Jeff Coffin Officially Joins DMB

Jeff Coffin Officially Joins Dave Matthews Band

[Jeff Coffin’s] boldness, intensity, and verve set him apart from other saxophonists. – JazzTimes

Jeff Coffin

Jeff Coffin, saxophonist/composer, and three time GRAMMY Award winner with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, will begin touring as a touring member of Dave Matthews Band on April 14 with their NYC appearance at Madison Square Garden. Coffin was originally tapped in July 2008 while LeRoi Moore, the band’s original saxophonist, recovered from injuries sustained in an ATV wreck. Moore tragically passed away from complications of the wreck in August 2008 and Coffin stayed on with band, including recording with them in New Orleans in January and February of 2009. “It’s been a great process and I’m very happy to be playing, recording, and working with these guys. They are great musicians and the spirit and intimacy they bring to the music and stage is something that really calls to me.” Coffin’s first recording with Dave Matthews Band is the upcoming Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, set for release June 2, 2009.

Coffin, an alumni of the University of North Texas in Music Education, is heavily involved in clinic work as a Yamaha and Vandoren Artist working with students ranging from high school to college age. Living by the motto, “giving back is essential to moving forward”, Coffin participated in the New Orleans based Tipitina’s Foundation education program in early 2009. Alongside Tony Degradi, James Singleton, Roland Guerin, and Johnny Vidakovich, Coffin worked with young players interested in improvisation and learning the music rooted in New Orleans.

As a touring member of Dave Matthews Band, Coffin hopes to bring his love of a wide range of music to the band and audience members alike. “I am interested in off-the-beaten-path music of different world cultures and I love to share and discover it with others.” Coffin will continue to tour as a member of the Flecktones and his own group, the Jeff Coffin Mu’tet, whenever possible. In addition to being a heralded saxophone sideman – in 2008 Coffin shared the Bonnaroo and New Year’s Eve stages with jamband favorites My Morning Jacket and Umphrey’s McGee – Coffin has also released four solo records on Compass Records, including 2008’s Mutopia.

Dave Matthews Band tour dates available here.