Lenair’s love for music began at the age of eight in his home in the Washington DC area where he grew up. His most profound influence came from his dad, who also plays the saxophone. His first music instructor in junior high school, Bruce Tyler, also encouraged his love for music. Brian credits the works of jazz greats Grover Washington, Jr. and Stanley Turrentine for inspiring him to play as well. Although Brian began his studies at the University of Maryland as an architect/interior designer, his love for music could not be contained.