Sarah Hanahan is an emerging jazz saxophonist based in New York City and a leading voice in the world of alto saxophone. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music (B.A., 2019) and The Juilliard School (M.M., 2022), Sarah has studied with jazz greats like Abraham Burton, Nat Reeves, Steve Davis, Billy Drummond, and Marc Cary. Her distinctive style blends tradition with innovation, earning recognition for her dynamic performances and compelling musical voice.

Sarah has performed with renowned musicians such as Jeff “Tain” Watts, Nat Reeves, Peter Martin, Steve Davis, Billy Hart, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jason Moran, Marc Cary, Joseph Farnsworth, Peter Washington, and Nicholas Payton. She regularly leads her own group at iconic New York venues including Smalls Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, Smoke Jazz Club, Birdland, and Zinc Bar.

In addition to performing in NYC, Sarah has toured nationally and internationally with her band SH4, as well as with Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y, Sherrie Miracle and the Diva Orchestra, Joe Farnsworth, and the Grammy-award winning Mingus Big Band.

Her debut album, Among Giants, is out now, receiving a 5-star review in Downbeat Magazine and included in their list of Best Albums of the Year for 2024. Featuring a powerhouse rhythm section of Marc Cary, Nat Reeves, and Jeff “Tain” Watts, the album highlights Sarah’s bold and expressive sound.

Sarah’s music bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, blending the timeless elements of jazz with fresh, contemporary ideas. With her unique sound and thoughtful approach, she is shaping the future of jazz, inspiring listeners to embrace both the roots and evolution of the genre.