Luke Turner is a saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and instructor based in Eugene, Oregon. While he is most heavily influenced by the jazz idiom, Rock, Funk, and Folk music serve as other large inspirations to his playing and writing.
Drawing inspiration from musicians such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Bill Evans, Ben Wendel, and so many more, Luke strives to pay tribute to who have made music what it is today. In doing so, he also brings his own conglomeration of sounds to the table through his own compositions and arrangements.
Luke currently plays in the JazzArts Oregon Ensemble, and the Oregon Jazz Ensemble; the two premier ensembles at the University of Oregon. Through these ensembles, he has had the opportunity to share the stage with guest artists such as Adam Larson, Braxton Cook, Remy LeBouf, Dezron Douglas, and more. He also has played with other professional large ensembles, such as the Emerald City Jazz Kings, Nathan Phoelke Big Band, Robert Lassila Nonet, and more. Luke frequently plays and records as a sideman throughout the PNW, and has led many groups under his own name.
Luke has had the great opportunity to study with some of the area’s best minds, including Idit Shner, Keith Brown, Roger Woods, Joe Manis, Sean Flannery, Joe Freuen, Steve Owen, Paul Krueger, and more.
In 2025, Luke released his debut album, “Rainwalk,” featuring several original compositions, and is available on all streaming platforms.. In 2026, he received the ISJAC’s USF/Owen Prize in Jazz Arranging for his large ensemble arrangement of “You’re My Everything.”
Luke is currently employed at the University of Oregon as a Graduate Employee, while also pursuing his Master’s in Jazz Studies and Composition.