Spenser Liszt

Saxophonist and composer Spenser Liszt unleashes genre-bending sounds that sparkle with his deep reverence for the tradition of lush, intricate classical compositions and the carefree, collaborative spirit of jazz and hip-hop. Well-versed in every type of saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and doubles), his imaginative work displays his solid foundation in theory, drive to experiment with technique and his talent for making infectious music in the moment that springs equally from his mind and from his heart. Liszt is inspired by a broad spectrum of composers and artists, including Beethoven, Mozart, Miles Davis, Thundercat, Donny McCaslin, Joshua Redman, Mark Turner, A Tribe Called Quest, MFDOOM and Wu-Tang Clan; this appetite for exploring every possible avenue without limits gives his performances and recordings profound dimension and is the reason Liszt is in such demand as a creative partner and a soloist. Born in Dallas, TX, the seed of music was planted deep in Liszt by his mother, who played everything from classical, to rock and country music in his childhood home. He learned both violin and piano, until his father’s contagious love for jazz piqued his fascination with the saxophone. In the late ‘90s, he realized that was the instrument that most ignited his soul, and took it up full force in order to follow his dreams of performing professionally. Liszt studied classical saxophone with Don Fabian at Southern Methodist University and the intricacies of jazz with trumpeter Akira Sato. In 2008, he transferred to the University of North Texas (UNT). It was at this prestigious music school that his world opened up even further as he delved deeper into his favorite styles, dissecting improvisational rock-centric guitar music, the sampling and poetry of hip-hop and rap and the pure energy of electronic, fusion and hard-hitting original modern jazz in order to better grasp the attitude and groove of the saxophone. His father’s passing and the end of an important relationship in his personal life sparked a thirst for an emotional outlet, and he began to come into his own as a composer. Liszt holds a Master of Music in jazz studies from the University of North Texas under the apprenticeship of Brad Leali. His work ethic and passion for collaboration has led him to perform and record with many groundbreaking artists, including Aretha Franklin, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Miles Okazaki, John Clayton, Terrell Stafford, Peter Erskine, Frank Wess, Wayne Bergeron, Dennis DiBlasio, Shelley Carrol, Roger Boykin, Lars Jansson, Stefan Karlsson, Steve Wiest, Frank Mantooth and the renowned nu metal band Korn. He has toured as the baritone saxophonist with UNT’s Grammy-nominated world-renowned One O’clock Lab Band and was featured on their releases Lab 2013 and Lab 2012. Aside from playing all saxophones, Liszt is also proficient on bass clarinet, clarinet, bassoon and flute. His approach is rooted in Sonny Rollins’ concept of mixing pure improvisation with impeccable sight-reading ability. Liszt also leads his own Dallas-based band, founded on his playing approach mixed with his belief in organic composition. His debut album, Until Further Notice was released on Armored Records in January 2014. Liszt recently finished recording on Keith Karns Big Band’s album alongside legendary saxophonist Rich Perry and on an album with new alt-rock super group Banquet (with members of Midlake, Grandaddy, Band of Horses and Franz Ferdinand). Both projects will release within the next year. Liszt’s penchant for mixing up artistic disciplines led him to work on a Kickstarter endeavor called “Strange Monsters,” a CD that presents short fiction and poetry read by actors set to original music. Liszt is in the process of recording his second album, Patience, which will be available in Winter 2016. The recording has him surveying new territory and instrumentation, including opera singers, string orchestras, hand bells/chimes and much more. In constant pursuit of new musical frontiers. www.SpenserLiszt.com