After diverse musical studies including a college oboe performance degree, Evan found his voice on the saxophone. This included founding and leading the jamband Buddha's Belly, nominated as a finalist for Best New Entertainer in the Chicago Music Awards of 2005. After two years of jazz studies culminating in a master's degree in 2008, Evan moved here. Since his relocation, Evan has worked in myriad ensembles and styles, including the Nashville Symphony, the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, The Dynamites, T. Graham Brown, and numerous jazz sessions. Cobb has over 30 private students, teaches a college course on music appreciation, and leads the monthly jam session at the Nashville Jazz Workshop.

A year ago, to fund his first CD project, “Falling Up” he set up a web site were supporters could pledge various amounts toward a goal that would accomplish the album. Contributions were tiered like non-profit fundraising, with each level receiving premiums ranging from free tune downloads, to having a song written for you, to free concerts by the group, to being at the session and listed as a co-producer. If the goal was not met, the project would be cancelled.

As this process was taking place, Cobb told me, “This May I'm taking a quintet of amazing musicians from Nashville into the studio to record my debut album. The album will feature originals of mine that I've written for the Nashville Jazz Workshop Jam Sessions. When I began directing the NJW jam, I wanted to make sure it was strong enough to attract professionals, but informative and welcoming enough to be accessible to amateurs and listeners alike. Accordingly, I write a new tune for each session - I have the band play through it on sight, but also hand out copies of the new tune to all in attendance.  I've found this process gives the audience a better grasp of what's happening in the music, and allowed me to gain invaluable feedback on my compositions.” 

 “This collaborative process left me with an abundance of tunes that need to be heard in their final, polished form, but the process of studio recording is an expensive proposition, especially for a self-funded project.  The resources raised will be used to pay for the studio time and the incredible band I've hired featuring some of Nashville's finest musicians." The session was successful, as you can tell by the following reviews. 

"Evan Cobb’s new recording is chock full of surprises, humor, emotion and great music! Evan has the passion, talent and drive to become a success! As a former student of mine, I have watched Evan grow beyond all expectations. Give a listen, because once you do, I’m sure that you’ll be enjoying Evan’s music for a long time… I am!" - Jon Faddis, Trumpeter, Composer, Conductor and Educator, www.terangajazz.com 

"I finally got a chance to listen to your demo. I enjoyed it a lot! Nice writing, good playing, and a hip vibe. Keep up the good work!" - Brian Lynch, Trumpeter, Grammy Winner for 2006 Best Latin Jazz Album, www.brianlynchjazz.com 

"Evan Cobb is a fine musician – both a strong saxophonist and a strong composer. I look forward to hearing how his music develops in the future." - John Riley, Drummer, Author, Educator, www.johnriley.org

To find the album, go to www.evancobbjazz.com