Yancyy
With over 20 years of experience, Yancyy is a proven entertainer for music enthusiasts from many generations. His signature fluid sounds and interpretive mastery are the mélange of refined raw talent, diligent and continued study, with intense passion for music and the listener. Yancyy’s impeccable styling and artistic charisma are not confined to genre distinction, enchanting the jazz-heads, serenading classical aficionados, inspiring the ecclesiastics and electrifying pop, rock, funk and hip-hop fans. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Yancyy recalls hearing a saxophone solo in church at the age of 13, and was gripped by its impact on the congregation, captivated by its penetration of the heart and mind. Dawning as a devout humanitarian, he envisioned himself orchestrating this melodious emanation of healing and deliverance, and knew that becoming “one” with this instrument would bring peace and delight to all who listened.
Yancyy’s ambition was so undeniable that his father surprised him with an Alto Sax, and he blossomed overnight as a self-taught prodigy. He joined his high school band, and within two years, renowned classical saxophonist Donald Sinta sponsored Yancyy’s attendance at the prestigious Interlochen Fine Arts Academy. He continued his pursuit of artistic excellence, earning his B.F.A. in performance at the University of Michigan’s acclaimed School of Music. He still remains a faithful academic, amassing a collector’s dream of instruments, equipment and a respectable library of instructive materials. As an accomplished saxophonist, Yancyy often favors audiences with his panache on clarinet, flute and piano. He is also a gifted composer and arranger, contributing keyboards and vocals on his first solo release. He is currently collaborating with a number of talented composers for his second project.
Yancyy has been nominated for GenArt & Hearst Magazine’s Cultural Icon Award and a few of his performance highlights include The Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), Voodoo Lounge (Las Vegas, Nevada), Ronnie Scott’s (London, England), Lionel Hampton Jazz Club (Paris, France), Anthology (San diego, California), The Fox Theatre (Detroit, Michigan), Chene Park (Detroit, Michigan) and The High Museum (Atlanta, Georgia) where he was Artist in Residence for two years. Yancyy has been the opening act for scores of contemporary music giants, including Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, Temptations, Neville Brothers, Jean Luc Ponty, George Benson, Four Tops, Yellowjackets, Pieces of A Dream, Earl Klugh, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Atlantic Star, Ohio Players, Kem, as well as peers, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and George Howard.
He is an indelible addition to any act, and has added his captivating sounds to such greats as George Clinton, Will Downing, Howard Hewitt, Marvin Winans, Maysa, Chico DeBarge, Freddie Jackson, Jean Carne, Ray Parker Jr., Calloway Brothers, Billy Paul, Tony Rich, Contours, Adina Howard, Michael Henderson, Gene Dunlap, Marion Meadows, Najee, Ramsey Lewis, Straight Ahead, and many others. Yancyy is also a dynamic motivational speaker, lecturing for Detroit’s Center for Creative Studies, as well as Ford Motor Company’s UAW Adult Education Series. He partners with community, youth and other charitable organizations, and currently sits as Board President of Little Scholars Performing Arts Program. His constitution remains: “I believe music is a spiritual art form that denotes the life and times of our culture. I use music as a medicinal tool for the listener’s soul. From an early age, I knew I was called to create rhythmic vibrations of joy and melodic inspiration. Over the years, I have witnessed music’s ability to uplift, motivate, transcend and penetrate the hearts of humanity.”
“Armed with my horn, I will continue to knock down barriers; awaken the spirit and serenade the heart.”
He can be contacted at: [email protected]
Yancyy endorses and performs exclusively on SAX DAKOTA Straight Alto Sax model: SDAS-1020 at all venues and performances. He plans to add the Tenor Sax model: SDT-XG-606 to his arsenal of professional Saxophones.
