NYC-based musician, Jonathan Reisin is, a saxophonist, composer, and improviser born in Israel dedicated to creating original music. Reisin is known for his international collaborations in the avant-garde and free improv jazz scene featuring musicians such as Francisco Mela, Kris Davis, Anat Fort, Nate Wooley, Cooper Moore, and many more, with appearances at Vermont Jazz Festival, Yearot Menache Festival (ISR), Forward Festival (Brooklyn), M3 Festival (NY), Gangneung International Art Festival (South Korea) and venues around the world. Jonathan’s 2025 release, Too Good X Unreality (Boomslang Records), has drawn attention for its originality and depth. It follows his debut album, Option B (Habitable Records), and Earthquake (577 Records), a collaboration with renowned drummer and mentor Francisco Mela.
Photo Credit: Amit Selickter
“Jonathan’s musical approach is what the world needs to hear to be a better place - Free voice ”
“Sound flow and a great tone make up the essence of what Jonathan’s music is all about..You will love it”
Growing up in a small town in Israel, Jonathan Reisin started his musical journey at the age of 6, learning to play the violin, a gift he got from his grandfather. Music was ingrained in his family's soul, and his grandparents frequently took him to performances of the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra, igniting a deep fascination for the world of sounds within him. After 10 years of studying classical music as a violin player, Reisin asked in his high school if he would be willing to start playing the saxophone. The school's funk band needed a saxophonist more than a violinist, and Reisin agreed to join. This is how he started playing the saxophone. During that period in his life, as he delved into the world of saxophone exploration, his connection with music deepened, igniting a profound passion for Jazz and improvisation.
Reisin holds a bachelor’s degree in performance from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music degree from The New School’s Performer-Composer program. These years had a magnificent impact and influence on Reisin. Studying and working with top world artists such as George Garzone, Kris Davis, Joan La Barbara, Francisco Mela, Joe Morris, Billy Martin, Ingrid Laubrock, Sylvie Courvoisier, and more, helped him explore different musical approaches and concepts which enriched his unique artistic voice.
In April 2022, Reisin released his debut album, Option B, on the esteemed Habitable Records. The album was dedicated to his late grandfather, who passed away on the day of the recording session. Collaborating with pianist Moshe Elmakias and drummers Brian Richburg Jr. and Nitzan Birnbaum, Reisin imbued the music with emotional depth and melodic richness. Critics and listeners praised its authenticity, lyrical clarity, and remarkable interplay. In October 2023, Reisin teamed up with his longtime mentor, the visionary drummer Francisco Mela, on Earthquake, released on 577 Records. The album captures their improvisational synergy, blending raw energy and compositional intention in a compelling dialogue. In May, 2025, Too Good X Unreality was released by Boomslang Records. Recorded in New York City, this third album reflects a two-year conceptual evolution realized in collaboration with pianist Shinya Lin and drummer Jarred Chase. The trio creates a striking interplay that explores the tension between complexity and simplicity across seven compositions