Jonathan Downs is a remarkably gifted saxophonist and composer based in Philadelphia, as well as Madison, Wisconsin. Jonathan is incredibly serious about his craft. Because he views playing as much more than a craft, for him it is an extension of life itself. And it shows. Jonathan plays with prodigious emotional capacity and scintillating content. Just a second of hearing him play and your spirit will be touched. A night in front of his bell is worth a thousand nights of the finest dining. Currently attending Temple University on scholarship, Downs is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies under the direction of--world renowned trumpet player--Terell Stafford. During this time he is also studying Saxophone and Improvisation with Professor Dick Oatts. Additionally, the University provides Downs with the opportunity to regularly work with the likes of Joshua Richman, Mark Allen, Mark Patterson, Tim Brey, and Tim Warfield among other incredible artists. Jonathan Downs was born on October 20th, 2001 in San Francisco to Drs. Tracy and Lisa Downs. Two years later the family relocated to San Diego, California. It was here at six years old that Jonathan began playing the drumset, his first instrument. Spending six years in San Diego, Jonathan continued to play drums while also playing (very well I might add) baseball. In the summer of 2010 the Downs family moved San Diego, California to Middleton, Wisconsin. Such a momentous and a significant move is fitting for what would follow in a year's time. In fourth grade Jonathan began playing the alto saxophone, switching to tenor a year later. Years later he began to really play the instrument seriously and consider a career as a musician. It was also at this time he began to come into and recognize his power as Black Man because of the music of Charlie Parker and John Coltrane. While in highschool, Jonathan Downs worked with musicians such as Allen Vizzutti, Carl Allen, Geoff Bradfield, Kenny Rampton, Lenard Simpson, Reggie Thomas, Tatum Greenblatt, Todd Stoll, Victor Goines, and Wayne Bergeron. He also had the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Essentially Ellington Festival and Competition in New York City--under the direction of Doug Brown, Mike Ver Voort, and Eric Rothaker--where he won an Outstanding Soloist Award handed out by Wynton Marsalis himself. During his time in high school Downs studied saxophone privately with Adam Larson and Tony Barba. Jonathan is also a writer and a poet, and has an interest in photography and film making. “All Art has a necessary and unique place for the edification of the Human Spirit.”

You can contact Jonathan at jddowns01@gmail.com