Mindi Abair

“She’ll Move You” – Keb’ Mo’

“Forget You, Who’s Your Sax Player? – Steven Tyler on American Idol

“21st Century Sophistication, A Gritty, Raucous Spirit, And Exceptional Creative Imagination” – Allmusic.Com

During her remarkable 25-year recording career, saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair has garnered 2 GRAMMY nominations, recorded with some of the biggest names in music, and built a substantial following among jazz and blues audiences with her soaring melodies and powerhouse style. In 2014, Mindi received her first GRAMMY nomination in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category for Summer Horns with Dave Koz, Richard Elliot and Gerald Albright, followed by a 2015 GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for her solo LP Wild Heart featuring the late Gregg Allman, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Keb’ Mo’, and Max Weinberg.

You might know her as the featured saxophonist on American Idol, sitting in with Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Bruce Springsteen and Buddy Guy, or from moonlighting on tour with Duran Duran or Aerosmith.

As a solo artist, she has consistently topped the charts, starting with her record-breaking debut single “Lucy’s” which spent 8 weeks at #1 in 2002. That breakout success launched a string of chart-topping hits that would come to define a new generation of modern Smooth Jazz radio, including “Flirt,” “True Blue,” “Smile,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Bloom,” “Be Beautiful,” “Got To Get You Into My Life”, “Wild Heart” and “Nothing Ever Hurt Like You”. Mindi’s solo career has been defined not only by chart-topping records but by the relentless success of her tours. Touring isn’t just part of Mindi’s story—it is the story. Her unwavering presence on the road has shaped a career built on connection, energy,
and longevity.

In 2015, she embarked on a bold new chapter with the formation of “Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers,” merging her jazz roots with a gritty blues-rock sound in collaboration with Randy Jacobs and Sweet Pea Atkinson of the legendary Detroit group Was (Not Was). This venture not only expanded her musical palette but introduced her to an entirely new audience, earning accolades across both the jazz and blues worlds. In 2018, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers won 8 Independent Blues Awards including Artist of the Year, and an Independent Music Award for Best Blues Song Fan Award for “Pretty Good For A Girl” featuring Joe Bonamassa. In 2019, 2020 and 2021 Mindi was nominated by the Blues Music Awards as the Best Instrumentalist: Horn.

In 2019, Mindi Abair launched WineAndJazz.com, an inspired lifestyle brand where the worlds of wine and music converge in perfect harmony. With 14 sold-out Mindi Abair’s Wine & Jazz Adventures through the world’s most iconic wine regions, what began as a personal vision has grown into a movement. Mindi invites top artists from around the world to perform at castles and chateaus for intimate concerts, opens the doors to personal winery experiences all while basking in the glow of 5-star resorts and Michelin starred restaurants… with an intimate group of 40 people. Her Mindi Abair’s Wine and Jazz New Year’s Eve has created an inspired way to ring in the new year with iconic musical guests, wine and jazz pairings, wine and music tastings and intimate storytelling events. Her company produces 9 wines a year for her Wine and Jazz Club, all with paired music playlists and bespoke label artwork. More than a brand, it’s a way of living—elegantly, soulfully, and with intention.

Mindi wrote the book “How To Play Madison Square Garden – A Guide To Stage Performance” and served 10 years as an LA Chapter Governor, President and National Trustee for The Recording Academy.

Mindi has toured and/or recorded with: Aerosmith, Joe Bonamassa, Smokey Robinson, Joe Perry, Trombone Shorty, Booker T. Jones, Gregg Allman, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Fantastic Negrito, Waddy Wachtel, Bobby Rush, Keb’ Mo’, Teena Marie, Lee Ritenour, Adam Sandler, Duran Duran, Bill Champlin, Richard Elliott, Jimmy Webb, Max Weinberg, Dave Koz, Peter White, Gerald Albright, Mandy Moore, Lalah Hathaway and the Backstreet Boys.