Hugo Lee is an award-winning saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and producer with international performing, composing and recording experience.

An in-demand musician based in Melbourne, he is equally at home on the stage or in the studio and has performed throughout Australia, the USA and Europe- having played at iconic events such as Bluesfest, Melbourne Grand Prix, the MCG, Sydney Opera House Forecourt and internationally including London, Berlin, Edinburgh Fringe, Nashville, LA, Chicago and New York.

In addition to his personal and collaborative songwriting/production projects, he is a well-established session musician currently playing Saxophone and Keyboards with ICEHOUSE, as well as having played with the likes of Andrew Farriss (INXS), Holy Holy, Shouse, Deepend, Thando, Riley Pearce, Gigamesh, Hayden Calnin, Garrett Kato and many more.

Trained in both Jazz (Australian National University/University of Illinois) and Classical (AMusA) with strong contemporary influences, Hugo’s music draws from a myriad of genres and the output ranges from Funk, Blues, Jazz, Fusion and Psychedelic through to Indie Pop/Rock, Ambient, Folk, Hip Hop, House, Metal and EDM.

A multi-instrumentalist specialising in the saxophone (alto, tenor and baritone) and EWI, he also plays guitar, bass, keyboards, miscellaneous percussion/flutes, cello, and harmonica.

His duo project, Daley Road, is a filled with ethereal folky ambient grooves – inspired by acts such as Bon Iver and Novo Amor. These lush soundscapes are fleshed out with field recordings taken on various trips through forests, cities and mountains.

Hugo’s musical journey began at a very young age playing the recorder and cello, which morphed into the saxophone and guitar. While performing in his school’s band, orchestra and choir, he formed his first band at the age of 13 and has been writing, recording and performing his own music ever since. During high school he achieved the Associate Diploma (AMusA) in Saxophone with distinction, and had a composition nominated for ENCORE (a showcase of high school works at the Sydney Opera House).

At the age of 18, Hugo journeyed through Europe (particularly Edinburgh and Berlin), travelling and busking on the streets, playing in Jam Sessions/Open Mic Nights and performing at gigs with bands of varying lineups/styles, including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. During this time, he played with musicians from all walks of life, from bagpipers and folk singers to hard rockers and DJs. Notable moments include experimental funk sessions in Berlin and spending a week in a hut by a loch in the Scottish Highlands, recording an album with a local band. These connections have continued with numerous overseas trips over the years.

Seeking to further his formal education, Hugo spent the next four years studying Music and Physics at the Australian National University, specialising in saxophone performance and acoustics. Here he continued to write, record and release his own records and work as a sideman with local and interstate acts, as well as playing at wineries, embassies and Parliament House – whilst learning from esteemed saxophonist John Mackey and furthering his skills in acoustics and audio engineering (including designing and 3D-printing his own saxophone mouthpieces). During this time he was awarded Marcia Ruff Hewitt Contemporary Music Prize, and the Friends Of The School Of Music Ensemble Award and People’s Choice. A notable experience was creating an album under the mentorship of Andrew Farriss (INXS) with whom he has worked extensively both in the studio and on stage.

During his final year of study he embarked on a university exchange at the University of Illinois, studying under Grammy Award winning saxophonist Chip McNeill and playing lead alto in the big band conducted by James Pugh (Chick Corea, Steely Dan, Woody Herman). While in the States, Hugo performed and recorded extensively in Chicago, New York, LA, Nashville and Memphis. He was an instant hit with the local musicians and record producers, with many offers of future work. Highlights included late night sessions in NYC and rubbing shoulders with saxophone greats David Sanborn (The Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie) and Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, The Beach Boys).

Inspired by his adventures, he constantly explores new musical avenues to discover original sounds and styles.

Hugo now lives in Melbourne, and along with his original projects has been playing with a wide variety of acts including ICEHOUSE, Jon Stevens, Shouse, Holy Holy, Jack The Fox, Riley Pearce, Thando, Hayden Calnin, Tate Sheridan, Riley Catherall, The Tipsy Scholars, Garrett Kato and many more. His international collaborations have continued with recent performances in London, Edinburgh and Berlin, and home studio work has seen him creating music for video games, producing for local artists as well as his own songwriting projects.

Saxophone recordings are undertaken on a regular basis – either direct-to-client or through producers such as Matt Redlich (Holy Holy, The Paper Kites), Garrett Kato (Ziggy Alberts, Riley Pearce), Hayden Calnin (Didirri, Harrison Storm) and Jackson Barclay (Vera Blue, Winterbourne).

Remote saxophone session work is also conducted through global platforms SoundBetter, AirGigs and Fiverr Pro, on all of which Hugo is the most-reviewed saxophonist.

Early 2021 saw Hugo join iconic Australian band ICEHOUSE on the saxophone and keyboards, with a regular touring schedule that has included performances around Australia and New Zealand, with the Maldives scheduled for 2026.

When not playing music he enjoys mountain running and acoustics research, fusing his two study disciplines with exciting results, both technological and artistic- such as designing and 3D-printing his own custom saxophone mouthpieces, which are an important part of his commanding sound.

With a strong passion and diligent work ethic, the future is an exciting place for Hugo Lee.