Ryan Anselmi is a Saxophonist, Educator and ARC Recording Artist known for his soulful approach to improvisation and deep respect for Jazz, Blues and American roots music. With a career spanning multiple genres, Anselmi’s versatility has also led him to work with The Temptations, The Coasters, Atomic Funk Project, José James, Craig Owens and the Bodo Ensemble, Singer/Songwriter Jon Foose, The Gold Magnolias, Dave Wilson & The Summer Husbands and College Radio.
His lifelong pursuit of studying and performing this music began at an early age, in Paola, KS studying with Charles Kessinger and being supported by his band director, David Hodges. From there he began to playing with the Twin Rivers Dixieland Jazz Band from Osawatomie, KS around the Kansas City area. This early exposure laid the foundation for a career dedicated to both honoring tradition and pushing musical boundaries. Anselmi’s dedication to Jazz was cemented through a long-standing residency at The Garage on 7th Avenue South in New York City’s Greenwich Village, where he honed his distinctive voice as both a player and bandleader leading his quintet on a weekly basis as part of their musical lineup.
Anselmi has toured nationally performing on stages like stages like Rockwood Music Hall, Brooklyn Bowl, Mondo Music Festival and the Heritage Music BluesFest. Internationally, he has been on stages in London, Paris, Amsterdam with a notably week long stretch with the legendary Blues and Jazz pianist Junior Mance at Marian’s in Bern, Switzerland. This tour included an unforgettable experience standing alongside on stage with the great James Moody. Something that Anselmi carry’s with him every time he performs regardless of they type of music he is playing. You can catch Ryan performing with his group RA & Co or see him around the NYC area playing with various groups spanning multiple genres and styles.
Beyond performance, Anselmi is deeply committed to music education, striving to inspire and mentor the next generation of musicians. His expressive playing and compositional sensibilities bridge tradition and innovation, bringing fresh perspectives to both jazz and beyond. Ryan currently teaches privately in the NJ & NYC area.
Check out Ryan’s interview with Neon Jazz
