Jafar Idris

Music Genres: Contemporary Jazz, Contemporary R&B

Egyptian American saxophonist Jafar Idris is taking the music scene by storm, elbowing his way through the flocks of today’s jazz musicians and emerging at the forefront as a staunch leader among young artists. Many view Jafar as a trend setter, a revolutionist, even a Casanova. Jafar simply views himself as an ambassador of smooth romantic moods. And with his trademark sound of gospel tinged soul, you can always expect him to deliver just what the doctor ordered.

The Gary, Indiana native spent many of his adolescent years performing next door in the Windy City, where the culture and spirit of music nurtured Jafar and helped him define his style and sound. Along the way, his list of influences grew to include such saxophonists as Sonny Rollins, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin, Gerald Albright, Stanley Turrentine, Kenny Garrett, Kirk Whalum and others. But it doesn’t stop there, as Jafar also absorbed vocalists into his unique artistry including Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Maxi Priest, Mariah Carey, Maxwell and others.

Jafar’s sounds of funk, soul, blues, and love are spreading across the airwaves and the world wide web. When he’s not opening for major artists or in the studio with the producers who create for them, Jafar is hard at work on much anticipated projects of his own. In 2010 he released a highly requested album of covers so his fans could enjoy his take on some of their favorites. There is much excitement as he and the rest of the world look to the future for his first original album.