Saxophonist and Composer

Gabriel Heinemann is a saxophonist and composer born in Madison, Wisconsin, currently living in New York City.

Growing up in a musical household where Jazz records and his brothers practicing were always blaring in the background, Heinemann was influenced to switch from violion to saxophone. From that point on, Heinemann began learning Jazz improvisation, under the guidance of lessons and weekly jam sessions hosted by the local trio The New Breed at the Cardinal Bar.

Heinemann's pursuit of music led him to the Oberlin Conservatory, where he split his time between developing his sound and “hearing” with legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz and learning harmony, rhythm, and improvisation from other greats including Billy Hart, Jay Ashby, and the late Dan Wall. Heinemann continued his development while living in Chicago, where he studied and performed with veteran drummer Vincent Davis and pianist Jim Baker.

Once described as a "foil" to other saxophonists in the scene with a “sweet” sound, Heinemann prioritizes space, melody, and timbre when composing and improvising. Lessons with Bartz informed Heinemann's relentless pursuit of melody and hearing, a foundation he continues to draw from, and which includes writing down melodic ideas heard internally first without the constraints of form and chord structures. This form of melodic interplay is heavily featured in his 2024 debut trio album, After a Break and continues to inform his quartet writing. Whether in improvised or experimental music contexts, Heinemann's approach also seeks to engage with and communicate to the audience.

Heinemann currently performs with his own quartet in NYC and is debuting his production/ambient music duo project will o' wisp with LA-based drummer/producer Tim Voet. He also remains connected to the Chicago scene and is working to release the debut album of Chicago-based quartet, Folkus.