JOEY DE GUZMAN is a Filipino musician whose early exposure to music could be traced to his hometown marching bands, where he was provided with free lessons and use of instrument. He considers a Kenny G performance on television and an entertainment article about a premier saxophonist in his country as his inspirations. Since then, he dreamt of personally meeting the artist and envisioned himself playing the saxophone.
Being dependent merely on borrowed instrument, Joey started with the clarinet at age eight and only transitioned to saxophone several years after. He began formal lessons under the tutelage of Ner De Leon until he got accepted at the University of the Philippines College of Music. There, he was taught by Michael Guevarra and ultimately, by his now mentor, Tots Tolentino.
During his university days, he was the principal saxophonist of the UP Symphonic Band, the lead alto saxophonist of the UP Jazz Ensemble, and a pioneer member of the Saxophoro Sax Quartet. Occasionally, he also played with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO), the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO), and the Clarion Ensemble.
He has grown to be a very prolific session musician in the Philippine music industry, performing with the likes of the Mel Villena and the AMP Big Band with Mel Villena, Martin Nievera, Richard Poon, Aiza Seguerra, Regine Velasquez and Bamboo, as well as international stars such as Lea Salonga, Natalie Cole, Frankie Valli, David Benoit and Diane Schuur. He has worked with leading musical directors in the country like Marvin Querido, Ryan Cayabyab, Nikko Rivera, Ria Osorio, Egay Gonzales, Homer Flores, Elhmir Saison, and Louie Ocampo. He also played in theater musicals such as “Hairspray,” “Shrek,” and “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” Currently, he is a member of the Simon Tan Trio, a jazz group that recently released an album called “Breach.” He is also a regular sessionist for the iconic OPM rock band, Sponge Cola.
His career has taken him to performing in jazz festivals and teaching stints in his own alma mater. He has become one of the most sought-after saxophonists by record producers. He also believes in paying it forward by conducting free workshops for the less privilege but musically inclined youth. Largely influenced by the greats—Charlie Parker, Brandon Fields, Perico Sambeat, Yellowjackets and Gerald Albright—he has begun production of his solo album, which will feature all-original songs.
Joey is a passionate musician who pushes his limits to bring about the music that orchestrates inside him, from his heart, mind and soul to the listeners ears!