David Bixler is the leader of TRIO INCOGNITO and a renowned alto saxophonist, composer, and educator who has recently

revitalized his career with the release of three new recordings: In the Face of Chaos (2019),

Blended Lineage (2020), and Inside the Grief (2020). His latest work, THE LANGSTON

HUGHES PROJECT vol. 1, is a unique compilation of music inspired by the poetry of

Langston Hughes, which has been highly praised by PARIS-MOVE as “a touch of genius.”

Having moved to New York City (NYC) three decades ago, Bixler honed his musical skills

touring the world with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi. He later became

part of the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, playing a decade-long residency of Sunday

evenings at Birdland and winning a LATIN GRAMMY for the recording, Final Night at

Birdland.

However, a personal family tragedy, a traumatic brain injury suffered by his youngest son, led

Bixler to change his priorities over the past decade. This shift in priorities and perspective is

reflected in his recent creative works.

For the recording In the Face of Chaos, Bixler assembled pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Ike Sturm

and percussionist Rogerio Boccato who are sensitive interpreters of Bixler’s music. Their

combined effort produces music that is challenging for the listener without being afraid to

embrace beauty. In All About Jazz, Dan Bilawsky writes “In the Face of Chaos marks a re-

emergence, if not a complete artistic rebirth, for David Bixler. It serves as a true inspiration,

drawing beauty from pain, and peace from personal struggle . . . In the face of chaos, with

Bixler's knowing horn leading the way, wisdom and wonder win out.”

Blended Lineage, a four-movement work for nine musicians was included in Jay Miller’s Best of

2020 in The Patriot Ledger. The recording features trumpeter Mike Rodriguez, pianist Jon

Cowherd, along with a string quartet. Marco Cangiano, writing about Bixler’s playing in New

York City Jazz Record states, “There is no rush, no instance on patterns, just the careful choice

of the right note and an unusual openness to what the other musicians have to say.”

Besides his work as a musician, Bixler also hosts a podcast called LINER NOTES with David

Bixler, where he holds conversations with other jazz musicians. He serves as Director of Jazz

Studies at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. As a Selmer and Vandoren

Artist, he also works as a clinician and performer worldwide.