517 Spotlight Artist / Phil Denny

Phil Denny

The Phil Denny surge has become a topic of conversation and interest among an international audience spawning loyal and borderless fanfare. Impressive artistry, presence and passion combined with a unique ability to connect with people on and off the stage have earned Denny a resume of notable achievements in just a short time and give reason to play on.

Since emerging onto the smooth jazz scene in 2012 much traction has been made by the efforts of this successful saxophonist and businessman. Denny has been described by some as a “people’s musician” having developed a very active and loyal fan base even before the release of his internationally recognized 2012 debut, “Crossover,” an album which earned him three Billboard charted hits.

“Crossover”, Denny’s debut release was described by Critical Jazz as “an album that works on every imaginable level from sophisticated cover art to a non-pretentious approach to where contemporary music should be heading.” The acceptance of this album was immediate as “Push”, the vibrant first single to radio debuted at #29 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay chart and later peaked at #21 as well as spent more than 20 weeks on the SmoothJazz.com charts.

Performance highlights to date include an appearance at the 2012 Dubai International Jazz Festival, Headlining Jazz Under the Stars 2013 in Nairobi, Kenya, Co-headlining Jazz Under the Stars 2014, festival appearance at the 2013 Arizona Jazz Festival, 2013/2014 GrandJazzFest, 2014 Inaugural Shoreline Jazz Festival, 2015 Inaugural Cabin Fever Jazz Festival, three sold out performances at Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club, performing as sideman to guitarist Peter White, trumpeter Rick Braun, R&B vocalist Stokley Williams, opening for RnR, playing alongside Kirk Whalum, Lalah Hathaway and jamming with Stevie Wonder.

Additional accomplishments have included a sold out 2012 hometown album release concert, a sold out 2012 inaugural Phil Denny & Friends Christmas Collective and producing a successful ongoing monthly jazz series in his hometown of Lansing, Michigan.

At present, Denny returns amid a spiraling discussion with the sophomore CD release “Upswing,” an 11-track album infusing elements of R&B, urban vibe, uptempo pop and funk. An immediate buzz was prompted by the blazing summer single "Soak It Up" currently receiving national and international attention. Denny’s July 2015 release “Upswing” demonstrates a clear ability to raise the bar while displaying growth in artistry.

Learn more about Phil Denny at www.phildenny.com.