franklin, BJ provides the canvas for his fellow musicians to paint an auditory masterpiece. From reimagining classics to standout original compositions, 'We Wear The Mask' solidifies BJ Simmons as an influential composer and musician of this generation, leaving an indelible mark on the world of contemporary jazz.
Discography
Acronyms (March, 2014)
Acronyms is a jazz album by BJ Simmons that was released on June 12, 2014 by Jimmy Mac Entertainment, LLC. The album has nine songs, including "SOS", "BTW", and "SMH". You can listen to Acronyms on Apple Music. In 2023, Simmons celebrated the 10th anniversary of the album's release on Instagram, thanking listeners for discovering or rediscovering his music.
When BJ decided it was time to create his own body of work, he thought about albums that “changed the game” and wondered how he could explain the ethereal music of jazz his own way. He began experimenting with a variety of sounds, tone colors, and instrumentations. Creating a new body of work for many, can be an adventurous yet daunting task however, it seemed as if the album concept, “jumped right in his face.” It was the idea that music could sound like the contemporary text language that people use on a daily basis (e.g. LOL, YOLO, SMH). The idea that each composition could be written to sound like text abbreviations became a journey of itself.
Musically, “Acronyms” is a sound that resonates to more than just the jazz genre. It awakens the listener to consider the stirring elements of hip-hop, fusion, and soul-jazz while shaping what text abbreviations sound like when you read them. To complete this new sound, he called for the musical prowess of vocalist, Mariah Maxwell featured on “YOLO”, critically acclaimed drummer Greg Clark Jr., featured on, “ADHD”, and Philadelphia Rapper Khemist, who was featured on, “WWW.” “Acronyms” opens with a deep and high-energy waltz which features the virtuoso pianist, Allyn Johnson.
Personnel
Tracks 1,2, 4, and 9: BJ Simmons- tenor saxophone + flute, Doug Pierce-trumpet, Allyn Johnson-piano, Eliot Seppa-bass, Howard Franklin Jr.-drums, Track 3: Pete Muldoon-guitar, Eric Wheeler-bass, Junebug Jackson-drums. Tracks 5-8: Hope Udobi-piano, Frank Javois-bass, Greg Clark Jr.-drums, Terrence Cunningham-organ. Special Guests: Mariah Maxwell appears on track 4 “YOLO,” and Khemist track 6 “WWW.”
We Wear The Mask (October, 2020)
‘We Wear The Mask.’ An adventurous fusion of jazz, funk, and Afro-beat, the album is a compelling portrait of the current state of the world. Like most artists, BJ spent much of 2020 reflecting on the state of the world, and putting his thoughts to music. After months of quiet meditation, he emerged with his latest major statement ‘We Wear The Mask.’ Named after Paul Lawrence Dunbar's classic poem, the album’s complex harmonies and hypnotic rhythms will leave a lasting impression.
The arrangements give BJ’s supporting cast, including bassist Herman Burney, trumpeter Brandon Woody, drummer Howard “Kingfish” Franklin, percussionist Jabari Exum, and French hornist Abram Mamet the canvas to paint an auditory masterpiece. Listeners will also be thrilled to hear a brief yet magical appearance from a string section. Whether reimagining classics like ‘In a Sentimental Mood’ or collaborating with Dev Duff on the standout title track, this conglomerate shines on every track. With ‘We Wear The Mask,’ BJ will solidify his position as an influential composer and musician of this generation.
Personnel
BJ Simmons, tenor saxophone, Brandon Woody, trumpet, Herman Burney, bass, Howard Franklin Jr., drums, Jabari Exum, percussion
Strings
Clarke Randolph, violin, Josalyn Walker, violin + viola, Johnny Walker Jr., cello, Herman Burney, cello
Special Guests
Dev Duff, vocalist, Abram Mamet, horn
Trapped In ( September, 2024)
Trapped In, the third album to be released on Jimmy Mac Entertainment, is a hip-hop and jazz-infused soul and R&B journey that takes listeners through groovy lyrical hooks, horn lines, and feel-good music. This album, produced by BJ Simmons, is a studio project featuring over 15 collaborations, bringing together a diverse range of talents to create a unique and immersive musical experience.
Personnel
BJ Simmons producer + saxophonist, Candace Coles, Deidra Love, Liz Jackson, SWAVE, Black Kobain, Taurus Mateen, Melani Douglass, Terrence Cunningham, Imani Grace-Cooper, Dana Hawkins, Warren Wolf, Brandon Woody, Tyler Leak, Jenna Camile, Lottie, and Khemist.
