CARL COX SEXTET / Carney's Other Room / Saturday, Oct 24

The Story

Tenor saxophonist Carl Cox hails from South Jersey, though he tours nationally each year with an array of artists from Smokey Robinson to Incognito, Gerald Veasley, and more. A graduate from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts, where he received his bachelor’s degree in saxophone and a master’s in Education,  Cox began showcasing his talents at local gigs before hitting the road with national touring acts, including The O’Jays, The Stylistics, Billy Paul, Sister Sled, and Ledisi. His signature blend of contemporary jazz and urban grooves is eminently affecting and downright danceable.

The Sound

Cox’s bold, soulful sound on alto and tenor sax, reminiscent of David Sanborn with a touch of Everette Harp or Richard Elliot, has manifest on a series of groove-focused smooth jazz albums, including 2021’s Thankful, 2023’s Universal Language, 2025’s Philly Strut and his most recent offering, 2026’s Keep It In the Pocket. Expect him to flood the dance floor with infectious numbers like “Stickwidit,” the energetic “Breakin’ Away,” the upbeat “You Can’t Hurry Love” (not to be confused with the Supremes Motown classic) and the anthemic “Philly Strut.” For something a little more soothing, there’s the breezy “Bermuda Waters” and the atmospheric “Cape May,” which we can only assume he will break out for his return to Exit Zero.