“Lee achieved the principles of truth, goodness and beauty with his music.” (Filipe Freitas, Jazz Trail)
Kenji Lee is a saxophonist, composer-improviser, and educator based in Southeastern Michigan.
Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in the seaside town of Laguna Beach, California, Lee began studying music at an early age and spent most of his childhood immersed in music. He spent a decade learning from the late-great bassist and educator Roger Shew. Lee attended the University of Michigan, where he studied privately with Andrew Bishop, Robert Hurst, Benny Green, and Miles Okazaki. Upon graduation, he spent time in both the Detroit & Seattle scenes performing with a wide array of musicians. To name a few: Wayne Horvitz, Robert Hurst, Marion Hayden, Dr. Prof. Leonard King, Kayvon Gordon, Andrew Bishop, Lex Korten, Jonathan Barahal Taylor, Andy Peck, and Estar Cohen. All of these folks are musicians of the highest order and he feels extremely fortunate to have had each one of them shape his journey through music.
Lee’s latest album, “Kyudo” is available now and features his working ensemble: The Fortune Teller Trio (bassist Andy Peck and percussionist Jonathan Barahal Taylor), as well as special guest, vocalist Estar Cohen. You can read more about the album at: kenjilee.net/kyudo