New York Horns was formed in 1997 by trumpeter Chris Anderson and saxophonist John Isley out of a mutual love of the art of horn section playing, and a desire to work together as a writing, arranging, performing and recording team. It is our hope to expand upon the work of such luminary horn sections as the Brecker Brothers, the Horny Horns of Parlaiment Funkadelic, the JB Horns, and the Pheonix Horns, among others, and contribute towards keeping the art of horn section playing a viable force in the music industry. Therefore, we specialize in the writing, arranging, performance and recording of horn oriented music.

Lead trumpet for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, Illinois Jacquet Big Band, Marc Anthony, Donald Fagen, Ray Barretto, Ben E. King, Celia Cruz, Blood Sweat & Tears, Michael McDonald, Phoebe Snow, Jon Bon Jovi, and Boz Scaggs. Recordings include Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes ("Messin' With the Blues), New York Rock & Soul Review ("Live at the Beacon"), Ray Barretto ("Soy Dichoso", "Irresistible" and "Todo Se Va Poder") Hector Lavoe ("Live"), and S'Killit ("Blue Fever"). Other credits include TV/Film appearances on ABC ("In Concert" and "Bravissimo"), BET ("Acapulco World Music Festival"), and PBS ("Water City").

BA - Manhattan School of Music, NY

John is currently on tour throughout the US with the Tony Award winning Broadway show, Movin’ Out, as a featured saxophone soloist and percussionist. John has been a featured performer with many inspiring and legendary musicians: They Might Be Giants, Billy Joel, Mary Wilson, The O Jays, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Little Anthony & the Imperials, The Main Ingredient, Sister Sledge, Isaac Hayes, Reggie Workman, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Todd Wolfe, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, Tony Trischka and many many others. He also presented the world premier of “Superball” for tenor saxophone and percussion ensemble, by Argentinian composer Jose Halac.

BFA - New School for Social Research, NY
MA - Queens College, NY