Jimmy Merchant, a Jersey Shore native, is a 24-yr-old professional saxophonist, composer, & arranger. He currently works as an in-demand sideman for live performances & studio sessions, & as an educator/ guest clinician for all age groups. Some of the bands & artists Jimmy performs with are: Eryn Shewell, The Bryan Hansen Band, Leeds, Ned Ryerson & The Groundhogs, Paul Heaney, The Pickles, Soul Project, Quincy Mumford & The Reason Why, Evangelia, Mission Dance Band, Chrissie Limos, & LYF.

Jimmy started playing the saxophone when he was 10, & remained committed to pursuing his formal education in the arts. He attended the prestigious Mannes Prep of The New School for Music in Manhattan where he majored in Music Theory & Saxophone Performance. He went on to Rutgers University Mason Gross School of Arts where he graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. At Mason Gross School of Arts, Jimmy studied under and was mentored by Mark Gross. He also studied under Bruce Williams, Michael Ghegan, Ken Hitchcock, Joe Ravo, Ron Poorman, & Ed Vezinho, & has had the privilege of participating in Master Classes with the late Billy Taylor, Eddie Palmieri, Jerry Bergonzi, Esperanza Spalding, Randy Brecker, Carl Allen, David Dempsey, Rich DeRosa, Wayne Escoffery, Johnny Rodgers, Danny Mallon, Randy Napoleon, Denis DiBlasio, Frank Lacy, Alex Foster, & Craig Handy.

An RS Berkeley endorsed Artist, Jimmy’s professional jazz training & background enable him to be a versatile saxophonist in many different genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, country, & gospel.

When not busy with his performances, recording sessions, & teaching, you can usually find Jimmy spending time with family & friends on the shore that he loves so much — Jersey.