About Troy

Hailing from the Baltimore/Washington, DC area and armed with a master’s degree in music, saxophonist Troy Atkins has shared the stage with Jack Johnson, The New Mastersounds, The Marcus King Band, Alan Evans, Eddie Roberts, Danny Gokey, The Ray Charles Band, Jimmy Dorsey Big Band, Jon Faddis, Carl Allen, Bob Mintzer, Jason Masi, Levi Stephens, and The Kelly Bell Band.

Troy is a former band member of the DC/MD funk powerhouse, Higher Hands, and has toured with the 1960’s soul icons, The Impressions, as well as Tennessee soul artist DeRobert and The Half Truths. Now residing in Nashville, Troy plays with local bands including Freddie Holt & The After Five Tux, The Gripsweats, AJ & The Jiggawatts, and various others in the area.

Troy has an extensive discography and his band, Higher Hands, was recognized as Funk Artist of the Year in the 2016 Maryland Music Awards, featuring Troy’s saxophone on the album “Stay Sharp”. More recently in 2022 and 2024 respectively, Troy recorded an EP and a single with a new band, Toyesauce, featuring a recording collaboration between musicians in Austin, New Orleans, and Nashville. This was also received with rave reviews.

Whether it be performing, teaching, or having a casual conversation about music, Troy delivers his message with a deep sincerity—music is his way of life.