Anjan Shah is a boundary crossing woodwind instrumentalist, producer and composer, and marketer who fuses jazz, classical, and Indian musical traditions into a vibrant tapestry of sound. A first generation Indian American born in Michigan, he spent much of his early life navigating two worlds, eager to embrace Western culture while carrying the depth and beauty of his ancestral roots. His gift for musical storytelling led him to earn a saxophone degree from Michigan State University and begin graduate studies at the University of Illinois, a journey he would return to and complete thirty five years later when he earned his masters degree in 2025. Along the way he secured a coveted position with the United States Army Field Band, where during a five year tenure he performed more than six hundred concerts, led master classes across North America and Europe, and emerged as a commanding soloist whose performances bridged cultures and captivated audiences.

Beyond his military service, Anjan’s commitment to authentic expression propelled him to share stages with artists such as Marvin Hamlisch, Phil Woods, Natalie Cole, Linda Ronstadt, and Seth MacFarlane. As a founding member of the acclaimed Capitol Quartet, he performed with major symphonies throughout the country, earning critical praise from the American Record Guide for the group’s luscious color and uninhibited verve. More recently, Anjan has turned inward, exploring the duality of identity and heritage through works like Nightfall Rhapsody, also known as Rhapsody in Raag Jog, a twenty two minute fusion of jazz, Western classical, and Hindustani traditions composed by Drew Zaremba. Dedicated to his late father, Girish Shah, the work represents a personal journey of cultural rediscovery that honors the legacy that shaped him.

Anjan’s creative direction was transformed further by a pivotal trip to India, where he performed during the sacred Asthi Visarjan ritual at the Narmada River in honor of his father. This profoundly spiritual moment illuminated the significance of lineage and reshaped his artistic vision, reminding him that music is a form of remembrance as much as innovation. Through these reflections he has embraced a calling to weave stories that cross borders and invite others to reflect on their own roots.

Away from the stage, Anjan channels his passion for communication into marketing. Armed with an MBA from Loyola University Maryland, he has led initiatives for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Music and Arts, IKEA, and Yamaha. His combined fluency in music and strategy underscores his dedication to connecting artists, audiences, and communities. Now based in Baltimore with his wife, daughter, and their resilient three legged cat, Anjan continues to build meaningful collaborations. His work with the Temporal Taal Collective reflects his belief that music can serve as a unifying force, bridging cultures, honoring legacies, and transforming personal journeys into expressions that resonate with all.