Mark Hynes

NYC Saxophonist • Composer • Educator

Mark Hynes is a New York City saxophonist whose sound carries the lineage of Chicago’s hard-swinging tradition and the deep, lyrical phrasing of Detroit’s legendary jazz community. His early development in Detroit placed him alongside Rodney Whitaker, Bobby Battle, and many of the city’s most respected working musicians, shaping a voice grounded in authenticity, groove, and lived tradition.

Now based in New York, Hynes is recognized for a modern approach that blends classic warmth, immaculate time, and an unmistakable smoky subtone rarely heard in today’s saxophone landscape. He has performed and/or recorded with Quincy Jones, Christian McBride, Bernard Purdie, Jon Faddis, Victor Lewis, Darrell Green, Max Weinberg, and the late Dennis Irwin. His most recent release, Tribute, features Irwin’s final unreleased recordings, offering a rare snapshot of three deeply connected musicians at their peak.

Hynes is equally respected as an educator. His teaching combines straight-ahead jazz language, ensemble communication, small-group improvisation, and the craft of developing a personal sound. His clinics are practical, rooted in the working traditions of American jazz, and designed to challenge students to play with intention, clarity, and presence.

Residency Offerings
• Saxophone performance and tone development
• Jazz language and improvisation workshops
• Small-group ensemble coaching
• Rhythm-section and horn-line integration
• Masterclasses grounded in the Chicago–Detroit–NYC lineage
• Student performances and feature opportunities