Sharel Cassity

Sharel Cassity, born on February 10, 1978, in Iowa City, Iowa, is a recognized American jazz saxophonist and composer, notably contributing to the modern jazz scene. Raised in Yukon, Oklahoma, Cassity's early exposure to a variety of musical styles shaped her future career path in jazz.

Cassity pursued formal music studies at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and later at the Juilliard School, establishing a strong foundation in jazz. Her career progression in the early 2000s highlighted her as a promising performer and composer, characterized by her adept saxophone skills and a blend of traditional and modern jazz elements.

Her discography includes albums like "Just for You" (2008) and "Manhattan Romance" (2015), where she demonstrated her abilities as a band leader and composer. Cassity's performance collaborations include working with jazz luminaries such as Jimmy Heath, Joe Chambers, and Roy Hargrove, underscoring her versatility and skill.

In addition to her performance and recording pursuits, Cassity is active in music education, dedicating herself to mentoring emerging jazz musicians. Her Oklahoma upbringing and subsequent national and international acclaim in the jazz community exemplify her significant contributions as a contemporary jazz artist and educator. Cassity's work is a testament to her deep engagement with jazz traditions and her ongoing exploration of new musical frontiers.