Roy McGrath Jazz Trio

Biography

Roy McGrath is a Chicago-based tenor saxophonist, composer, and bandleader born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His Irish last name comes from his Mexican-American father, who met his Irish-German mother in Puerto Rico. He sang in school choirs before picking up the saxophone at age 16 and attended the Berklee College of Music Summer program, followed by education in Boston, New Orleans, and other locations.[2][3][4][7][8]

McGrath has developed a career blending jazz, Latin, and pop styles, staying connected to his Puerto Rican heritage through compositions and performances that reinterpret classics from the island, such as tunes by Antonio Caban Vale. Based in Chicago, known for blues, he leads ensembles that homage Puerto Rican music with idiomatic brilliance, featuring precise melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. A Latin Grammy-nominated artist, he has released albums like Menjunje in 2025, showcasing his vision with talented musicians.[1][5][6]

His musical style reflects a melting pot of traditions, rarely straying from his roots despite influences from various genres and cities. Leading from the front without overpowering his band, McGrath's work flows with vocal elegance and sincerity, contributing to Latin jazz through bandleading and reinterpretations of cultural classics.[1][8]

Fun Facts

• Roy McGrath's Irish surname derives from his Mexican-American father who met his Irish-German mother in Puerto Rico.
• He began his musical journey singing in school choirs in San Juan before taking up the saxophone at age 16.
• Despite being based in Chicago, the blues capital, McGrath has rarely strayed from his Puerto Rican musical heritage.
• His 2025 album Menjunje uses the title as a metaphor for a 'magical cure,' homageing Puerto Rican music contributions.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Constantine Alexander - trumpet player in Roy McGrath's ensemble (Menjunje album) [2025]
• Eduardo Zayaz - pianist in Roy McGrath's ensemble (Menjunje album) [2025]
• Kitt Lyles - contrabass player in Roy McGrath's ensemble (Menjunje album) [2025]
• Efraín Martínez - drummer in Roy McGrath's ensemble (Menjunje album) [2025]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. BYOB (Long Shot)
2. Mr Chow (Long Shot)
3. A Child Is Born (Long Shot)
4. Footprints (Long Shot)
5. When I Leave You (Long Shot)
6. Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby (Long Shot)
7. Peaches (Long Shot)
8. When I Leave You (Alternate Take) (Long Shot)

External Links

• Spotify