Who is Veteran Saxophonist Quintin Gerard W., Known as The Fnkysax Player?

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, Quintin Gerard W. was surrounded by music from an early age. The rich cultural heritage of his hometown heavily influenced his musical journey. At just 10 years old, Quintin picked up the saxophone, and it wasn't long before his prodigious talent began to shine.

Quintin's early inspirations included legends like John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, and Kenny G. He honed his craft through years of dedicated practice, developing a unique sound that blends elements of jazz, funk, and R&B. His commitment to his art is evident in every note he plays, and his electrifying performances have earned him a loyal following.

The Rise of The Fnkysax Player

Quintin’s moniker, The Fnkysax Player, reflects his distinctive approach to music. He embraces the funk genre, creating a dynamic sound that engages listeners with its infectious grooves and melodic improvisations. His work is characterized by a playful yet sophisticated style, often incorporating elements of hip-hop and pop, making his music accessible to a broad audience.

Over the years, Quintin has released several albums, each showcasing his versatility and creativity. His tracks often feature collaborations with other talented musicians, further enriching his sound. He has made it on the Billboard Charts three times. "Listen to his track 'Tell Me Something' and let us know your thoughts.

Artist Bio:

Veteran saxophonist Quintin Gerard W., known as The Fnkysax Player, is an O.T.S. Music! recording artist and voting member of NARAS, also known as The Grammy®. He is a SESAC songwriter publisher and has produced, recorded, and commercially released five urban contemporary smooth jazz albums since his debut CD release “Fnkysax” which introduced “The method of playing saxophone characterized by incorporating elements of Funk, R & B, Gospel, Blues and Jazz supported by the underlying foundation of the urban culture and experience.”

A student of Jazz Master Ellis Marsalis (Loyola University New Orleans) and Earl Turbinton Jr. (The African Cowboy), Quintin Gerard W. is a protégé to Kenny Garrett (Miles Davis Band) and Hollis Gentry (San Diego, CA).  Quintin holds a Business Management Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. 

This 2022 Smooth Jazz Network® The Beats Year-End Edition “Break Out Artist of the Year Nominee” is a three-time back-to-back #1 Billboard Contemporary/Smooth Jazz Airplay charting artist with a combined 5 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Airplay Chart! 

Native to Louisiana’s New Orleans Metro region, the former Louisiana All-State Concert Band member and 1st Chair New Orleans District VI Honor Jazz Band Saxophonist’s music credits include, among others, on-stage performances with Jeff Lorber, guest saxophonists Najee and Dave Koz (Worth Waiting For Tour), San Diego’s Under The Lake, and Chaka Khan.

Recordings with the late Rick James, Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band); and numerous commercial TV and motion picture broadcasts: Levi Strauss, Estee Lauder, Here Comes the Munster’s, BET's Original Comic View opening theme song, and a forthcoming major project produced by Annie Malee starring Academy Award Winning Actor Richard Dreyfuss round out additional credits to Quintin Gerard W.'s lengthy discography.

More Than Just Music...!

Quintin Gerard W. has been performing for over 30 years and has been recognized globally for his outstanding work and contribution to Jazz Music!  Notably, Quintin Gerard W.'s music is currently being used in clinical research and medical studies to help find a cure for patients who are suffering from epilepsy and other neurological disorders.  This cause is endearing to Quintin Gerard W.. as he lost his older brother to epilepsy.  Quintin Gerard W. is currently working with Medical Doctors in the field who have already indicated signs of progress from their patients who are listening to his music!

"...We have made major strides in the field, but we still have much more work to be done.  My preliminary thought is that  "Now and Forever" could be used as an example of a song that activates the limbic system as demonstrated by its dreamy elements."  - Dr. Alan B. Ettinger, MD, MBA, FAES - Former Professor of Clinical Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine President, Professional Advisory Board, and the EPIC Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island.

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Q&A with the artist:

        How did you start in the music business?
        I suppose this question can be traced back to the day when my mother took me to see my older brother perform in the high school marching band in the local Christmas parade. I was only 5 years old and didn’t know at that time that I had been indoctrinated into the business of music.

From then on, I knew a life within the realm of jazz music would be my life’s journey. I took and approached music as “serious business” from a very early age, and this is how I officially got kicked started. From there, one thing led to another in terms of study, practice, auditions, performances, networking, relationships, recording sessions, tours, CDs/Albums, etc.

        How would you describe the music that you typically create?

Great question. Believe it or not, I created my definition to describe my music, which reads...  FnkySax - (fon' kee sax): “The method of playing saxophone characterized by incorporating elements of Funk, R & B, Gospel, Blues, and Jazz supported by the underlying foundation of the urban culture and experience.” - Quintin Gerard W. 

I have been asked about this numerous times, and I simply explain that my music is organic in the sense that I don’t approach music theoretically, I approach music spiritually first, then apply theory when and where it is needed, but always maintaining the integrity of the “I must feel something” principle. 

At the end of the day, music is supposed to make you feel something, or remember something, or someone.

What is the current project about?

The current project I’m working on is the single titled “Streets of Gold” from the forthcoming CD/Project titled “Play What I Hear.” I am again collaborating with Grammy award-winning Writer/Producer Michael Broening, who penned my first #1 Billboard Single “Broken Promises.” 

“Play What I Hear” is the culmination of years of experience and submitting to the voice within that transmits the ideas and melodies organically without malice or a motive. Again, my total submission to the spiritual vibrations within to drive my ideas is utmost and paramount! A  conscience choice to avoid thoughts or ideas that originate from subconscious stimuli influenced by outward sources, which negatively affect the music,c is always a challenge.

How do you feel it will inspire others?

I believe it will set a precedence and inspire others to relinquish fear of the unknown, and simultaneously encourage others to follow their own path and not someone else’s, thus resulting in music becoming less terrestrial and more celestial, which will benefit the listener’s well-being, inner being, and self-awareness as opposed to simply satisfying carnal pleasures or desires which are temporal at best.

What is your creative process like?
That’s a loaded question simply because the creative process has a character and nature all its own. 

On any given day, you can bang out a complete song in a few hours, then on another occasion, it could take days or sometimes even weeks to complete an idea. 

I try to stick to a routine when I go into the studio, whether it be to write, produce, or record. For example, when I’m recording the saxophone, I like to drop a quick scratch track of the melody line (So I won’t forget it), then complete all of the supporting elements (harmonic parts, e.g.). After that, I move on to complete the melody line, and then lastly finish the solo/improvisational stuff.

Who would you most like to collaborate with? 
Boy, that’s a tough one!  I suppose I will approach this from the perspective of past or present kind of thing, if that’s ok...?

When you say collaborate, I believe it would have to be with someone who can appreciate me as much as I appreciate them, musically speaking, of course. That said, I believe Art Blakey would have appreciated my style of playing the saxophone and is someone I would have liked to collaborate with. Currently, I would love to work with Stephen Schwartz, who composed the soundtrack for the movie Wicked...! OMG - That dude gets it, man...!

If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Stanley Jordan, Jeffrey Osborne, or Charlie Wilson – Hands Down...End of Story!

What is one message you would give to your fans?
“THANK YOU!” – For all the years of supporting my music, vision, and sound! I would not have thought that I was even relevant without such positive feedback via emails as to how my music touches folks out there in some way, manner, or fashion. I am forever grateful.

What is the most useless talent you have?
I guess that would be the ability to cram for a test or quiz, which does absolutely nothing for you. Goes into your short-term memory bank then you forget all of it.

Do you sing in the shower? What songs? What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career? 
I, do sometimes sing in the shower, and typically I’m singing melodies from some jazz song I’ve heard somewhere. I rarely sing lyrical tunes in the shower or anywhere else, for that matter. If it wasn’t for my musical career, I would probably be investing in real estate, building something, or traveling and taking photos.

Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues?
I’ve performed in too many venues and cities to list them here, but my favorite venue is the Maui Cultural and Performing Arts Center, and my least favorite venue(s) would be anything outside in NV, AZ, NM during the summer. The heat is hot, dry, and terrible for sax players.

Do you have any upcoming shows?
As a matter of fact, I do. At the time of this interview, I will be headed to Houston, TX, to perform at Scott Gertner’s Rhythm Room as a part of the Serente Jazz & Wine Escapes Smooth Jazz Concert Series. 

I will also be leaving shortly thereafter for the Dave Koz and Friends at Sea 2025 Smooth Jazz Cruise to Iceland • Norway • Netherlands on June 7-14, 2025 and June 14-21, 2025! I also have the Jazz Legacy Festival booked November 5-9, 2025, as well. I’m always adding dates throughout the year as they come, of course, and you can keep up with my performance dates at my website: www.quintingerardw.com.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has impacted the music business dramatically. Logistically speaking, that which used to take hours or days can now be accomplished in a matter of seconds or minutes. At one point, I literally realized I didn’t have to live in Los Angeles, CA any longer, and subsequently moved back home to the New Orleans, LA area, all due to the convenience of the internet. These days, we are all connected globally, no matter where you live.

Creatively, I communicate daily with my musician friends and colleagues via email, file-sharing services, social media, and their various websites. The internet has made making a living as an artist much easier, accessible, and affordable.

What is your favorite song to perform?
My favorite song to perform is a song I wrote in memory of my mother, titled “Elnora.” It will always be played at my shows to commemorate her life and commitment to me during my early years of learning to play music. Had it not been for her support, I would not be doing this interview right now.

Which famous musicians do you admire?
Oh lord, I could get in trouble with this question if I don’t mention somebody, right...? LOL

Ok, so here we go...I admire Miles Davis, Kenny Garrett, Dexter Gordon, John Coltrane, Sonny Stitt, Lou Donaldson, Hank Mobley, John Hendricks, Art Blakey, Jay Beckenstein, Stanley Jordan, Pat Matheny, Mike Stern, Bob Berg, Bob Mintzer, Branford Marsalis, Rick Margitza, Michael Brecker, Grover Washington Jr., Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Jeff Lorber, David Sanborn, Kenny G, Ronnie Laws, Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample, Boney James, Jonathan Butler, Michael Jackson, Prince, Charlie Wilson (The Gap Band), Jefferey Osborne, and then some....I could go on and on with this one!

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Running down the stairs too fast when told not to in second grade. I’m an Angel...I don’t get into trouble. It’s easier and less painful to simply do the right thing and stay out of trouble.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Figure out who you are and be you! Then, and only then, will you find success in not only the music business, but success in life as well! 

You must realize there is only one of you; therefore, you are unique, and you must absolutely 100% believe that and know that.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I would legislate to change the corruption. Hey man, listen...all that glitters isn’t gold. The music industry is the only industry I know of where you don’t know how much something costs. If you go to a restaurant, the price for some French fries is posted, and you know how much you will have to pay to get a small, medium, or large. Not in the music biz, honey.

There are very-very-very high stakes in the music business/industry, therefore, it attracts a lot of spiritually bankrupt, immoral, and corrupt individuals who seek to deceive others and steal profits and money from us, resulting in ill-gotten gains. I do believe, however, with the current state of affairs of some high-profile moguls, that change is already on the way in this regard. Finally.

What’s next?
To continue the path that I have worked so hard to lay out for myself, and drive this Smooth Jazz music to the limits of my imagination, creativity, and knowledge. 

Continuing to not set boundaries, and continuing to allow the primordial vibration to direct my musical path and journey throughout the endless realms of Jazz, Funk, R&B, Gospel, and Blues is my ultimate goal.

What should the world know?
Never give up on your dreams, which are simply goals that you set and achieved through knowledge, hard work, and perseverance. 

Most importantly...KEEP YAHWEH FIRST IN ALL THAT YOU DO!

Quintin Gerard W. is The FnkySax Player!