A smooth jazz saxophonist, Eric Darius was a Young Lion of sorts who began performing at a young age. A New Jersey native who grew up in Tampa, FL, Darius received his first saxophone at age ten and a year later was touring with the youth-based Sonny LaRosa & America's Youngest Jazz Band, which culminated in a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. He was an active member of his high-school jazz ensemble and released his own album Cruisin' at age 17. In 2004, Darius released his formal debut album, Night on the Town, on Higher Octave. Two years later he released Just Getting Started on Narada Jazz. In 2008, Darius signed to Blue Note and released Goin' All Out. ~ Matt Collar, Rovi