EP 106: No Theory, Just Soul: J. Saxx’s Take on Musical Mastery

This week on The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with saxophonist J. Saxx, also known as John Watkins, who takes us deep into the grooves of his musical journey—from childhood curiosity to sold-out shows across Ohio.

J. Saxx grew up surrounded by musicians—his father, Rev. John C. Watkins, his uncle Lamar Gaines, and his grandfather Charles Pace—all shaping his early relationship with music. We talk about the moment he ignored his father’s warning and picked up a saxophone left on the couch... and how that one act sparked a lifetime of passion.

He walks us through his time at the Cleveland School of the Arts, switching from clarinet to drums, and ultimately falling in love with jazz. We dig into the tension between theory and intuition, and how he found his groove by listening—really listening—to the feel of a song. He shares how solos are conversations, and why ear training and emotion often outshine technical perfection.

J. Saxx also reflects on his musical mentors like Kenny Legrand and Russell Thompson, his time playing with the Ohio Players and Dazz Band, and the deep love he receives from the Cleveland and Akron communities. You’ll hear how he carved his own lane with help from Eric Gould and how practice became a soulful ritual, not a chore.

If you’ve ever felt like music is your language, this episode will resonate with your spirit.

Connect with J. Saxx: https://www.instagram.com/jsaxx1/