Originally from Memphis, TN, saxophonist and songwriter Bernell Jones II is carving out a lane of his own in New York City’s music scene. Known not just for his soulful, technically sharp playing, Bernell has become a standout voice in the digital era, disrupting music content creation with a steady stream of viral music-comedy videos on Instagram and TikTok.
His discography reflects the rich musical tapestry of his upbringing—gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, and more—woven into a sound that feels both rooted and refreshingly modern. Along the way, he’s shared stages and studios with icons like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Phillip Harper, Julius Rodriguez, and others, further cementing his place as one of the most exciting multi-hyphenate creatives to watch.
Bernell Jones II returns with “Love Sings,” a sensual, thought‑provoking new single that weaves R&B, soul, and alternative jazz into the story of a one-sided love affair. Featuring Barry Antoine and NORY, the track is Jones’s first release since his acclaimed 2024 debut album, TYPEWRITER, and offers an intimate first look at his forthcoming full-length project, FOR EVERYONE, due in April 2026.
Blending live instrumentation with sleek modern production, “Love Sings” reflects Jones’s mission to make jazz accessible without losing its depth or artistic integrity. The single highlights his multi-dimensional artistry—from emotive saxophone work to refined songwriting and arrangements—elevated by Barry Antoine’s soulful vocals and a poetic rap verse from NORY.
“‘Love Sings’ is not your cliché love song,” Jones explains. “It cunningly tells the story of a one-sided relationship where one partner is deeply in love and the other is faking it after falling out of love over time. I wanted to write something with the lyricism, metaphor, and storytelling I grew up hearing in ’70s and ’80s music—songs that didn’t just sound good but said something real.”
How would you define your unique musical style?
Think of going to a jazz club, but instead of it being filled with clientele who are 45 and up, it’s standing room with an audience of gen z’ers dancing and having the time of their lives. Often times, when people don’t know how to describe my music, they just refer to it as jazz since I lead the band playing saxophone. However, to jazz purists, they would describe my music as anything but. My musical style takes from the jazz tradition but adds strong elements of RnB and funk with a hint of 2020s production and writing style.
Is there a live show that stands out as truly unforgettable for you?
I was fortunate enough to join Julius Rodriguez on his Japan run back in September, and it was truly life-changing. The people in Japan appreciate music way more than most people in NYC (where I live). They didn’t touch their phones, they didn’t talk, they just soaked in everything we threw at them. As someone who isn’t yet famous, I had so many people there ask for my autograph and a picture. That is when I felt like I was doing something right!
Do you have a favorite city or venue that feels like home on stage?
The Blue Note in NYC! Every time I’ve played there, I was treated with kindness and respect from the staff and the listeners. They leave a bottle of spirits for you in the green room and serve you a nice high-quality meal before the show. The room itself is so intimate, and everyone who buys a ticket to the Blue Note wants to be there!
Can you share a funny or surprising moment that’s happened during a performance?
So I have perfect pitch, meaning I can hear any note or chord and immediately know what it is. Voices, groans, and even car horns are things I can hear and play back on my instrument. One time, while playing at Smalls Jazz Club, someone in the audience made a loud “woah” noise as a response to the music, and I played the exact noise he made back to him on my saxophone. Everyone in the audience broke out into laughter, and there’s even a video of it on my Instagram that went viral.
How do you handle stage nerves—has your approach changed over time?
Honestly, the more I perform, the easier it gets. My first time performing in front of an audience was when I did a piano recital at age 9, and now, with music being my whole career, I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve been on a stage. The very few times that I do get nervous, however, after playing that first song or two, the nerves go away. It’s just like jumping in a cold pool. After a few seconds the water feels warm once your body adapts, and you don’t want to leave.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, and why?
PinkPantheress. She’s currently my favorite Gen Z artist, and her music is just so creative and so personal to her. To me, it doesn’t sound like she makes music to please an algorithm but rather to please her artistic appetite. I think we could create beautiful, revolutionary music, and her songs also could use some saxophone to spice things up.
Do you have a hidden talent or party trick most people don’t know about?
I can solve a Rubik’s Cube. In the 7th grade my record was a minute and forty-one seconds. Nowadays it’s more like four or five minutes, but it’s still cool!
Imagine you’re the only survivor of a plane crash—what’s the first thing you’d do?
I’d call my mama because she worries a lot about me, being that I live across the country from her. On top of that, she somehow knows every single thing that goes on in the news, so I’m sure she’d be the very first to hear about my plane crashing.
Are you more of a cat person, dog person, or both?
I’m definitely more of a cat person. I actually had a cat, but she recently passed away of old age. As a traveling musician I can’t always be around for a dog, but cats take care of themselves mostly, and they’re secretly very sweet.
How would you sell hot chocolate to someone in Florida in the middle of summer?
I would tell them I got it limited edition directly from Mar-a-Lago, and they’d probably believe me. They’d probably even buy my whole supply!
What’s your most treasured piece of clothing?
I’m big on fashion and also thrifting. At a thrift-con event in Brooklyn I heckled this guy down for a one-of-a-kind vintage Coogi vest. You can’t find that exact pattern anywhere, and I love to wear it at high-profile shows that I play. I saw the item and immediately had to get it before anyone else.
https://www.instagram.com/bj_khaled_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oc2ZNFlYQyd3cnYsd9c2m
