Larry McKenna is a master tenor saxophone player. He has resided in Philadelphia all his life, and so is best known in that city, although he has been on the road a number of times, in particular with the Woody Herman band, and musical insiders everywhere know his work. His CDs as a leader include My Shining Hour (EPE, 1996), It Might As Well Be Spring (Dreambox Media, 2001), and 4 Brothers 7 (Jazzed, 2007), the latter with Frank Tiberi and two other sax alumni from the Herman band.

Each of these recordings are masterpieces that show what magic moments still reside in the standards songbook. In addition, McKenna has served as a sideman on countless recordings. Practically every phrase that comes out of his horn could provide a working model for both students and his peers. His tone, articulation, and improvisational skills are exemplary, and he embodies many of the best elements in the rich legacy of jazz saxophone.

AAJ Contributor Victor L. Schermer met with McKenna and University of the Arts student/saxophonist Carl Schultz for an in-depth interview with an artist who has made an indelible mark with his commitment to the rich legacy of jazz.

Check out Larry McKenna: Keeping the Legacy Alive at AAJ today!