Biography

Liam Escame is an Alto Saxophonist, Woodwind Specialist, Band Leader, Composer, and Arranger making his mark on the New Orleans Jazz Scene.

Liam grew up in Federal Way, Washington, surrounded by music. In his youth, his musical influence came from hearing his father and grandfather play the piano as well as the many car rides listening to diverse music on the PNW airwaves. He began exploring music academically after joining the elementary school choir. Liam picked up the Alto Saxophone in 6th grade (copying his older brother) and started playing with the middle school in the 7th grade on Baritone Saxophone. There, he found a love for jazz music though the records of Paul Desmond, Gerry Mullian, Cannonball Adderley, and Charlie Parker.

Looking to take his craft beyond his high school jazz band, Liam began studying with local Saxophonist Ted Dortch. These lessons were Liam’s first foray into jazz improvisation, setting the foundation for the musician he is today. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Liam explored other forms of multi-media surrounding music, becoming a skilled sound engineer, filmmaker, video editor, and social media manager. After graduating high school, Liam appeared on Seattle’s local Jazz-NPR station, 88.5 KNKX as July’s School of Jazz Guest DJ.

In 2022, Liam fully committed to pursuing music academically, choosing to attend Loyola University New Orleans, majoring in Jazz Studies with a Minor in Music Industry Studies. In his sophomore year, Liam played First Alto and Flute in the Loyola Jazz Ensemble, leading the group through performances at the 2024 and 2026 Jazz Education Network Conferences as well as the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s International Jazz Day Celebration and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival 2024, 2025, and 2026.

In 2024, Liam also had the opportunity to perform internationally with a select Loyola Jazz Combo at the 2024 Ascona Jazz Festival in Ascona, Switzerland. In between these large performances, Liam has worked on several personal projects and collaborations with peers. Throughout his tenure at Loyola, Liam had the pleasure of studying with some of the best Saxophonists and educators in New Orleans: Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Jason Mingledorff, and Dr. Gordon Towell.

Outside of the classroom Liam has cemented himself as a part the local jazz community, preforming and working alongside Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, Ed Perkins, Ashlin Parker, Judith Owen, and many more.

After Graduating Loyola in 2026, Liam has been developing his solo projects the Liam Escame Quintet and Liam Escame Septet while continuing to work as a sideman and on-call woodwind doubler in and around New Orleans.