“A blue note groove…
Brainy with a heart.”

— Jazz Weekly

“Much like a throwback to the stylings of luminaries like Coltrane, Parker and others of a bygone era.”

— The Jazz Writer

“Andrew Van Tassel is a saxophonist of considerable talent and a notable composer…A classic Blue Note feel.”

— Jazz & Blues Report

Saxophonist

Composer

Educator

Andrew Van Tassel is an award-winning composer and multi-genre musician whose work blends elements of bebop, hard bop, fusion, indie rock, R&B, and classical music. Known for his bold approach to sound, Andrew’s latest album, Shape-Shifter, explores the intersection of contemporary jazz and electronics. His albums have earned praise from critics worldwide, and his live performances have graced renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall and the Loyola Jazz Festival.

A versatile performer, Andrew has collaborated with artists across various genres, including the GRAMMY-nominated Terraza Big Band. His compositions have been recognized with prestigious accolades such as the ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award and multiple honors from the International Songwriting Competition. In addition to his performance career, Andrew is an educator who has been invited to teach at top institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Video

On The Up

Feat. Lucas Hahn, Rick Rosato and Allan Mednard

Timer

Feat. Lucas Hahn, Rick Rosato and Allan Mednard

Shape-Shifter Official Promo Video

Music

Shape-Shifter

Brooklyn Jazz Underground Records release manifests Andrew’s early explorations with electronics

Standards Trio

Collection of live bootlegs from Andrew’s past performances at The Bar Next Door, featuring various artists (e.g., Colin Stranahan, Mark Ferber, Robin Baytas, Daryl Johns, Matt Clohesy, and Raviv Markovitz.)

Press Photos

Click on an imagine to download it.

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Tour history

Past performances as a bandleader and/or sideman at esteemed jazz clubs and concert halls.

  • Bar Next Door (New York, NY)

  • Berlin (Minneapolis, MN) 

  • Brass (New York, NY)

  • Carnegie Hall (New York, NY)

  • Cat’s Cradle (Carrboro, NC) 

  • Cecil's Jazz Club (West Orange, NJ) 

  • Club Bonafide (New York, NY) 

  • Cornelia Street Café (New York, NY) 

  • Jordan Hall (Boston, MA) 

  • Kenan Music Hall (Chapel Hill, NC) 

  • Puppet’s Jazz Bar (Brooklyn, NY) 

  • Rockwood Music Hall (New York, NY) 

  • Scullers Jazz Club (Boston, MA) 

  • Shanghai Jazz (Madison, NJ) 

  • ShapeShifter Lab (Brooklyn, NY) 

  • Sharp 9 Jazz Gallery (Durham, NC) 

  • Smoke (New York, NY) 

  • Snug Harbor (New Orleans, LA) 

  • Terraza 7 (Queens, NY) 

  • The Lilypad (Boston, MA) 

  • The Shed (Durham, NC) 

  • Tomi Jazz (New York, NY) 

  • Trumpets Jazz Club & Restaurant (Montclair, NJ) 

  • Wally’s Jazz Club (Boston, MA) 

  • WhyNot Jazz Room (New York, NY)

  • More!

Awards & Recognition

  • 2017 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer’s Award Finalist

  • Winner (2024)

  • Semifinalist (2021, 2023)

  • Outstanding Soloist

  • Merit Award; Jazz Scholarship for Master’s Degree

  • Ron and Marilyn Toelle Jazz Education Award; MAYO grant recipient

CONTACT

Please reach Andrew at avtjazzsax@gmail.com for booking and media inquiries.