Roy Nathanson
jazzpassengers.com
Roy Nathanson is a saxophonist/composer/teacher and writer who has been the co-leader of the Jazz Passengers since l987. As a former member of the Lounge Lizards and leader of the Passengers, Roy has written and performed jazz influenced songs that have borrowed from a variety of genres. The songs have been performed and recorded by Elvis Costello, Debbie Harry, Jeff Buckley, Jimmy Scott and a number of other great vocalists. He has toured the world since the early 80’s and written for a variety of films and theatre works earning Bessie and Joseph Jefferson Awards as well as a number of composing grants. Through grants from Meet the Composer and the Annenberg Foundation, Roy has developed a method of teaching songwriting to elementary school children. He is also a NY State Certified Music Teacher who has brought his school bands to perform at NY Jazz Festivals and currently runs an instrumental music program at the 6-12th grade Institute for Collaborative Education Manhattan.