Welcome to BJONSAX
My Story
BJ Simmons is a visionary saxophonist, educator, and producer whose journey began in Washington, DC, where early mentorship and raw talent set him on a path to impact audiences and students worldwide. With over 30 years of performance experience and two decades of building transformative music programs, he has become a bridge between generations—honoring tradition while pushing creative boundaries. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or in the studio, BJ’s life is a testament to the power of music as both a tool for liberation and a language of unity.
My Mission
As an award-winning educator, BJ Simmons has dedicated over 20 years to building dynamic, student-centered music programs that nurture talent, discipline, and creativity. He has created pathways for young musicians in Washington, DC and beyond, founding initiatives like the Peabody-Eastern Pipeline to expand access to high-quality instruction and long-term opportunities. Through mentorship, performance, and culturally rooted curriculum, BJ empowers students to see music not just as a skill, but as a vehicle for identity, expression, and future success.
My Vision
BJ Simmons’ future success as a musician, educator, and collaborator is rooted in expanding his artistic reach while building sustainable platforms for the next generation. As a musician, he envisions touring globally with genre-blending ensembles and releasing groundbreaking work that reflects both innovation and cultural depth. As an educator and collaborator, his legacy will be defined by creating institutions, digital platforms, and community-based programs that connect artists across disciplines, nurture young talent, and ensure music remains a transformative force in education and society.
Discography
Acronyms (2014)
We Wear The Mask (2020)
We Wear The Mask (2020)
Released in 2014, Acronyms marked BJ Simmons’ bold debut as a recording artist, blending modern jazz with textured improvisation and deep-rooted emotion. The album explores coded language and cultural identity through richly layered compositions and expressive saxophone lines. Acronyms set the tone for BJ’s evolving sound—thoughtful, fearless, and rooted in storytelling.
We Wear The Mask (2020)
We Wear The Mask (2020)
We Wear The Mask (2020)
We Wear The Mask is a powerful exploration of modern jazz, Afrobeat, and groovy percussion, delivered through the dynamic voice of BJ Simmons’ quintet. Featuring Brandon Woody on trumpet, Herman Burney on bass, Jabari Exum on percussion, and the late Howard “Kingfish” Franklin Jr. on drums, the album weaves deep rhythms and bold improvisa
We Wear The Mask is a powerful exploration of modern jazz, Afrobeat, and groovy percussion, delivered through the dynamic voice of BJ Simmons’ quintet. Featuring Brandon Woody on trumpet, Herman Burney on bass, Jabari Exum on percussion, and the late Howard “Kingfish” Franklin Jr. on drums, the album weaves deep rhythms and bold improvisation into a striking sonic journey. Inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, the project challenges listeners to examine the masks we wear—socially, culturally, and spiritually.
Trapped In (2025)
We Wear The Mask (2020)
Trapped In (2025)
Trapped In is BJ Simmons’ first digitally produced album, fusing groovy soul, trap, and R&B with the depth and spontaneity of modern jazz. Featuring an all-star lineup including Warren Wolf, Brandon Woody, Imani-Grace Cooper, Tarus Mateen, Tamika Love Jones, Candace Coles, and more, the album bridges tradition and innovation in bold, genr
Trapped In is BJ Simmons’ first digitally produced album, fusing groovy soul, trap, and R&B with the depth and spontaneity of modern jazz. Featuring an all-star lineup including Warren Wolf, Brandon Woody, Imani-Grace Cooper, Tarus Mateen, Tamika Love Jones, Candace Coles, and more, the album bridges tradition and innovation in bold, genre-defying ways. With lush production and powerful performances, Trapped In captures the emotional pulse of a generation navigating confinement, creativity, and connection.