What if Ravel could have written a piece for John Coltrane?  What happens when a composer drinks far too much coffee and falls asleep while writing?  This piece reflects the dreams of a sleep deprived composer.  Soprano saxophone solo by Jim Saltzman, piano solo by Mike Holober.

Insomnia Induced Dream Sequence

Pitch cell piece written for mixed chamber ensemble, rhythm section, and string quartet.  Trumpet solo by Nathan Eklund, tenor saxophone solo by Jim Saltzman.

Cellular Evolution

Manny Albam Commission piece from the BMI Foundation/BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, premiered on June 28, 2012 at Christ & St. Stephen’s Church (120 W69th Street, New York, NY 10023) .  Features David Smith on flugel, Dan Willis on tenor saxophone, and Bryson Kern on drums.

This piece was loosely based on the 1977 Robert Altman film, "3 Women".  In this composition, we hear different characters - a calm melody, a pedal bass line figure, and a more angular melody.  As the piece progresses, the different characters begin to take on each other's personalities.

Multiple Personality Disorder

At the time that I was composing this piece, our family dog, Dharma, was going from one mysterious illness to another.  Guitar solo by Olli Hirvonen, trumpet solo by Jim O'Connor.

DMA Recital (3-25-13)

Dharma's Dilemma

In this composition, I was having a ton of fun figuring out how I could twist and reconfigure the opening motif into a larger, through-composed work.  This features Craig Yaremko on soprano saxophone, Ted Chubb on trumpet, and Austin Walker on drums.

More of the Same

This composition's title is somewhat tongue in cheek.  In my writing process, I am almost always thinking and exploring additional possibilities in developing the work.  Often, this can lead down a dark, and dangerous path of second guessing myself.  Internal conversations at the piano end up sounding something like this:

"Yes!  This is how I want the piece to move here...but then again, I could do this..."

The vicious cycle of compositional commitment issues ensues...

This piece features Nathan Eklund on trumpet.

…But Then Again

There's a saying that, "God gives you exactly what you need just when you need it."  While I believe that to be true, there have been times lately that I wish I could see a clearer path of what's ahead.  This composition is a reflection of this basic concept, and the inner conflict of balancing financial responsibilities and artistic goals, as well as finding an overall greater purpose.

This was performed live at the BMI Jazz Composers' Workshop Summer Showcase Concert on July 1, 2010 and features Sebastian Noelle on guitar, Ben Kono on tenor saxophone, and Bryson Kern on drums.

BMI Jazz Composers' Workshop 2010 Summer Showcase Concert

Inner Turmoil

"To Get Her Alone" is a deconstruction and derangement of the standard, "Alone Together".  Through extracting key elements of the original melody, this new work was composed.  As a tip of the hat to Bob Brookmeyer, the solos are in the piano and trombone, featuring Sharik Hasan and Seth Weaver on trombone.

MSM Jazz Student Composers' Big Band Concert (2-17-14)

To Get Her Alone

Armed with a rich harmonic palette, colorful and commanding sound, and diverse compositions, saxophonist, flutist, clarinetist, composer, and educator Jim Saltzman has been quietly developing his creative voice in the greater New York City jazz community for over eighteen years. Hailed by the Boston Globe as a "postmodern jazz saxophonist” that “plays with passion and intensity” and All Music as a “force to be reckoned with” Saltzman is ready and determined to document the next journey in his creative process.

Jim is an experienced composer, writing for large jazz ensemble, mixed chamber ensembles, and studio orchestra. His music comes out of a deep respect for the jazz tradition, but also incorporates elements of the classical, rock, and world music traditions. Jim’s large ensemble compositions can be episodic, energetic, edgy, lyrical, but always honest and sincere. 

With over fifteen years of college teaching experience, Jim possesses the unique skills needed to help students not only unlock their unique voices, but also thrive in the process. His teaching combines technical proficiency, ear training, and a deep study of the jazz tradition to aid the student in finding a personal sound. He is available for saxophone, jazz improvisation, and composition lessons in the greater NYC area. He is also available for Skype lessons and masterclasses. Jim is on faculty at Manhattan School of Music, in the Precollege, undergraduate, and graduate Jazz Arts program. He is also on faculty at Drew University in Madison, NJ.