Kyle Turner

Kyle Turner, a creative and innovative artist, has warmed many hearts with the sultry musical notes on his saxophone. Kyle a native Houstonian began his career as a saxophonist at a young age. Under the direction of Algernon Jones in Middle School and James P. Mosely and Alan Beverly at M.B. Smiley High School, he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young saxophonist in the Houston area. When fellow saxophonists Conrad Johnson and Kirk Whalum took Kyle on as a protégé, Kyle's music took on a more serious note.
During his college years at Jackson State University and Texas Southern University, Kyle won numerous awards. Those years afforded him the opportunity to develop his natural talent and abilities for music, especially in area of jazz. The transition from college to the professional arena was an engaging but challenging phase of Kyle's career. Kyle learned to intensify his performances and let the music move through him, taking his audiences along with him on a spiritual journey.
As a result Kyle's fan base began to grow nationally and by the 1990's Kyle was performing regularly. People were plugged into this "rising saxist with the sexy sound” as described by one critic. Kyle's range of music stretches from Straight Ahead Jazz to Fusion, R&B, Gospel, Blues and Smooth Jazz. Kyle has performed with such artists as: Luther Vandross, Johnnie Taylor, Debarge, Bobby Lyle, Kirk Whalum, Regina Belle, Peter White, Joe Sample , Will Downing, Bob Baldwin, Marion Meadows, Ken Navarro, Howard Hewitt, Michael Ward, Joe Carmouche, Dave Marcellin, Derek Bordeaux, Kim Waters, Jeff Kashiwa, Conrad Johnson, Ronnie Laws, Ray Fuller, Kerry Wilkins, Hubert Laws and Althea Rene just to name a few.
His performance with Luther Vandross is documented on the "Luther Vandross Live at Wembly" video. Kyle has also been a featured soloist on recordings with various artists such as: Bobby Lyle, Michael Ward, Kerry Wilkins, Pamela Hart, Thomas Hughes, Howard Harris, Abundant Life Cathedral, Joe Carmouche, Sean McLemore, Dave Marcellin, Derek Bordeaux, Rosalyn McDuffie, Patrick Green, Corey Stoot, Fingerprints, Derrick Edmondson, Bleu Orleans, Derek Dabbs and Morgan Bouldin.
Kyle’s musical journey has taken him all over the world. In 1990, he moved to Austin, Texas where he released his first CD "It's Time" (1992). His second CD "Sincerely Yours", was released in 1995. Shortly after the release of “KT3” Kyle moved to Los Angeles where he quickly established himself as one of the hardest working saxophonist in Southern California. Deciding to get back to his Texas roots, Kyle relocated back to his hometown of Houston, Texas and released his third CD “KT3” in 2002. Since his move Kyle has reinvented himself to take his music and creativity to new heights.
In 2007 he released “Collection”, which is a Best of Kyle Turner CD with a four new releases which includes a steamy rendition of “The Shadow of Your Smile” Kyle is also extremely active in promoting jazz and creating opportunities for jazz musicians in Houston and beyond. He is also busy taking young musicians under his wing to encourage and develop their talents. He has been extremely active as a music educator and lecturer in Houston and surrounding areas. As a result of his success in music performance and music education, Kyle was honored in the 2008 edition of “Who’s Who in Black Houston”.
Constantly searching for new avenues to expand his existing fan base , Kyle and his childhood friend, Warren Smith, formed Bayou City Music Group in 2011. Kyle released his fifth CD “Wrapped Tight”on their Bayou City Music label. Known as an artist that is constantly evolving and pushing his creative envelope to heights that one can’t imagine unless you witness him up close, Kyle released his sixth solo CD “Kyle Turner Live” in 2019. This recording captures the energy and passion of Kyle’s live performances and gives the listener a taste of what it’s like to be a part of a Kyle Turner performance, an experience music lovers must see and hear for themselves.