As a multi instrumentalist, SALIM WASHINGTON has followed the footsteps of one of his early influences, YUSEF LATEEF, who hails from the same neighborhood in Detroit's historic "Black Bottom".

They are both known for their playing of not only tenor saxophone, but a variety of reeds, especially flute and oboe. Salim's flute playing is extraordinarily warm. In part his unusually fat sound is due to his wooden Haynes flute which Washington claims is "magical." As a flutist Salim brings to mind the sounds and stylings not only of Mr. Lateef, but also RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK and  ERIC DOLPHY, who are his favoritie flute players. In his generation Wahsington stands out as one of the saxophonists who actually loves the flute, and not simply plays it as an expedient double. His lines are supple. flexible, and complex. In his hands, the flute's impressive range and power are evident. Washington has also learned to swing hard on the flute and to bring his listeners in through the depth and humanity of his tone.

Most unusual in the jazz world is Washington's inclusion of the oboe as one of his principle improvising instruments. Inspired by YUSEF LATEEF and MAKANDA KEN MCINTYRE, Washington brings an unusual degree of flexibility and improvisational fluency to this notoriously difficult instrument. His is a blues based tonality with a jazzy sound that soars through the various ensembles that he plays it in. As an oboist Salim is featured in the recordings of ANTHONY BRAXTON, CARL GRUBBS, BRIAN MCCREE, KATY ROBERTS, JAMES JABBO WARE, and REGGIE NICHOLSON.