Talent is the whisper of destiny and it is through trust in this voice that a musician finds his own. Born the grandson of Grammy award-winning cellist Janos Starker, JP Saxe stands as the successor to a bloodline of musical accomplishment.
A Toronto native, Saxe has been a practicing musician all his life, realizing his on-stage calling at the age of 14. Saxe began playing the cello at a young age, attending his grandfather’s masterclasses at the Jacob School of Music, during visits to Indiana University. Among his lessons, Starker taught him that musicianship is an evolution and not a destination. Saxe says, “He showed me that music needs to be made for music’s sake.”
Realizing his own musical channel, JP made the move to the piano, learning from the great artists of ivory tickling, such as Oscar Peterson and Keith Jarrett.
Few instrumentalists at the young age of 20 can control expression with the same instinct as breathing, but even fewer still can provide the same standard of clarity through multiple means. Also a talented singer, Saxe soothes listeners with a rich breathy tone and vocal range to rival current radio stars.
Last year after recording an impressive YouTube cover, Saxe made the trip to Santa Monica upon invitation by Allen Stone producer, Andy Rose. Saxe comments “Fast forward 12 months and we’re just finishing an EP together.”
More recently, Saxe made the career driven decision to take up permanent residence in Los Angeles, taking leave from the weekly spotlight at Toronto’s trendy musician stomping ground, The Supermarket, located in the heart of Kensington Market. As one of the major influences on Toronto’s soulful live music scene, Saxe leaves behind friends and musical community collaborators like Christian Bridges and KC Roberts and the Live Revolution. Saxe comments “Toronto has an exceptional music scene with some unbelievably talented musicians. People support one another, and every successful artist needs that.”
Understanding the importance of conscience in public contribution, the roots of JP’s music extend deeply into compassion. In 2012, he spent 3 months in Kenya receiving a lesson in modesty by the humble lifestyle of the impoverished local youth. The arms of his advocacy did not stop there, more recently becoming a member of Anton’s chair, a Toronto based community of artists and activists that collaborate to connect their causes to their craft. It is through this acceptance of responsibility that JP is able to instill an uncommon intimacy in his songwriting style, communicating abstract themes of life and loss in a voice that sounds refreshingly honest. He comments, “I want to make songs that will feel personal to you. I try to make them relevant and intimate enough that I’ll get out of the way while you’re listening.”
In the current landscape of the mainstream music industry, where often image is placed at a higher value than artistic originality, it is inspirational to find such a young musician sticking true to the organic roots of musical intention. Fans eagerly await the release of his highly anticipated full-length album later this year; JP Saxe stands as confirmation of the truism that what you say is equally as important as how you say it.
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