Native New Yorker, saxophonist, recording artist, composer and educator Sam Dillon has established himself as one of the most in demand musicians of his generation. Sam’s prolific soloist and sideman work includes over 50 studio recordings, performances on a global level and international recognition as one of the defining tenor saxophone voices today.
Sam’s latest album, co-lead with Andrew Gould, entitled “Trade Off” marks this ensemble’s second album together and the first time Pinch Records and LaReserve have collaborated. This was followed by Sam’s most recent quartet album release “My Ideal” for Cellar Live Records in July, 2025.
Sam’s most recent sideman recording’s include The Birdland Big Band (2025) The Mingus Big Band (2024) Mark Sherman’s “With Freedom” on Miles High Records (2023) and Chris Hajian’s “A Portrait in Melancholy” (2023). Sam’s previous leader albums include “Two Part Solution” with Frank Basile on Cellar Live in (2020); “Force Field” on PosiTone (2019) and “Out In The Open” on Cellar Live (2018). Please refer to Sam’s website for his full discography.
In addition to Sam’s work as a leader, his long history with big bands include extensive touring, recording and preforming with The Vanguard Orchestra, The Jimmy Heath Big Band, Mingus Big Band, Slide Hampton Octet, The 8BitBigBand, The Steven Feifke Big Band, The Birdland Big Big and several others.
In 2022 Sam was awarded a Grammy Certificate for his participation in The 8-Bit Big Band’s Meta Knight’s Revenge (From “Kirby Superstar”). In 2016 Sam was awarded an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School granting him his third degree in music performance including a masters degree and bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase College in 2009. In 2013, Sam was selected as one of 13 semi-finalists in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.
Sam was also the director of the jazz program at USDAN Summer Camp For The Arts where he acted as both a teacher and administrator for 6 years (2018-2024). Sam currently teaches privately and gives masterclasses.
Sam is an endorsing artist for Yamaha Saxophones and D’Addario Reeds.