WHO IS
Saxophonist/Singer/Songwriter Mindi Abair has not only set sonic trends, but has broken all the boundaries as she continues to define the less traditional future of jazz. Her own brand of pop meets jazz adds a refreshingly unique voice to an exciting new generation of crossover artists who are, like her, powerful instrumentalists as well as thought-provoking singer/songwriters. This Florida raised, Los Angeles-based performer's unique hybrid sound -a mix of cool vulnerability and utter conviction have brought her to the top of her game. She tours with her own band to sold out audiences worldwide, hosts a popular nationally syndicated radio show "Chill With Mindi Abair", and the list of artists she has toured or recorded with are a testament to her talent. They include the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran, Mandy Moore, Josh Groban, Adam Sandler, Keb Mo, Lalah Hathaway, Lee Ritenour, Teena Marie, John Tesh, Bobby Lyle, Jonathan Butler, Peter White and Rick Braun.

HISTORY
When asked about their childhoods and musical influences, many artists look back fondly on a certain album or song they heard, or certain moment of epiphany where their future came clear. "Not me," says Abair, a St. Petersburg, Florida native who spent much of her early life on the road with her father's band. Between watching my father onstage and spending time with my grandmother who was an opera singer, music was always around me. My parents gave in to my constant banging on the piano with lessons at age five, and when I was able to choose a band instrument in fourth grade, I copied my father and went straight for the saxophone. Music was always my normal. I never considered doing anything else. And by the time someone told me it was odd for a girl to play an instrument for a living, thankfully it was too late.

GROUNDBREAKING
Her 2003 debut CD, It Just Happens That Way, debuted in the Top 5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and remained in the Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks. Billboard magazine named "It Just Happens That Way" one of the top 10 Contemporary Jazz CDs of the year. Her hit single "Lucy's," was #1 on R&R for a record-breaking eight weeks and Abair was hailed for leading a new movement in contemporary music. Her 2004 release "Come As You Are" debuted at #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts. Her 2006 release "Life Less Ordinary" debuted #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and remained in the top 20 for 45 weeks.? Her songs "True Blue" and "Bloom" hit #1 on R&R . Her latest 2008 release "Stars" broke the usual genre barriers, with her single "Stars" charting #29 Adult Contemporary R&R simultaneously with her single "Smile" hitting top ten on the R&R jazz airplay charts.

WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN OR HEARD HER?
You've seen her open for Josh Groban, also as a featured performer in the Women in Jazz feature at the Grammys, up on Panasonic?s Jumbotron in Times Square, the Drew Carey Show, HGTV, Emeril Live, and onstage with Adam Sandler on his HBO Special and last year's MTV Movie Awards backing him up for his Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her songs have been featured on everything from the Robin Williams/Mandy Moore movie "License to Wed" to Aaron Spelling's hit "Summerland".

Mindi's recording of her original Christmas song "I Can't Wait for Christmas" was featured in 2005 on the Bath and Body Works and Pier One Christmas CDs selling almost 1 million copies.

She has recorded and/or toured with the Backstreet Boys, Duran Duran, Mandy Moore, Adam Sandler, Keb Mo , Teena Marie, John Tesh, Jeff Golub, Bobby Lyle, Jonathan Butler, Peter White, Rick Braun, and Lee Ritenour.

QUOTES
Mindi Abair is #1 for her original sound, perfect melodies, grooves and overall sense of fun"
~Jazziz magazine

"Captivating...a distinctive sound and memorable melodies. Let's put it this way. Abair's one Apple commercial away from superstardom.
~Jazz Times

I was a fan the moment I saw a tape of one of her concerts. Her ability to connect with the crowd and appeal to jazz fans as well as those who aren't as familiar with her, makes her such an exciting artist, and I was thrilled to have her as a guest on my tour.
~Josh Groban

Mindi is unique. Listen to her new album "Stars", a genre-busting, breathtaking combination of contemporary jazz and Top 40 torch songs. It will be love at first listen.
~John Taylor (Duran Duran)

Mindi Abair's saxophone speaks to all of our souls. Do yourself a favor and check out Mindi Abair's music. You'll be happy you did.
~Keb Mo

"There's a time and place for everything...this is Mindi's time and place!"
~Michael Tozzi (PD WJJZ/Philadelphia)

"Striking the right chord with skill and style"
~LA Times

She has become an important figure not only because of her talent but because of the youthful energy and artistic innovation.
~Pat Prescott (Morning Show Host KTWV The Wave Los Angeles)

Mindi plays alto and soprano saxophone, keyboards and sings.

Alto Saxophone: Mindi plays a Mindi plays a silverplated Yamaha Custom Z silver alto saxophone.. She plays her signature series mouthpiece by Oleg products which will soon be available to the public for sale. She uses an Olegature and her own Mindi Abair signature neckstrap. She plays Yamaha Rico Reserve 2.5 reeds. She also uses Rico's Reed Vitalizer.

She plays a custom mouthpiece by Oleg products, and uses an Olegature and her own Mindi Abair signature neckstrap. She plays La Voz Medium reeds.

Soprano Saxophone: Mindi plays a silverplated Yamaha 62R curved neck soprano. She plays an Oleg customized metal mouthpiece, an Olegature, and uses Rico Plasticover 2 1/2 reeds. Mindi plays an Oleg soprano saxophone. She plays an Oleg customized metal mouthpiece, an Olegature, and uses LaVoz medium reeds.

Keyboards: Mindi plays Young Chang pianos and Kurzweil keyboards, as well as a KORG Triton and MR-1 for live recording.

Microphones: Mindi endorses Audio Technica for all her microphone needs. Mindi uses an Audio Technica 4000 Series wireless unit with ATM350cW Cardioid Condenser Clip-on Instrument Microphone for her sax, and AE6100 Hypercardioid Dynamic Handheld Microphone for vocals. For recording, Mindi uses the AT4060 Cardioid Condenser Tube Microphone

Effects: Mindi endorses TC Electronic, and uses the TC Electronic M2000 for live effects.