Max Abrams is a seasoned Nashville-based saxophonist, educator, and arts leader with over 25 years of professional experience in the music industry. As Executive and Artistic Director of the Nashville Jazz Workshop, Max brings a unique blend of high-level artistic vision and administrative expertise to one of the region’s premier jazz institutions.

Throughout his prolific performance career, Max has recorded or performed with an extraordinary range of icons, including The Mavericks (of which he has been a member since 2009), Buddy Guy, Chris Stapleton, Yo-Yo Ma, and Lionel Richie. His work has been featured on major platforms such as The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, and PBS Great Performances, as well as television soundtracks for Nashville and True Detective. As a solo artist, he has produced six records, most recently the critically acclaimed Samba Americana.

Beyond the stage, Max is a dedicated educator and innovator. He is co-founder and director of The Sax Loft, a premier online learning platform developed in collaboration with Jeff Coffin, Kirk Whalum, and Tia Fuller. A graduate of Princeton University, Max has spent over 15 years developing music programs and community engagement initiatives in Nashville. At NJW, he is focused on strengthening the local jazz ecosystem and creating meaningful jazz programming for all Nashvillians.