Baker Artist Portfolios

Widely recognized as the "heart and soul" of the Baltimore jazz scene, Clarence Ward III is a premier multi-instrumentalist whose sonic signature is defined by a rare and distinct mastery of both the saxophone and the trumpet/flugelhorn. As the visionary leader of the band Dat Feel Good, Ward does not simply perform music; he curates an emotional experience, blending the intellectual rigor of jazz with the visceral, soulful storytelling of R&B and funk.
​Mastery of Craft & Career Highlights
Ward’s musical foundation is built on elite training and world-class experience. A product of Baltimore’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School under the mentorship of the legendary Charles Funn, Ward honed his discipline as a saxophonist in the U.S. Army Band and as a standout scholar at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).
​His mastery has earned him a place on stage with some of the most iconic figures in music history. Ward has toured or performed with legends including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Nancy Wilson, and Benny Golson, as well as contemporary R&B and jazz giants like Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild, and Robert Glasper. These high-profile collaborations attest to his technical precision and his ability to adapt his voice across genres while maintaining his unique identity.
​Unique Vision & Artistic Philosophy
What sets Ward apart is his "lion-hearted" approach to performance. He is known for the high-wire act of switching between saxophone and trumpet mid-solo—shifting from the crisp, agile wail of the brass to the sultry, vocal-like warmth of the reed. This duality allows him to explore a wider emotional range than most single-instrumentalists can achieve.
​His artistic mission is encapsulated in the name of his ensemble: Dat Feel Good. Ward views music as a communal transfer of energy, aiming to leave audiences with a tangible sense of hope and vitality. This vision extends beyond the stage to his role as a community pillar; for 10+years, he has led "The Session," a jam that serves as a vital proving ground for Baltimore’s next generation of musicians, fostering a safe space for artistic vulnerability and growth.
​Connection to Baltimore
Born and raised in Baltimore, Ward returned to the city after his military service and touring career with a specific intent: to pour his experience back into his hometown. Whether headlining at Keystone Korner or releasing his latest project, Dat Feel Good – Live at Blue House, Clarence Ward III stands on the vanguard of the region’s culture, reinforcing jazz as a living, breathing, and vital voice for modern times.