Mike Phillips is the kind of artist who turns every performance into an unforgettable experience. On Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, Phillips will bring his high energy performance to the John Coltrane International Jazz and Blues Festival. A world-renowned contemporary jazz saxophonist, he has earned a reputation as one of the most electrifying instrumentalists on today’s music scene, captivating audiences with a sound that is soulful, dynamic, and unmistakably his own.
CROSS-GENRE EXPRESSION
What sets Phillips apart is not only his remarkable musicianship, but the extraordinary company he has kept throughout his career. A native of Mount Vernon, NY Phillips began his career immersed in the musically rich environment his hometown afforded, that blended jazz, gospel, R&B and hip-hop. Phillips absorbed those influences, became a journeyman working in the clubs of Manhattan and sideman for R&B and jazz recording sessions. From 2004-2012 Phillips performed with Prince. He boasts stints with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder also. The experiences nurtured Phillips’ expansion creatively, steering his artistic direction to explore the possibilities of genre-blending themes that integrate jazz improvisation with R&B grooves and hip-hop sensibilities.
Primarily an alto player, Phillips is a proficient tenor saxophonist as well. A trailblazer beyond the stage, Phillips made history as the first musician signed by Michael Jordan to the iconic Jordan Brand, forging a unique bridge between music and sports culture. His stirring performances of the national anthem have become a celebrated tradition at major sporting events, including the PGA, NBA, MLB, NASCAR, and NFL.
TRAILBLAZING
His solo recording career has been equally impressive, with albums including You Have Reached Mike Phillips, Uncommon Denominator, M.P.3, Pulling Off The Covers, and Mike Phillips all debuting in the Top 5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums Chart. In 2023, he expanded his influence by launching Keep It Moving Music (KIMM) under the SRG Jazz imprint, continuing to shape the future of contemporary jazz. For audiences of the John Coltrane JazzFest, Mike Phillips promises a performance filled with passion, virtuosity, and pure musical fire.
