“Lee achieved the principles of truth, goodness and beauty with his music.” (Filipe Freitas, Jazz Trail)

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Kenji Lee is a saxophonist, double bassist, composer-improviser, and educator based in Southeastern Michigan.

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Born in Tokyo, Japan, and raised in the seaside town of Laguna Beach, California, Lee began studying music at an early age and spent most of his childhood immersed in music. He spent nearly a decade learning from the late-great bassist and educator Roger Shew. Lee relocated to the Midwest to attend the University of Michigan. Lee has studied privately with Andrew Bishop, Roger Shew, Jeff Ellwood, Bill McHenry, Robert Hurst, Benny Green, and Miles Okazaki.

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In 2022, Lee released his debut full-length album, “Kyudo”, featuring the Fortune Teller Trio (Lee on saxophones, bassist Andy Peck and percussionist Jonathan Barahal Taylor, as well as special guest, vocalist Estar Cohen) to critical acclaim. The ensemble was subsequently selected as a featured artist at the 2023 Detroit International Jazz Festival.