Episode 43: The Multi-Instrumental Mastery of Saxophonist Katreese Barnes
Episode 43 Executive Summary
Katreese Barnes (1963–2019) was a versatile American musician, composer, and producer celebrated for her mastery of multiple instruments, including saxophone, piano, and vocals. While widely known for her decadelong tenure as the pianist and musical director for the Saturday Night Live (SNL) Band, Barnes also had a prolific career as a saxophonist, touring and recording with major artists like D'Angelo, Sting, Bette Midler, and Alicia Keys.
Her career began in the 1980s when she and her brother, Jerry Barnes, formed the R&B/pop duo Juicy, known for their hit song "Sugar Free." After the duo disbanded, Barnes became a soughtafter session musician and producer. Her work at SNL from 2000 to 2010 defined a new era of musical comedy for the show, earning her two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics. She cowrote many of the show's most viral sketches, including the digital short "Dick in a Box" (with The Lonely Island and Justin Timberlake) and "What Up with That."
Beyond television, she was a Grammynominated producer, notably for her work with Roberta Flack and Chaka Khan. Later in her career, she stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist with her EP Something to Consider, blending her deep influences in jazz, classical, and R&B. Barnes passed away in 2019, leaving a legacy of behindthescenes musical genius that shaped pop culture.
Keywords: Katreese Barnes, Saxophone, Saxophonist, Piano, Multiinstrumentalist, Saturday Night Live, SNL Band, Juicy, Sugar Free, D'Angelo, Sting, Dick in a Box, Emmy Award, Composer, Producer, R&B, Jazz, Pop Music, Saxophone Podcast
Katreese Barnes (1963–2019)
├── Overview
│ ├── Roles: Saxophonist, Pianist, Vocalist, Composer, Producer, Arranger
│ ├── Known For: Musical Director for Saturday Night Live, R&B duo Juicy
│ └── Origin: Fort Carson, CO
│
├── Career Highlights
│ ├── R&B Career (Juicy): Formed the duo Juicy with brother Jerry Barnes (1982–1987)
│ │ └── Key Hit: "Sugar Free" (1986), "Beat Street Strut" (1984)
│ ├── Saturday Night Live (2000–2010):
│ │ ├── Role: Pianist, Composer, and Musical Director
│ │ └── Key Sketches: "Dick in a Box," "Justin Timberlake Monologue," "What Up with That"
│ ├── Television (PostSNL):
│ │ ├── Musical Director for "The Rosie Show" (OWN)
│ │ └── Bandleader for "Oh Sit!" (The CW)
│ └── Touring & Session Work (Saxophone/Vocals/Keys):
│ ├── D'Angelo
│ ├── Sting
│ ├── Bette Midler
│ ├── Billy Joel
│ ├── Mariah Carey
│ └── Alicia Keys
│
├── Awards & Recognition
│ ├── Primetime Emmy: Winner (2007) Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics ("Dick in a Box")
│ ├── Primetime Emmy: Winner (2011) Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics ("Justin Timberlake Monologue")
│ └── Grammy: Nominated as producer (e.g., Roberta Flack's Roberta)
│
├── Personal Life
│ └── Death: Passed away on August 3, 2019 (age 56) from breast cancer
│
└── Selected Discography
├── As Leader:
│ └── Something to Consider EP
└── With Juicy (with Jerry Barnes):
├── Juicy (1982)
├── It Takes Two (1985)
└── Spread the Love (1987)