Faculty

“My favorite improvisers, regardless of genre, share a talent for spontaneously composing melodies with strong narrative arcs.” says Los Angeles-based saxophonist, composer, and educator Bob Reynolds. “That’s the ideal that’s always inspired my pursuit of this craft.” A three-time Grammy winner with the innovative instrumental collective Snarky Puppy, Reynolds has carved out a unique space in the contemporary jazz landscape.

With twelve solo albums to his credit, Reynolds’ discography reflects a musical journey that spans genres and defies easy categorization. His latest release, “Bob Reynolds Group Live in Munich,” captures the electric synergy between Reynolds and his long-time bandmates, recorded during a sold-out performance at JazzClub Unterfahrt. This album exemplifies the dynamic musicianship that has earned Reynolds and his group a devoted following, including a seven-year monthly residency at Los Angeles’s renowned Baked Potato Jazz Club and appearances at prestigious venues like the North Sea Jazz Festival and London’s Ronnie Scott’s.

Reynolds’ distinctive tenor saxophone voice—warm, assured, and instantly recognizable—has made him a sought-after collaborator across the musical spectrum. His four-year tenure touring and recording with John Mayer speaks to his fluency in pop and rock idioms, while his work with artists like Michael Bublé, Usher, and The 1975 further showcases his adaptability. In the jazz world, Reynolds has worked with Grammy-winning instrumentalists including Larry Carlton, Chris Botti, Jeff Lorber, and Gary Novak. Yet he’s equally at home exploring the legacy of West Coast Bop with The YAYennings Quartet, demonstrating a reverence for jazz tradition alongside his contemporary sensibilities. Born in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Reynolds discovered his passion for the saxophone at age 13. He honed his craft at The Berklee College of Music in Boston under the mentorship of George Garzone and Hal Crook, graduating summa cum laude. Post-graduation, Reynolds spent eight formative years in New York City’s vibrant jazz scene, collaborating with notable musicians such as Aaron Goldberg, Reuben Rogers, Eric Harland, and Mike Moreno before relocating to Los Angeles in 2008.

Beyond his performance career, Reynolds has established himself as a pioneer in online music education. In 2010, he founded the Virtual Saxophone Studio, an innovative platform through which he has mentored thousands of musicians across more than 30 countries. His YouTube channel, with over 100,000 subscribers, serves as a valuable resource for aspiring musicians, offering insights into music creation and the creative process.

Reynolds brings not only his extensive performance experience but also a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians. His approach to teaching, informed by his diverse career, blends traditional jazz foundations with contemporary applications—a methodology that promises to inspire and challenge the USC Thornton School of Music’s aspiring jazz artists.