André Ward

André Ward, known as a smooth jazz saxophonist, entered the world in Chicago and grew up there. He first took up the snare drum at age eight, then advanced to trumpet and tenor saxophone before committing to alto saxophone. Mastery of that instrument earned him a music-performing scholarship at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Based in Boston, he toured internationally while handling session work for artists including Freddie Jackson. Orpheus Music signed him, and his debut solo album, Feelin' You, appeared in October 2001. It reached number four on Billboard's Top Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and also registered on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. His second album, Steppin' Up, arrived in March 2004 and proved similarly successful.