Sharel Cassity | Virtuoso Saxophone Artist Endorser

"My RS Berkeley Virtuoso saxophone produces a rich, singing tone that has clarity, power and depth. It's full bodied sound has an authority that cuts in a saxophone section while having the ability to express the most intimate ballad with ease. Crafted with vintage horns in mind, the Virtuoso combines great qualities of past horns with the comfort and dependability of modern horns. Power, beauty and excellent craftsmanship- what more could you want in a horn? "
-Sharel Cassity

As a leader

"Just for You" (DW Records)

"Relentless" (Jazz Legacy Productions)

As a Sideman

Michael Dease

"Clarity"

Bluesback Records, 2007

Sherrie Maricle & the DIVA Jazz Orchestra

"Live From Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Dizzy Club Coca Cola"

DIVA JAZZ Orchestra LTD, 2007

Adam Birnbaum

"Travels"

Smalls Records, 2008

Fat Cat Big Band

"Angels Praying For Freedom"

Smalls Records, 2008

Fat Cat Big Band

"Meditations on the War for Whose Great God is the Most High You are God"

Smalls Records, 2008

Virtuoso saxophonist and Jazz Legacy Productions recording artist Sharel Cassity tours the world performing creative, straight-ahead jazz to the delight of fans, critics, and herself. Cassity's fervor has been internationally rewarded through the IAJE Sister's In Jazz, Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead, and the 2007 ASCAP Young Jazz Composer Award.

Holding the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from New School University and The Juilliard School respectively, Cassity draws upon the polish and discipline of her conservatory training to augment her "beautiful, highly-personal tone" (Benny Green) and informed approach. "...this altoist's flights are positively Bird-like" (Jazziz Magazine).

As a leader, Cassity has enchanted Manhattan's notoriously discriminating audiences at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola, NBC's Rainbow Room, and the legendary West Village bop stop Smalls. Cassity's experience as a sideman ranges from the big bands of DIVA, Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove and the Dizzy Gillespie All Stars to the small groups of Harry Whitaker, Ingrid Jensen, Mark Whitfield and the Dizzy All Star Sextet. A talented woodwind specialist, Cassity is often called to perform on clarinet, flute, alto flute and piccolo as well as soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones when necessary. Her versatility has secured concerts at the Playboy Jazz Festival, Mary Lou Williams Festival, Costa Rica Jazz Festival, Hanover Jazz Festival, Avery Fischer Hall, Merkin Concert Hall and the Ureke Symphony Orchestra.

Currently based in New York City, Sharel Cassity is originally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A committed educator, Cassity's private studio is in its eighth year. She is also a teaching artist for the NY Pops Salute to Music program.