JASON MEARS, from Alaska, is a saxophonist, composer, and improviser who is currently living in New York City. He holds a BFA in Music Education from Boston University and a MFA in African-American Improvisational Music from California Institute of the Arts. Jason has studied with Wadada Leo Smith, Leroy Jenkins, Harvey Pittel, and Vinny Golia. Jason’s most recent project, The Jason Mears Quartet, an electro-acoustic ensemble with Quentin Tolimieri (keyboards), Ken Filiano (bass), and Andrew Drury (drums) explores the multidimensional possibilities of his unique compositional system. As well as being a leader of the highly acclaimed Empty Cage Quartet, Jason has been a member of Anthony Braxton’s Trillium E Orchestra, Wadada Leo Smith’s Silver Orchestra, and Harris Eisenstadt’s Canada Day Octet. He has performed with Wadada Leo Smith, Vinny Golia, Anthony Braxton, Leroy Jenkins, Nate Wooley, Jeb Bishop, Jason Roebke, Jeff Parker, Mike Pride, Harris Eisenstadt, Damon Smith, and Stephen Flinn among many others. Jason has recorded on the Prefecture, Clean Feed, Nine Winds, 482, No Business, and pfMENTUM labels.