New York-based, Denver-bred saxophonist Rico Jones has an impressive resume, especially for someone so young. At just 16, Jones was named one of KUVO’s best “30 under 30” jazz musicians. With guidance from some of Denver’s jazz elite, he soon made the move to New York at 18. He attended the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, studying with Paquito D’Rivera, Miguel Zenón and Buster Williams. Rico has performed with jazz heavyweights including Terence Blanchard, Veronica Swift, Dave Kikoski, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Cyrus Chestnut, Sullivan Fortner, Bobby Watson, Eric Harland, Matt Penman, Jonathan Kreisberg, Ari Hoenig, Lage Lund and many others. Jones has garnered a long list of accolades including DownBeat awards for Best Jazz Soloist and Best Jazz Arrangement. He was selected to participate in the Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program at the Kennedy Center, as well as the Jazz Aspen Snowmass workshop with Christian McBride. Rico has also made history co-leading the nation’s first All-Indigenous Big Band, touring Alaska in 2023.