Wikipedia

Ross Mintzer

Ross Philip Mintzer (born May 26, 1987)[1] is an American musician, singer‑songwriter, and bandleader. Since 2012, he has been the lead vocalist and frontman of the Ross Mintzer Band.[1] In June 2005, he appeared as a performer on National Public Radio's From the Top.[2] In 2011, he started a girls' choir in Karachi, Pakistan and has been recognized by the National Association for Music Education.[3]

Ross Mintzer
Mintzer in 2013
Mintzer in 2013
Background information
Born (1987-05-26) May 26, 1987 (age 39)
New York, New York
GenresWorld, pop, edm, rock, jazz
OccupationsSinger-songwriter, musician
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, flute
Years active2005–present
Websiterossmintzer.com

Early life

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Mintzer was born on May 26, 1987, in New York City to parents Richard and Cheryl Mintzer.[1] He is the grandson of Stanley Kushner, an electrical contractor, and traces his paternal family heritage to Lithuanian-Jewish immigrants.[4][5] Influenced by his uncle, Grammy‑winning saxophonist Bob Mintzer, Ross began learning saxophone at age eight.[6] He later expanded his musical skills to include flute, guitar, vocals, and composition.[7]

While attending Mamaroneck High School, Mintzer played in both jazz ensemble and combo.[8][6][9] He received additional training upon transferring at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and pursued college studies at the Manhattan School of Music.[6][10] Mintzer also studied privately with New York saxophonist, Marc Mommaas.[11]

In 2005, Mintzer was selected as one of 29 high‑school musicians for the Gibson/Baldwin Jazz Ensembles at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, where he performed alongside Benny Golson at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood.[12] Mintzer performed at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood with award-winning Jazz saxophonist Benny Golson.[13][14] That same year, he appeared on NPR’s From the Top program, performing Bach’s Two‑Part Inventions with bassist Michael Thurber.[15][16] Mintzer was also a co‑winner in DownBeat magazine’s 28th annual Student Awards in both the Blues/Pop/Rock Soloist and Jazz Instrumental Soloist categories.[11] Additionally, he was invited to perform for the Jazziz On Disc compilation issued with Jazziz magazine’s October 2005 edition.[17]

Career

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2005–2012: Remington and Music in Pakistan

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Between 2005 and 2012, Mintzer was guitarist and composer for the ensemble Remington, initially a duo with Michael Thurber, later joined by drummer Greg Evans.[10][18] The Band was named after their mentor David Remington.[19] He toured nationally with Thurber, starting music clinics at schools.[20]

In February 2011, Mintzer joined the faculty of the American University of Sharjah’s Performing Arts Department. From October 2011 to February 2012, he taught music and English at The Garage School in Karachi, Pakistan, where he directed a girls’ choir.[21][22] In June 2012, Mintzer biked across the United States to commemorate American military personnel and draw attention to civilian casualties in Pakistan.[23][24]

2012–present: Ross Mintzer

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Mintzer formed the Ross Mintzer Band in 2012, releasing singles such as Victory, World Goes Round, and Lost in America in 2013.[25][26] The band performed across cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.[27] In February 2014, Mintzer appeared on NHK’s World Wave Morning, performing and interviewing about his song Open Happiness.[28]

On May 5, 2014, the Tri‑M Music Honor Society gave him honorary life membership for contributions to music education.[29] On July 7, 2015, Mintzer performed The Star‑Spangled Banner before a Sky Sox baseball game in Colorado Spring.[30]

Mintzer recorded and released several solo singles from 2015 to 2020, including Refugee (2015), Stronger (2016), and Destiny featuring Xav A. (2018).[31][32] He held a part-time instructor position at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s WeBop program in 2016 and 2017.[33]

In 2016, Mintzer collaborated with electronic producer Adessi on the single Breathe, which blended progressive house music with jazz-inspired brass and Middle Eastern instrumentation, accompanied by an experimental music video directed by Aiman Hassani.[34]

Mintzer released his first solo EP Imagine on September 20, 2018.[35][34] He released The Owl on February 13, 2019.[36] In May 2019, Mintzer performed alongside Afghan social activist Fereshteh Forough at an event at The Regency in Brooklyn.[37][38] Later that year, he gave a community performance at Mamaroneck High School in New York.[37][39]

In 2023, he released electronic singles including Silent Glow, Lucid, and Frndly Stars. The track Lucid and his evolving sound, which combines live saxophone performance with EDM production, were examined by Dancing Astronaut in 2024.[40] That same year, his music received attention from We Rave You, which discussed his fusion of genres and incorporation of diverse cultural influences.[41] In November 2024, Mintzer performed at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in a live show that included supporting acts DOKTOR and Nolephant.[42][43]

In 2025, Mintzer released the album aimless mystics, an eight-track self-produced record incorporating elements of pop, electronic dance music, and live saxophone.[44] The album was developed over a period of approximately two years, with some material reportedly performed live before the studio versions were finalized.[45] Its title and conceptual framework draw on Buddhist philosophy, particularly the idea of "aimlessness".[46]

Performing Saxophone at the Dubai Bitcoin Conference at the Dubai International Financial Center in the United Arab Emirates(December 12, 2014)

Musical style

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Mintzer's musical style combines elements of jazz, pop, rock, and electronic dance music, integrating live instrumentation with digital production.[40] Influenced by his uncle, Grammy-winning saxophonist Bob Mintzer, he incorporates saxophone and guitar solos into electronically produced tracks.[40] Tracks such as Victory, World Goes Round, and Lucid illustrate this blend of acoustic and electronic components.[47]

His live performances often include synchronized visuals, such as lighting and laser displays, designed in collaboration with producer Max Koehler.[42] His 2024 performance at the Pablo Center included visual elements synchronized with the setlist and drew on themes from Mintzer’s Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, incorporating the biblical story of Joseph and the concept of dreams to explore identity and personal growth.[48]

Discography

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Albums

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Title Release date Format Label Notes / Reception
aimless mystics[49] October 23, 2025 Album RPM LLC Eight-track album[50]

EPs with Remington

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TitleRelease yearFormatLabelNotes
Songs for Our Friends[51]2007EPRemington / IndependentEarly Remington release
Thank You Mr. Remington[52]2008EPIndependent
Warm Winter[53]2008EPIndependent
Human Music2009EPIndependent

Singles with the Ross Mintzer Band

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TitleRelease dateFormatLabelNotes / Reception
VictoryApril 2013SingleRPM LLCEarly band release
World Goes RoundApril 2013SingleRPM LLCPerformed internationally
Lost in AmericaAugust 2013SingleRPM LLCBand release
Freedom2013SingleRPM LLCBand release
Open Happiness (feat. Milton Vann)2013SingleRPM LLCPerformed live on NHK Japan

Selected Solo Singles and EPs

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TitleRelease dateFormatLabelNotes / Reception
Guayaquil2005SingleIndependentEarly jazz single from Interlochen Arts Academy compilation
Two Step for a Rainy DayAugust 1, 2005SingleJazz at InterlochenFrom *The Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Combo* CD
Refugee[31]2015SingleIndependent
Stronger2016SingleIndependent
Breathe (feat. Adessi)[34] 2016 Single Independent Collaboration
Destiny (feat. Xav A.)January 7, 2018SingleIndependentCollaboration
Imagine[34]September 20, 2018EPIndependentFirst solo EP
The Owl[36]February 13, 2019SingleIndependent
See You Again2019SingleIndependentReleased as part of 2019 solo work
Remember2019SingleIndependentReleased as part of 2019 solo work
Feels The Same2019SingleIndependentReleased as part of 2019 solo work
Days2019SingleIndependentReleased as part of 2019 solo work
Love Me The Way I Am2020SingleIndependentLater solo single
Magician 2021 Single Independent
Shadows 2022 Single Independent
Rain 2022 Single Independent
Reflection 2022 Single Independent
The Fire 2022 Single Independent
Lucid[40]2023SingleIndependent/DigitalProfiled in Dancing Astronaut for EDM-jazz fusion style
Silent Glow[40] 2023 Single Independent
Frndly Stars[40] 2023 Single Independent

References

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  1. 1 2 3 "Ross Mintzer - MusicBrainz". musicbrainz.org.
  2. ↑ "NPR Media Player". www.npr.org. Archived from the original on 2016-03-04.
  3. ↑ "t2f.biz - t2f; Resources and Information". www.t2f.biz. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  4. ↑ "Paid Notice: Deaths KUSHNER, STANLEY". The New York Times. 2005-12-28. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  5. ↑ French, Alvah. "History of Westchester County New York" Lewis Historical Publishing Company, INC. 1925, p. 586
  6. 1 2 3 Schweitzer, Callie (2005-02-09). "Home-Grown Talent Chosen for GRAMMY Band". www.larchmontgazette.com. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  7. ↑ "Change Makers: Ross Mintzer".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  8. ↑ Hermann, Willie (2007-05-24). "Walkathon Continues Memory of Talia, Raises Cancer Funds". www.larchmontgazette.com. Retrieved 2025-07-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  9. ↑ "Mintzer Plays in Dr. Meeker" Larchmont Gazette. May 24, 2007.
  10. 1 2 "The Giving Tree w/ Remington". 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  11. 1 2 Enright, Ed. "Broad Sounds." Downbeat Magazine. June 2005. pg. 114
  12. ↑ BusinessWire, "Students from Across the Nation Chosen by The GRAMMY Foundation to Participate in Prestigious Gibson/Baldwin GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles Program", The Grammy Foundation press release. January 6, 2005.
  13. ↑ BTC Geek. "Ross Mintzer Band (Bitcoin Band) to Perform Live in New York City." BTC Geek. March 29, 2015.
  14. ↑ ">"Gibson Baldwin Grammy Jazz Ensemble Band during GRAMMY Jazz Ensembles..." Getty Images. 2011-12-04. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  15. ↑ "Show 125 | Winona Lake, Indiana | From the Top: Celebrating the energy of America's kids & the power of classical music". www.fromthetop.org. 2005-06-18. Archived from the original on 2013-08-06. Retrieved 2025-07-25.
  16. ↑ "Best Friends Make the Best Music". NPR. 2006-11-01. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  17. ↑ Jazziz on disc. October 2005 : Ed. 5, Limited edition. [Gainesville, Fla.] : Jazziz, [2005] ℗2005, 2005, retrieved 2025-07-25
  18. ↑ Bialczak, Mark. "Evans Brings Remington North for Homecoming." Music Notebook. Syracuse.com. February 7, 2008.
  19. ↑ "Alumni From Touring Band and Education Program." Archived 2011-05-28 at the Wayback Machine From The Top October 28, 2009
  20. ↑ "Band Offers Summer Program to Kids in Michigan".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  21. ↑ Mustafa, Shabina (2012-02-20). "Farewell to our American friend!". Archived from the original on 2014-12-31.
  22. ↑ On Thursday, October 27th, 2011, Ross performed "Amazing Grace" for a group of students at the Garage School in Karachi Pakistan. | Ross Mintzer. Retrieved 2025-07-25 – via www.facebook.com.
  23. ↑ Ross Mintzer (2013-06-30). Stories from Ross Mintzer's Cross-Country Music Tour. Retrieved 2025-07-25 – via YouTube.
  24. ↑ Ross Mintzer (2020-04-16). US Cross-Country Bike Trip. Retrieved 2025-07-25 – via YouTube.
  25. ↑ Michiko Studios. "Ross Mintzer Band" Hot House pg. 19. April, 2015
  26. ↑ "Kenny White -Marty Ballou (bass) with YouTube sensation Ross Mintzer w Kevin Ryan". Pelham Patch. 2013-06-08. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  27. ↑ "The Ross Mintzer Band".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  28. ↑ "World Wave Morning." NHK World. Aired February 22, 2014
  29. ↑ "Mintzer, Ross TRI-M “Honorary Life Membership” " May 5, 2014.
  30. ↑ Performing the national anthem - "The Star-Spangled Banner" on Tenor Saxophone. 2015-07-07. Retrieved 2025-07-25 – via www.facebook.com.
  31. 1 2 Joe (January 7, 2016). "Ross Mintzer - Refugee". Daily Dose of Bass. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
  32. ↑ Listen to my new track Destiny featuring Xav A.! – via www.facebook.com.
  33. ↑ "Story Section" Facebook Inc. January 18, 2017.
  34. 1 2 3 4 Lowrey-Rasmussen, Logan (2016-07-11). "Ross Mintzer & Adessi Debut Strange-tastic Music Video for "Breathe"". Relentless Beats. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  35. ↑ Cameos on Google "How much of your personal experience did you bring to Imagine?" Google Inc. October 28, 2019.
  36. 1 2 Cameos on Google "What inspired you to write The Owl?" Google Inc. November 15, 2019.
  37. 1 2 Cameos on Google "What was your personal highlight of 2019?" Google Inc. October 28, 2019.
  38. ↑ Ross Mintzer (2019-07-09). NEW TRAILS | LIVE AT THE RE:GEN:CY 2019 – via YouTube.
  39. ↑ Live at The Mamaroneck High School | September 20 2019 Facebook Inc. September 25, 2019.
  40. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Ross Mintzer mints kaleidoscopic sonic identity within electronic music". Dancing Astronaut. 2024-09-26. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  41. ↑ Dov, Yotam (2024-09-10). "Ross Mintzer Blends Cultures and Sounds in Modern Music". We Rave You. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  42. 1 2 Boye, Kody (2024-10-09). "Ross Mintzer Brings an Unforgettable Fusion of Sound and Culture to Eau Claire". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  43. ↑ "Ross Mintzer". Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  44. ↑ Downs, Chad (Nov 13, 2025). "The Discovery Mix – Artist Roundup: Feat. Solardo & Alec Monopoly, Barely Alive, ANDRO & More". Cultr. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  45. ↑ Edwards, Alisha (Oct 28, 2025). "Born on Stage: How Ross Mintzer's Aimless Mystics Took Shape in Front of a Live Audience". Gigwise. Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  46. ↑ "The Art of Aimlessness: Ross Mintzer's New Album Turns Philosophy Into Sound". Notion. Oct 10, 2026. Retrieved Apr 6, 2026.
  47. ↑ "Saxophones, Synths, and Surprises: Ross Mintzer's Unmissable Performance". Neon Music. 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2025-07-25.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  48. ↑ Cite error: The named reference rolingstone was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  49. ↑ aimless mystics by Ross Mintzer on Apple Music, 2025-10-23, retrieved 2026-04-06
  50. ↑ "Ross Mintzer returns with a transformative new album, "aimless mystics" – EARMILK". Retrieved 2026-04-06.
  51. ↑ O'Brien Smith, Ben. “Review: Remington – NYC Indie/Dance Rock band doing all the right things” September 28, 2008.
  52. ↑ Bialczak, Mark. "Trio With Heart and Soul" Syracuse(Review Section). March, 2007.
  53. ↑ Brickman, Jared. “New Remington EP: The Warm Winter” April 13, 2008.
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