Songwriter | Saxophonist |National Recording Artist
Derwin Friday a professional saxophonist, national recording artist, and businessman. Going by the stage name D. Friday or simply Friday, he grew up in multi-rural churches that poured musical influence into his heart and soul. He began crafting his sound at nine and has been nonstop ever since.
He's the co-founder and lead of 5th and York- A Charlotte-based jazz ensemble formed in 2007. Along with Derwin on sax, the six-member group consists of a lead vocalist, drummer, guitarist, bassist, and keyboardist. Their music can be described as smooth contemporary natural vibes that grab the audience's attention—heading local events in the Charlotte metro area and others down south.
Opening for Earth, Wind, and Fire, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Anthony Hamilton, and more, The group dropped their debut album, “Nascentum”, in 2011 and with a follow-up in 2014 titled “All In”. The latest Venture, a live alum entitled “No Chaser” is accompanied by a Video production Executively Produced by Friday.
In 2012, he launched Baby Brothers Entertainment, LLC. The pragmatic umbrella sets the tone of elegance for his style, events, performances, and work in the music industry.
When creating his music, Derwin draws inspiration from a variety of sources including activist/writer James Baldwin, the legendary Stevie Wonder, and folk-rock artist James Taylor. This multi-dimensional inventiveness continues to propel his artistry forward. He's consistently redefining his impulses, curiosity, and complex nature to try something new every day.