Darryl Reeves is a saxophonist, composer, producer, arranger, bandleader, and educator with decades of experience in professional music, audio production, and media education. A graduate of Jackson State University with a degree in Music Education and a concentration in Jazz, Reeves also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Orleans. His background as both an educator and working professional allows him to bring real-world experience in performance, composition, recording, and production directly into the learning environment.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and later moving to Miami, FL, Reeves grew up in a musical family surrounded by jazz, blues, gospel, soul, funk, and hip-hop. He began studying piano in elementary school and took up the saxophone at age eleven. By middle school, he was already performing professionally at small engagements while developing a serious interest in jazz. At the same time, he used money earned from gigs to begin building a bedroom recording studio, launching a parallel interest in audio engineering and music production that would remain an important part of his career.

At Jackson State University, Reeves studied with renowned bassist Dr. London Branch and drummer/jazz historian  Alvin Fielder. He also served as an arranger for Jackson State’s renowned Sonic Boom of the South marching band. After moving to New Orleans for graduate school, Reeves studied with Ed Peterson, Steve Masakowski, Ellis Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard. While living in New Orleans, he was a member of Delfeayo Marsalis’ band, performing alongside Jason Marsalis, and was mentored by saxophonists Wessell Anderson and Donald Harrison.

Reeves’ professional associations include Jill Scott, Janelle Monáe, India.Arie, Roy Ayers, Angie Stone, Aaron Neville, The O’Jays, Young Jeezy, Phonte, Kirk Whalum, Avery*Sunshine, Nicholas Payton, Delfeayo Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Robert Glasper, Russell Gunn, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Julie Dexter, Frank McComb, Donnie, Jhelisa, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Toku, Maurice “Mo Betta” Brown, Roland Guerin, Quamon Fowler, and members of Rick James’ band, among others.

As a bandleader, composer, and producer, Reeves has independently released Viewpoints, The Activator, Diary of a Bandstand, Mercury, and The Dillaquarium Mixtape. His music has been regularly played by Questlove and DJ Jazzy Jeff, and members of The Pharcyde recognized his interpretation of their song “She Said.” In 2013, Reeves was named one of Vibe magazine’s Top 50 Independent Artists.

Reeves’ interest in technology and production has developed alongside his musicianship since adolescence. While at Jackson State, he gained early exposure to Pro Tools and digital recording through sessions involving rapper David Banner and engineer Dale Morris. As a graduate assistant and studio monitor at the University of New Orleans, he further developed his experience recording live musicians and working with microphones, acoustic instruments, and studio technology. His continued pursuit of recording knowledge later included guidance from acclaimed engineers Joe Ferla and Russell Elevado.