Andre Ward

Biography

1970, Chicago, Illinois, USA. Eager to become a musician from an early age, Ward first tried out drums, then trumpet before switching to reed instruments. Still undecided, he played tenor saxophone for a while before deciding on alto saxophone as his instrument of choice, although he still plays tenor and also soprano saxophone and EWI (electronic wind instrument). He studied hard and his dedication and proficiency were rewarded in 1991 with a music-performing scholarship to Berklee College Of Music. He gained performing experience with singers Freddie Jackson and Will Downing and others, also performing with the Bobby Jones Gospel Group, before deciding to enter the smooth jazz market. Signed to Orpheus Music, Ward’s 2001 debut, Feelin’ You, reached the Top 5 on Billboard’s Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, while the next release, Steppin’ Up, reached number 6. In the early 00s, Ward was teaching music at the Patrick Lyndon Middle School in...

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