Brian Lenair

Biography:

National recording artist, Brian Lenair is a Washington D.C. based contemporary Jazz saxophonist that can blow with the best of them. He has lent his talents performing with or behind some of the greatest recording artists and musicians of our time including national recording greats like, Will Downing, Maysa, Jean Carne, Billy Paul, Angela Bofill, Christopher Williams, Miki Howard, Glenn Jones, Al Jarreau, Vesta, Tony Terry, Phyllis Hyman, Pieces of a Dream, Miles Jaye, Grover Washington, Jr., Peabo Bryson, and George Benson, just to name a few. Lenair credits the works of jazz greats Grover Washington, Jr. and Stanley Turrentine as musical inspiration.

Lenair’s first band was 4 1/2 Hours. After four years with the group, he joined Spur of the Moment, who has become a legendary Washington, DC jazz/funk band. As the front man of the group, they astounded audiences with their mixture of jazz and R&B sounds for over 15 years. During that time, the group recorded two CDs entitled Spuraddict and Out of the Shadows, which prominently features Lenair’s talent as a musician, producer and composer.

Despite the growing success of Spur of the Moment, Lenair moved forward to pursue a solo career. In 2004, Lenair produced his first CD entitled, The Journey. Creating this CD gave Lenair the opportunity to showcase his talents as an extraordinary saxophonist, producer, entertainer, and songwriter. The first single, "Gone Ridin’” is a mixture of soft melodies and up-tempo grooves. The title track "The Journey", Lenair’s personal favorite, expresses the experience that he and his family endured during his sister’s victorious battle with cancer. Another track is one of his all-time favorites, "I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You Are Near)", originally recorded by Michael McDonald.

In 2006, Lenair resurfaced with his first inspirational gospel project, Inspirations, Volume 1. This jazzy compilation embodies a total music experience. It features traditional gospel songs such as "Near the Cross" and "Amazing Grace" as well as contemporary gospel songs like "Total Praise", "Stand" and "Center of My Joy". Lenair’s soulful notes and expressions are a force to be reckoned with. 

Two years later, Lenair recorded his first Christmas CD entitled A Saxy Christmas (2008).  This project includes Christmas favorites "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen", "This Christmas", "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Little Town of Bethlehem".

Most recently, Lenair recorded, Eye of the Storm, (2010) the latest in his evolution as a supreme saxophonist. Written, composed and produced by Lenair, this project exhibits his talent as a multi-dimensional artist and performer. The CD features a blend of funk, smooth jazz originals, along with R&B covers "Sunshine", "I Remember", "Voyage to Atlantis", and the classic jazz-funk track "Rock Creek Park".

Lenair truly believes that hidden in the notes, harmonies, and compositions, are the answers and the bridges between what we see and what we seek for our lives. He has been taught that music gives us meaning and purpose. It is one of mankind’s sources of love, truth, imagination, reflection and discovery. It articulates hope and freedom.

In the years to come, Lenair aspires to unlock the creative genius of our youth and inspire new generations of musicians, songwriters, composers and artists who will one day contribute their God given gifts to the world.