Lionel D. Lyles II was born in Boulder, Colorado. He majored in music education while at Morgan State University. The Lionel Lyles Quintet recorded it’s first studio project in 2006, “The Lionel Lyles Quintet: The September Sessions”. Soon after, Lionel enrolled at North Carolina Central University to persue a Master of Music in Jazz Studies Saxophone Performance. While at NCCU, he had the opportunity to study with great jazz icons such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Jimmy Heath, Roy Hargrove, Brian Horton, and Dr. Ira Wiggins. The ensemble has two albums to date. “The Lionel Lyles Quintet: The September Sessions”(2006) and “The Lionel Lyles Quintet: At The Precipice”(2014). Pick up yours today. www.LLQmusic.com. In 2015 Lionel won a JAZZY for best jazz tenor. In 2016, Lionel won best New Jazz Tenor player, and Best Performing Artist across all genres. All given by the Washington City Paper.