CARL COX Sax Syndicate

Saxophonist • Collaborator • Recording Artist

Smooth Jazz | R&B | Funk | Soul | Fusion

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A middle-aged man with gray hair and stubble, wearing a dark blazer, holding a saxophone, sitting indoors with wooden shelves in the background.

About Carl Cox, Jr.

Renowned for his unmistakable groove, refined musical sensibility, and unwavering professionalism, Carl Cox has established himself as a powerful and influential force in contemporary music.

A respected saxophonist and collaborator, Carl’s work spans Smooth Jazz, R&B, Funk, Fusion, and Contemporary Soul. His musical journey is shaped by a strong command of rhythm, harmony, and musical storytelling, allowing him to contribute depth and character to every project he is involved in.

Carl brings intention and clarity to each performance, enhancing compositions with warmth, balance, and musical insight. His ability to support, elevate, and shape the overall sound makes him a valued presence in both studio and live settings.

Over the years, Carl has collaborated with an impressive roster of accomplished artists and is widely regarded as a trusted, first-call collaborator. His versatility across genres—paired with a consistent and distinctive musical voice—continues to define his growing impact in contemporary music.

See Extended Biography
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Recent Performances

Carl Cox, Jr. teamed up with Tim Hutson and his band, the Sax Syndicate, on May 24th at the Sellersville Theater

Past Performances

Driven by passion and built on rhythm, this is where bold musicianship meets exceptional execution.

Let’s create meaningful experiences together.

Carl Cox performs Cold Duck Time by Eddie Harris at Jazz Night inside the Three Sixty Lounge at Parx Casino.

On a Wednesday night — with no advertising or promotion from the artist or management — Carl’s performance organically drew a crowd of more than 75 people who gathered to enjoy the music, the groove, and the energy of the evening.

An excerpt of “Valdez in the Country “ performed by the incredible bassist and showman, Gerald Veasley, featuring our own Carl Cox on saxophone, Tim Hutson on drums, Donald Robinson on keyboards, and Curtis McCain on percussion.

Once again, another warm, groovy blanket of comfort surrounds us as these incredible musicians lock in together and create a moment that feels soulful, effortless, and unforgettable. #BERKSJAZZFEST

Carl Cox, Maysa, and Everette Harp

Carl Cox with Maysa and Everette Harp

Carl and Everette Harp

Carl Cox with Everette Harp

Carl performed with Everette Harp at the Berks Jazz Fest and absolutely hit it out of the park. The tune, Mister Magic, was performed as a tribute to the legendary Grover Washington Jr., and both Carl and Everette beautifully captured the silky smooth groove and soulful energy Grover was so well known for.

The audience was thrilled to see Carl not only hold his own, but truly shine alongside saxophone royalty like Everette Harp.

Gerald Veasley hosted the late-night jam and held down the bass, while our own Tim Hutson drove the groove on drums. Curtis McCain brought incredible energy on percussion, and Donald Robinson added rich textures on keyboards.

Without question, this was one of our favorite moments of the entire festival. Watching two of our bullpen members share the stage with Everette Harp, Gerald Veasley, Donald Robinson, and Curtis McCain created something truly special — it felt like a comfy blanket of groove was laid over us. #BERKSJAZZFEST

Two musicians on stage playing saxophones, with colorful stage lighting in the background.

Carl with fellow saxophonist extraordinaire, Everette Harp #BERKSJAZZFEST

Tim Hutson on Drums!

  • A man wearing sunglasses and a black quilted jacket standing outdoors near a green fence and leafless trees, with mailboxes behind him. The image has text that says: "KEEP IT IN THE LOCKET, CAN I BOX".

    Timeless groove. Pure musical authority

  • Close-up of a 1950s red Cadillac car with chrome details, featuring the text 'Carl Cox Cruzein 65' in stylish font.

    Where rhythm, tone, and intention meet

  • Album cover with a man playing saxophone, cityscape background, and neon lights, titled "Carl Cox Philly Strut".

    Music that moves—on recording & on stage

Two men hugging on stage, one holding an alto saxophone, with a microphone on a stand and blue stage lighting in the background.

Great Performances, Happy Audiences!

Mike Phillips gives Carl Cox, Jr. some love and encouragement saying that he supports his career 1000% just like Wayman Tisdale did for him! Mike, give us a call! This was after Carl did a solo at Mike’s request.

Three people smiling at a music event, one man holding a saxophone, woman in the middle, two men on either side, standing in front of brown walls with an exit sign above.

Mike Phillips, Maysa Leak, and Carl Cox, Jr. share a moment. Maysa has been so incredibly supportive of Carl’s career and has encouraged him to fly freely to explore his own creativity. Maysa is an incredible human, and we applaud her and all that she does to support her artist band members.

A selfie of a man and a woman smiling at the camera, with a man in the background wearing glasses, a cap, and a black jacket.

Carl with the Legendary,

Regina Belle!

Two musicians, one man and one woman, performing on stage. The man is playing a saxophone, and the woman is singing or speaking into a microphone. The stage is lit with blue and purple lights, with a textured background.
A man and a woman taking a selfie together at an indoor event, with a buffet station visible in the background and other people in the distance.

Carl Twirls Wanda onstage and the audience erupted!

Carl with the Amazing Violinist Chelsea Green

A man playing a saxophone on stage, with a black wall behind him featuring red writing that says, "Life is a lot like jazz... it's based on improvisation."
A man playing a saxophone with eyes closed, wearing a dark shirt, on a stage with purple lighting, accompanied by other musicians.
A man in a dark blazer and jeans holding a gold saxophone, standing against a black background with purple lighting.
A group of musicians performing on stage with colorful lighting; one man is playing the saxophone, another with glasses is holding a clarinet, and a third man with his back turned is playing a guitar.

Carl’s pinch-me moment. Sharing the stage performing with the amazing and legendary Everett Harp. Carl said the feeling was thrilling, exhilarating, and a little daunting all at once. Carl held his own without effort. So, we know Everett was as impressed as we were! Gerlad Veasley hosted the late night Jam session. It was truly EPIC.

Three people smiling and posing for a photo indoors. Two men and one woman, with a black curtain and ceiling lights in the background.

Carl with the Vocal Queen, Maysa Leak and Saxophone Virtuoso, Everett Harp

Carl Cox Sax Syndicate

Carl will play solo or perform with his 4-6-piece band. When playing with his band, the Sax Syndicate, he prefers to perform with a keyboardist, lead guitarist, bassist, drummer, and percussionist if the budget allows. His saxophone skills are second to none and are admired and appreciated by his peers. He collaborates with many well-known, accomplished smooth jazz artists.

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Celebrated Artist Accolades for Carl

Will Donato

"Carl Cox is a truly singular talent whose musical point of view is informed by putting the time into his craft, sharing the gifts of his artistry as an educator, and possessing a compelling, signature sound as both a player and composer. The future of contemporary jazz and music is in such great hands with this dynamic player on the horizon. He has earned the respect of his peers and inspires others on their own musical journeys! Carl, we celebrate your brilliant career and well-earned successes to come!"

-Will Donato-Inner Vision Recording Artist

A man wearing a black hat, beige scarf, and a black patterned jacket, holding a brass saxophone, posing against a dark gray background.

Kirk Whalum

​​​​​​Say it, Brother! Carl Cox gives me hope for the dispensation to come with his new CD. Dispensation? Yep. Of solid, big and warm sound, of soul rooted in 'the real thing' so much so that I think I just saw Turrentine, Hank and Fat Head slap some dap on this one! Say it, Brother, clear, funky, and real!

-Kirk Whalum, Saxophonist

A man in a black jacket holds a silver saxophone, with the bell facing towards the camera, smiling and standing against a plain background.

Najee

"Innovative, expressive, high saxophone and musical IQ. These are just some of the descriptive words that define Carl Cox. A veteran whose time has come to be front and center to bring his unique approach to smooth jazz.

-Najee, jazz saxophonist and flautist

Maysa

"I've been loving Carl Cox's sound since the day he joined my band over 12 years ago. I'm so proud of this record, "Thankful"! It truly and sublimely showcases his virtuosity, tones, colors, soul, and spirit with a good dose of FUNK!"

-Maysa, smooth jazz solo artist and lead vocalist for the British band Incognito.

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Carl’s Career as a Jazz Music Instructor

BRINGING YOUR PASSIONS INTO THE CLASSROOM

Deptford High jazz instructor Carl Cox has been named an outstanding educator for 2025 by the New Jersey Association for Jazz Education.

Cox – also the school’s jazz ensemble director – received the award at a conference in North Brunswick on Nov. 14. The association promotes and advances jazz education in schools. When selecting a recipient, it looks for an educator who demonstrates “the highest standards of teaching excellence,” according to the association website, and who is dedicated to the jazz education community.

Two men standing indoors, smiling and holding an award plaque. The man on the left has short dark hair, a beard, and is wearing a gray jacket. The man on the right has gray hair, glasses, and is wearing a black suit and tie. There are musical instruments and microphones in the background, indicating a formal event or ceremony.

Link to Full Article

Man with gray hair and beard playing a saxophone in a dimly lit room.

Link to full article

Carl is Named Outstanding Educator for 2025 by NJEA for Jazz Education!

Our own Carl Cox continues to draw attention for his outstanding music instruction! NJEA (New Jersey Education Association) featured Carl in their April 2026 magazine. A great 3-page article! Here is an excerpt.

How a Gloucester County music educator builds relationships with students 

By Sal Randazzo 
On any given school day, you can find NJEA member Carl Cox conducting jazz ensemble rehearsals, running piano labs, and teaching instrumental lessons. After dismissal, though, you’ll often catch him rushing off to a recording studio, a local gig, or Philadelphia International Airport for his after-hours career as a professional saxophonist.  

Cox is in his 22nd year of teaching at Deptford High School in Gloucester County, where he graduated in 1996. He earned a bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance and a master’s degree in music education from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Since then, he has built his reputation as a musician, performing with artists like Kirk Franklin, The Roots, and Sugarland. He also has three contemporary jazz solo albums to his credit, with several singles in rotation on SiriusXM Watercolors channel 66.  

Cox says his passion for music keeps him going. “It’s why I got into the field. To be able to perform and come back to school to share that experience. I just love doing it, so I don’t really think about being tired.” 

CARL COX “ELEVATION” FULL VIDEO

Ready to Work with Carl Cox?

Carl brings groove, precision, and musical depth to every project—on stage and in the studio.

Collaboration & Live Performance

Carl’s reputation as a collaborative artist extends far beyond technical excellence. He brings a deep understanding of ensemble dynamics, an intuitive sense of musical conversation, and the ability to elevate any project with his distinctive musical voice.

  • First-call studio and live collaborator for major recording artists and producers

  • Trusted creative partner across jazz, R&B, funk, and contemporary genres

  • Reliable, well-prepared, and imaginative approach to every session

  • Powerful yet understated stage presence that always serves the music

  • Equally experienced in intimate club settings and large-scale festival stages

  • Quick learner who adapts seamlessly to diverse musical environments

  • Plays regularly with well known R&B, and Jazz Artist Maysa Leak

Three musicians performing indoors with a black wall behind them. One on the left playing guitar, the middle musician playing a saxophone, and the right musician playing an acoustic guitar. The background has chalk-written text that says: 'Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise' and a logo that reads 'SOUL SOUTH'.