Eric Darius is a contemporary jazz saxophonist, vocalist, composer, and producer. He is also an educator. Since 2000, he has recorded as a leader for labels ranging from Blue Note and Higher Octave Music to Shanachie and Narada, all of which made the jazz album charts. The title track to 2008's Goin' All Out topped the smooth jazz charts. Darius (born December 3, 1982) was a Young Lion of sorts who began performing at a young age. A New Jersey native who grew up in Tampa, Florida, Darius received his first saxophone at age ten and a year later was touring with the youth-based Sonny LaRosa & America's Youngest Jazz Band, which culminated in a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He was an active member of his high school jazz ensemble and released his own album Cruisin' at age 17. In 2004, Darius released his formal debut album, Night on the Town, on Higher Octave. Two years later he released Just Getting Started on Narada Jazz. In 2008, Darius signed to Blue Note and released Goin' All Out; its title track single topped the smooth jazz charts. Two years later with Shanachie, the album On a Mission hit number three at contemporary jazz albums. He repeated the feat with 2014's Retro Forward for the same label. In May of 2017, Darius kicked off his own label, SagiDarius Music, with the release of the full-length Breakin' Thru, produced by Rodney Jones, Jr. (Chris Brown, Mary Mary) that debuted at number one on contemporary jazz streaming charts. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi

Kirk Whalum, Eric Darius

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