Lummie Spann
Hartford Sax Master
Saxophonist Lummie Spann blends deep Hartford jazz lineage with a powerful, soulful modern voice — offering performances rooted in tradition, mentorship, and world-class artistry.
About
Lummie Spann is a saxophonist from Hartford, Connecticut, whose musical journey began at age 10 and flourished through the Artist Collective, founded by Jackie McLean. He studied with leading educators and musicians including Kris Jensen, Jimmy Greene, Wayne Escoffrey, Abraham Burton, Steve Davis, Zaccai Curtis, and Luques Curtis. After attending the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, he earned a full scholarship to the Hartt School of Music, studying under Jackie McLean, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Michael Weiss, and Harold Danko. A 2001 honors graduate in African American Music, Spann co-leads the New Jazz Workshop with bassist Dezron Douglas. He later completed the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead residency, earned an M.M. from SUNY Purchase, and in 2011 received the Jackie McLean Fellowship, becoming the first performing artist honored with the award. He is currently an assistant professor at the Jackie McLean Institute at the Hartt School.
Music Style
Spann’s sound draws from the rich Hartford jazz tradition — soulful tone, expressive improvisation, and a deep post-bop vocabulary shaped by his mentors. His playing bridges straight-ahead swing, modern jazz language, and a strong connection to community and heritage.
Background
- Hometown
- Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- Education
- Hartt School (B.A. African American Music); SUNY Purchase (M.M. Music Performance)
- Instruments
- alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
- Active
- 1990s–present
Similar Artists
If you like Jackie McLean, Jimmy Greene, or Abraham Burton — you’ll love Lummie Spann