Brad Leali

“His solos are sparkling and Cannonball Adderley influenced.” — The Evening Standard, London
“Brad Leali was among the most soulful and exciting saxophonists I’ve heard recently.” — The New York Times

With a unique style and sound that echo the influences of his past, Brad Leali stands as one of the most notable saxophonists of current times. A native of Denver, Colorado, Leali was raised in the Baptist church, where gospel music formed the foundation of his musical identity. In addition to the spiritual sounds that shaped his early life, he spent countless hours listening to the music his parents loved—John Coltrane, Cannonball Adderley, Charlie Parker, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, and Nancy Wilson. It is no wonder that, from a young age, he naturally combined gospel, jazz, and R&B; into a distinctive and soulful musical voice.

While studying the saxophone, Leali spent his formative years immersed in Denver’s vibrant live jazz scene. One venue in particular—El Chapultepec, owned by Jerry Krantz—became a pivotal part of his musical upbringing. Krantz welcomed young musicians like Leali, giving them the chance to listen, learn and eventually sit in. It was at “The Pec” that Leali first encountered many of his early mentors
and local legends: Billy Tolles, Billy Wallace, Homer Brown, Nat Yarbrough, and others. He also had invaluable opportunities to hear and study with jazz greats such as Clark Terry, Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson, and Count Basie alumnus Frank Wess—experiences that deeply shaped his developing artistry.

Leali earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from North Texas State University in 1989 (now the University of North Texas), where he performed with the world-renowned One O’Clock Lab Band®. Upon graduating, he was immediately recruited by the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra, serving as lead alto saxophonist and musical director from 1989 to 1994. During this period, the orchestra toured internationally and recorded two acclaimed albums—"When My Heart Finds Christmas" and "Red Light, Blue Light."

Leali entered the Count Basie Orchestra in 1995 at the invitation of Frank Foster and later continued with the band under Grover Mitchell, gaining invaluable experience from both legendary leaders. During his years as one of the top jazz musicians in New York City, Leali became a fixture in legendary venues such as the Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Jazz Standard, Iridium, and Birdland. He
also performed with jazz vocal legend Nancy Wilson and was a member of Benny Golson’s Big Band, further establishing himself as one of the most expressive and versatile saxophonists of his generation.

Leali’s desire to “pay it forward” and help sustain the legacy of jazz led him to earn a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed Director of Jazz Studies at Texas Tech University, where several scholarships—including the Brad Leali Jazz Scholarship—were established in his honor. In 2008, he joined the esteemed University of North Texas faculty as Professor of Jazz Saxophone, where he continues to mentor and inspire the next generation of jazz artists.

Over the course of his teaching career, Leali has helped shape countless young musicians who have gone on to become top educators, touring and recording artists, arrangers, composers, and influential leaders across the music industry. His former students continue to inspire new generations through their achievements and contributions. 

Leali is proudly endorsed by Conn-Selmer Saxophones and D’Addario Reeds, partnerships reflecting his commitment to exceptional sound, craftsmanship, and artistic integrity.

In addition to his extensive work as a featured soloist and collaborator, Leali leads his own quartet, quintet, and ten-piece Groove-tet. His smaller ensembles showcase his gospel-rooted soulfulness, rich improvisational voice, and expressive original writing. The Groove-tet—co-led with his wife, Carla Helmbrecht, on vocals—is known for its deep grooves, strong influences of swing and the blues, high energy, and tasty, thoughtful arrangements that consistently captivate and engage audiences. Together, these groups continue to bring Leali’s distinctive artistry to listeners across the United States and abroad.

Leali also enjoys a prominent role as a touring and recording member of Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, bringing his unmistakable sound to major concert halls, festivals, and broadcast appearances throughout the world. His dynamic presence, versatility, and stylistic range have made him a standout voice within the ensemble, further amplifying his reputation as one of today’s most expressive and engaging saxophonists. 

“Allow yourself to be excellent. Allow yourself the gift of humility, which will allow you to experience true victory.” — Brad Leal