Saxity: The Soulful Saxophonist of Modern Funk

Saxity is the dynamic stage name of American saxophonist and producer Martin "Marty" Chase, a leading force in the contemporary funk and soul-jazz revival. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, he broke through with his 2018 album Streetlight Serenade, which debuted at number three on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and has since been certified gold.

Early career

Born in 1985, Martin Chase grew up immersed in Chicago's rich blues and jazz heritage. He began playing saxophone at age twelve and honed his skills through local jam sessions before formally studying at the Berklee College of Music. His first professional release was the independent EP Brass & Concrete in 2012, which caught the attention of the boutique label Groove Theory Records.

Breakthrough

Saxity's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of his sophomore album, Streetlight Serenade, on Groove Theory Records. The lead single, "Midnight Drive," became a staple on adult contemporary and jazz radio, propelling the album to gold certification in the United States and a top five chart position.

Key tracks

Midnight Drive — This smooth, driving instrumental single defined Saxity's signature sound and became his first charting song on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart.

Streetlight Serenade — The title track from his breakthrough album is noted for its catchy melody and collaboration with vocalist Liana Banks.

Windy City Bounce — A direct homage to his Chicago roots, this track blends classic soul horns with a modern hip-hop beat.

Echoes of You — Featuring guitarist Isaiah Sharkey, this 2021 single showcased a deeper, more melodic side of his playing and expanded his audience.

Following the success of Streetlight Serenade, Saxity embarked on extensive touring and sought high-profile collaborations. He notably contributed saxophone parts to tracks for pop and R&B artists, including a featured role on Alicia Keys' 2020 song "Urban Legend." His 2022 album, Neon Circuits, experimented with more electronic production while staying rooted in funk, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

For fans of Saxity's blend of instrumental funk and soul, similar artists featured on our site include Snarky Puppy This collective shares a similar ethos of virtuosic, genre-blending instrumental music. Kamasi Washington Another saxophonist leading a modern jazz revolution with epic, spiritually charged compositions. Cory Henry A key figure in the modern funk scene known for his explosive keyboard and organ work. Moon Hooch This duo offers a more raw and percussive take on saxophone-driven dance music.

Saxity's music maintains strong rotation across a network of specialized radio stations, particularly on adult alternative FM stations, dedicated smooth jazz and funk online streams, and independent music radio stations that champion instrumental artistry.

Listeners can discover the vibrant sound of Saxity by tuning into the funk and contemporary jazz radio stations available right here on onairium.com, where his hits and deep cuts are regularly featured in our programming.