- New York City, NY
- Saxophone Player
- Contact for rates
Rhea M. said
“Great experience, guests really enjoyed it! ”
The Saxophone Warrior
Overview
With over 20 years of experience in New York City’s music industry, I’ve worked across a diverse range of genres including jazz, funk, pop, and electronic. My background spans collaborations, live performance, and production within some of the city’s most dynamic creative scenes. This breadth of experience has shaped a versatile, adaptable approach to music-making and industry work.
Reviews
1 review
Michael W.
April 30, 2026The Saxophone Warrior Played at my Wedding!
We opted to have a live band at our wedding and the Saxophone Warrior was a part of that band. He did a great job, played an amazing set with everything from a cover of "Valerie" to the hora. Everyone at our wedding still talks about the music years later, everyone was on the dance floor the entire time, and it was a big wedding at least 150 people. He was on time, dressed sharp, and all of our interactions were professional and enjoyable. Thanks again!
Hired as: Saxophone Player
The Saxophone Warrior
Thanks so much, Michael! it was a pleasure!
Booking information
Price range: $600-2000
Languages: English
Gig length: 120 - 240 minutes
What to expect
For weddings I show up dressed well in a suit/tux to fit the bill of the event, sometimes accessorizing with hats and bolo ties.
About
Chris Ward has followed the road less traveled since the beginning of his musical journey—consistently thinking outside the box and pushing beyond traditional boundaries. Known for his fearless creativity and versatility, Chris brings his own distinctive voice to everything from traditional jazz and technical fusion to pop, indie, and electronica.
A master of extended technique, Chris has developed an unusually wide range on the saxophone, studying with altissimo expert Lenny Pickett and seamlessly integrating above-the-scale playing into his personal style. His ability to shift between genres while maintaining a unique vocabulary has made him a standout performer and composer across a wide array of musical contexts.
Chris is also a pioneer in the fusion of saxophone and electronic effects. He has been at the forefront of exploring new technologies, integrating them into his playing in innovative and deeply musical ways. His work with effects pedals, synthesizers, and digital processing continues to redefine the possibilities of the modern saxophone.
A major part of Chris’s career has been his 12-year collaboration with bassist Felix Pastorius in the co-led projects Hipster Assassins and Social Experiment—bands known for their genre-defying sound and high-level musicianship. Beyond those projects, Chris has worked with an eclectic mix of artists, including Josh Groban, Lord Huron, Fischerspooner, Michael Stipe, Mike Stern, Robert Trujillo, Paul Marchand, and Alain Johannes.
His recording credits also include contributions to the soundtrack of the BAFTA-nominated indie video game Neo Cab, you can see more of his discography in the links below as well as links to his own music and news on upcoming releases.
Outside of music, Chris is a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodivergent awareness. He’s also a cat lover, anime enthusiast, and pop culture aficionado—interests that reflect the same curiosity and openness he brings to his music.
Additional booking notes
I work with many different wedding band agencies and indie band projects, each caters specifically to the venue/client needs/asks.
Services offered
Set list
I cater to my clients needs, having working with pop, rock, jazz and commerical projects, I am happy to spend time building a song list for my clients
Influences and inspiration
I am influenced by many saxophonists from the jazz-pop idioms, I studied with the band leader/saxophonist Lenny Pickett of Saturday Night Live and play in that style for weddings/corporate events. I co led a rock fusion band for 12 yrs with bassist Felix Pastorius and have worked with many pop-rock top 100 acts.
Setup requirements
Access to outlets
PA System
Report The Saxophone Warrior
Saxophone Player
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