Let's Talk About Sax

Sam Dillon is New York City’s resident sax star, sought-after by everyone from seminal songstress Sienna Spiro to jazz stalwart Michael Feinstein. A regular on the Django stage, Dillon’s popularity has only increased of late, with a near steady stream of international tours and club/concert hall performances. On a rare day off between gigs, Dillon sat down with Jon Regen, Entertainment Director of GrandLife Hotels, to talk about his ascent and work ethic. Don’t miss him next on the Django stage Saturday, September 19th at 11 PM. Reserve a table HERE.

 

Where are you from originally?

I was originally born in Queens and I lived in a Tribeca loft with my family until we moved to Long Island in the fourth grade. That’s where I grew-up.

 

Do you remember the first time you heard jazz?

My parents were and still are big jazz fans, so it’s very difficult to say but jazz was always playing in our house. In fact, my father played drums and went to Berklee for a year before becoming an architect, so it was in my blood. The first recordings I remember are Miles Davis’ “Round Midnight”, John Coltrane’s “Blue Trane”, Dizzy Gillespie’s “Sonny Side Up” and Eddie Harris’s “Exodus To Jazz”.

 

Who do you consider your earliest musical influences?

John Coltrane, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Sonny Rollins, and Coleman Hawkins. I was immediately attracted to the great players and somehow knew I was listening to something incredible before I had anyone explain it to me. I genuinely fell in love with the music from a very young age.

 

What was the most memorable concert you attended as a listener?

There are two; I saw Stanley Turrentine when I was about 15 years old, as well as Herbie Hancock’s Directions In Music Band with Michael Brecker when I was about 16.

 

You’ve been touring with the famed singer and pianist Michael Feinstein of late. Tell us what it’s like to work with him.

Michael is a total pro in all aspects of the word. He’s a real “old school” showman and I’ve learned a lot watching him. He’s also an incredible musician and honors the jazz tradition with every performance by somehow always adding something different and fresh. Everyone is treated so well too and it’s really an honor to be part of his world. He’s always an incredibly knowledgeable historian and I’ve learned so music history just from hanging out with him.

 

What are your three desert island discs

John Coltrane’s “Blue Train”, Dizzy Gillespie’s “Sonny Side Up” and Michael Brecker’s “Time Is Of The Essence”.

 

You were recently on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon with singing sensation Sienna Spiro. Tell us about working with her?

She’s an absolutely incredible talent and I love her vibe. It was a lot of fun doing Fallon and then going down to Austin with her for a week on the PBS show Austin City Limits. She’s very soulful and beautiful. Tt was a treat.

 

What’s the hardest thing about making a career in music?

I feel very blessed and I don’t think anything in particular has been too difficult for me. I’ve always been a big believer in making sure you have the music side of things completely down, practicing tirelessly and being obsessively committed to perfecting your craft. And at the same time, treating everyone and everything with respect and love is also something I’m a big believer in too. I think if you have that combination you’ll be very successful. On a more personal level, I can be a very intense person so I’ve learned that there’s a need for boundaries and space for self-reflecting and time to recharge.

 

Why do you love performing at the Django?

The Django combines a hip atmosphere with an authentic jazz feel. It’s the only club like it in NYC and it’s always fun for me to be there!

 

What’s next for you in 2026 and 2027?

My quintet project with Andrew Gould will be coming out on La Reserve and Pinch Records later this year. This is our third album and I’m really proud of this project and the music we are getting to. I also have a few tribute shows; I’ll be performing for John Coltrane’s centennial and Jimmy Heath’s centennial with my quartet. I’ve also be subbing on the Broadway show “Just In Time” and In addition to that, I’m a proud member of the Mingus Big Band, the 8-Bit Big Band, Steven Feifke Big Band and Birdland Big Band. Again, I’m very grateful to be working and I’m looking forward to a busy upcoming schedule.