The New Jersey Jazz Education Achievement Award
On an annual basis, the NJAJE Board of Directors is proud to nominate a New Jersey jazz educator who has demonstrated the highest standards of teaching excellence and dedication to the jazz education community. The award is presented annually in November at the State Jazz Conference and again at the final concert of the NJ All State Jazz Ensemble and NJ All State Jazz Choir at NJPAC. A commemorative plaque is presented to each recipient.
2025 Awardee: Mr. Carl Cox
Carl Cox is a touring saxophonist and solo recording artist from Southern New Jersey. Carl can be seen performing nationally and abroad with a variety of musical icons throughout the course of the year which include Smokey Robinson, Maysa, Incognito, Gerald Veasley and many more. His expertise on saxophone can be heard on a variety of major grammy award winning recordings , live performances and features on national radio . Many of his solo career singles can also be heard on XM radio which has earned the top spots on Billboard chart adds over the course of the year.
Carl grew up in Deptford, New Jersey where he is currently teaching high school music and sharing his passion of performance to his younger students. He received his Bachelor's degree in saxophone performance and Masters in Education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. During his time at University of the Arts, Carl had the opportunity to showcase his talent to other bands and musicians in the area where he began performing local weddings and private events. Shortly after graduating he began to get calls for touring acts from playing in different jam sessions around the area, leading to a great deal of recording/television /tours in the past 20 years.
Carl currently can be seen performing with : Smokey Robinson, Maysa Leak, Gerald Veasley , US dates for Incognito
Carl has performed/ toured with : Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Peter White,Jeff Lorber, Billy Paul,Chuck Loeb, Ed Hamilton, Doc Powell, Sister Sledge, Miles Jaye, Brian Culbertson, Quest Love, Mary J. Blige, Jay Z, Vivian Green, Jill Scott, The Stylistics ,The O Jays, Marcus Johnson, Fred Hammond, Ledisi, Common, Salt and Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Ndea(Brand New Heavies)and a variety of other artists in his tenure.
Recordings include : Gospel vocalist Tye Tribbet who was awarded best gospel album of the year by the Grammy Association, Will Smith, Maysa Leak ( 2 featured solo cuts),Ellye Eyre, Roisin Murphy, Vivian Green , R Kelly , Boys II Men , Gerald Levert , Jeff Bradshaw, Kirk Franklin("Whole Nation" on Fight of my Life album), Fantasia Trey Songz (song "Unusual"), and Musiq Soulchild and his current solo album.
Live TV Broadcasts and appearances with: -Vivian Green on Carson Daly Show - TBN appearances with Kirk Franklin -VH1 Hip Hop Honors Awards ceremony -Various BET appearances with Kirk Franklin -Jimmy Fallon Show with the Roots and Goodie Mob rap group.
Carl grew up in Deptford, New Jersey where he is currently teaching high school music and sharing his passion of performance to his younger students. He received his Bachelor's degree in saxophone performance and Masters in Education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. During his time at University of the Arts, Carl had the opportunity to showcase his talent to other bands and musicians in the area where he began performing local weddings and private events. Shortly after graduating he began to get calls for touring acts from playing in different jam sessions around the area, leading to a great deal of recording/television /tours in the past 20 years.
Carl currently can be seen performing with : Smokey Robinson, Maysa Leak, Gerald Veasley , US dates for Incognito
Carl has performed/ toured with : Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Peter White,Jeff Lorber, Billy Paul,Chuck Loeb, Ed Hamilton, Doc Powell, Sister Sledge, Miles Jaye, Brian Culbertson, Quest Love, Mary J. Blige, Jay Z, Vivian Green, Jill Scott, The Stylistics ,The O Jays, Marcus Johnson, Fred Hammond, Ledisi, Common, Salt and Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, Ndea(Brand New Heavies)and a variety of other artists in his tenure.
Recordings include : Gospel vocalist Tye Tribbet who was awarded best gospel album of the year by the Grammy Association, Will Smith, Maysa Leak ( 2 featured solo cuts),Ellye Eyre, Roisin Murphy, Vivian Green , R Kelly , Boys II Men , Gerald Levert , Jeff Bradshaw, Kirk Franklin("Whole Nation" on Fight of my Life album), Fantasia Trey Songz (song "Unusual"), and Musiq Soulchild and his current solo album.
Live TV Broadcasts and appearances with: -Vivian Green on Carson Daly Show - TBN appearances with Kirk Franklin -VH1 Hip Hop Honors Awards ceremony -Various BET appearances with Kirk Franklin -Jimmy Fallon Show with the Roots and Goodie Mob rap group.
Past Awardees
Don Braden
Anthony Branker
David Demsey
Andrew DeNicola
Denis Di Blasio
Clem DeRosa
Wayne Dillon
Dr. Diana Dohrmann
Bill Garton
Richard Graham
Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
Jeffrey Haas
Brian Height
Doug Heyburn
Jeffrey Lesser
John Lindner
David Thomas May
Pete McGuinness
Joel Perry
Earl Phillips
Rufus Reid
Michael Russo
Julius Tolentino
Randy White
Ray Wiggins
Wilbur Witteman
Anthony Branker
David Demsey
Andrew DeNicola
Denis Di Blasio
Clem DeRosa
Wayne Dillon
Dr. Diana Dohrmann
Bill Garton
Richard Graham
Dr. Jeffrey Kunkel
Jeffrey Haas
Brian Height
Doug Heyburn
Jeffrey Lesser
John Lindner
David Thomas May
Pete McGuinness
Joel Perry
Earl Phillips
Rufus Reid
Michael Russo
Julius Tolentino
Randy White
Ray Wiggins
Wilbur Witteman