Tenor saxophonist Wayne Escoffery is a leading instrumentalist known for his big, full tone and post-bop style. Mentored by Jackie McLean, Escoffery emerged in the 2000s as a member of Tom Harrell's band, appearing on seven of the trumpeter's albums. Escoffery most often leads his own small group, as on 2001's Times Change, 2009's Uptown, and 2018's Vortex. In 2010, he picked up a Grammy as a member of the Mingus Big Band. Four years later, he won the 62nd Annual Downbeat Critics Poll for rising star on the tenor saxophone. He has also recorded with the Black Art Jazz Collective, Amina Figarova, Pat Bianchi, Eric Reed, and more. Along with private teaching, he holds the position of Lecturer of Jazz Improvisation at Yale University. In 2020, he made his Smoke Sessions debut with Humble Warrior, followed by 2023's Like Minds.