Saxophonist Jeff Ponders II plays with a warmth that makes you lean in closer. His tone carries the expressive fire of Kenny Garrett, the soulful grace of Kirk Whalum, and the grit of Pharoah Sanders. But on his forthcoming album Better—arriving in two acts throughout 2026—Jeff moves with a new sense of purpose, letting patience lead the way.

"On Spark [his 2018 debut], I was exploring how to build a language as a leader," Jeff says. "On Better, I'm more intentional about the artistic intent of every track. It isn't just about the session; it's about ensuring every song is an honest, realized journey."

The Sound of a Dynamic Life

Better sounds like life itself: mid-tempo grooves that let you settle in, gorgeous ballads that demand reflection, and uptempo moments that move you. "Life never moves at one speed," Jeff explains. "You have moments where you turn up the pace and moments where you must slow down. That's the arc of this record."

The journey begins with the "Trust and Believe" suite, a masterclass in tension and release that transitions from a grounded instrumental meditation into a vibrant collaboration with soul icon Eric Roberson. Over a Dilla-inspired Detroit pocket, the track becomes a roadmap for reclaiming faith in oneself. This exploration of the human spirit continues through "Quiet Moments Alone," where Kenny Watson delivers a captivating vocal that transforms the song into a guided meditation on self-love.

Jeff's interpretation of "Lift Every Voice" reimagines the anthem not as a spiritual of struggle, but as a soulful expression of endurance and freedom. That sense of heritage carries into "Mother Tongue," a track of pure joy inspired by multi-modal artist Darnell Kendricks' work honoring maternal lineage. Whether it is the constant upward climb of "Reach Higher" or the Latin-inspired complexity of "Mirrors," the album refuses to live in a neat genre box. It reflects how we actually live: as dynamic playlists where jazz, funk, soul, and hip-hop overlap.

A Legacy of Conversation

This intentionality is the fruit of a three-decade career rooted in the Detroit tradition. Trained by legends Donald Walden, Marcus Belgrave, and Wendell Harrison, Jeff learned early that the goal of music isn't simply to display virtuosity—it's to have a meaningful conversation and, ultimately, to move people.

That foundation has carried him to stages and studios with a massive range of icons, including Robert Glasper, James Carter, BeBe Winans, Keyshia Cole, Boyz II Men, Mike Phillips, and Karen Clark Sheard. On Better, that collaborative spirit shines through a lineup featuring the likes of Shedrick Mitchell, Brandon Williams, and rising bassist Brandon Rose. Jeff crafted compositions rich enough to give these musicians a full spectrum of colors to work with, yet accessible enough for any listener to step inside the frame.

The Reckoning: Coming into Alignment

The depth of Better emerged from a deeply personal reckoning. Around 2014, Jeff felt he was fragmenting himself—trying to be different versions of himself for different audiences.

"It was like Batman," he says. "You wouldn't see Batman and Bruce Wayne in the same place. I was splintering, and it literally caused me to fall apart."

That spiritual realignment led to his 2021 book, Better, and eventually to this album—a musical exploration of alignment with self, purpose, and God. As a best-selling author, award-winning podcaster, entrepreneur, and father, Jeff channels the same mission across everything he creates: helping people live a life worth remembering.

An Invitation

The first installment, Better Act 1, arrives June 2026, with the complete album and an accompanying coffee table book—featuring visual art (including the work of Darnell Kendricks), lyrics, and immersive liner notes—landing Q4 2026.

Better is a warm, mature, and accessible invitation to meet yourself where you are and find a pathway to somewhere greater. Press play and pay attention—not just to the music, but to yourself as you ride the wave inward to a greater sense of knowing.

Calendar

See Jeff at a venue near you.

Media