Jim Piela

Jim Piela is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator based in New York City, where he deftly walks the fine line between order and chaos as jazz musician.

Piela leads the Jim Piela Quartet and co-leads the genre-blending jazz/funk/hip-hop fusion band Planetary People. His latest album, It Comes With the Territory, is a unique blend of modern and traditional jazz concepts_._ Other recent projects include Out of Orbit, Non-Fiction, Planetary People’s Brace for Impact, and Michael Sarian’s Leon.

As an educator, Jim balances a thriving teaching practice with students ranging from beginners to advanced undergraduates. He also serves as a clinician at Essentially Ellington regional festivals, stars as a guest artist, and holds masterclasses at high schools and colleges. He has also served as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Potsdam and NYU, inspiring the next generation of jazz musicians.

Jim’s performances have taken him to some of the world’s most iconic venues, including Lincoln Center, the Blue Note, and Birdland. He has shared the stage (and screen) with the pop icons The Jonas Brothers, YouTube sensation Adam Neely, genre-defying guitarist Shubh Saran, and powerhouse blues singer Bette Smith. His festival appearances span the globe, including the Cork Jazz Festival, the Telluride Blues Festival, The Calgary Folk Festival, and The Legendary Blues Cruise.

Jim’s musical journey started at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Music in 2009. He later completed his Master of Music at the prestigious New York University in 2015, studying with renowned artists such as John Scofield, Dave Pietro, and Mark Turner. While based in New York City, Jim maintains strong connections to his Midwestern roots through students and collaborations.

With a career that bridges artistry and innovation, Jim Piela continues to push the boundaries of jazz, inspiring audiences and students alike. Whether performing on iconic stages, composing bold new works, or mentoring the next generation of musicians, Jim’s work embodies the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire creativity.