Jazz Articles

Tim Ries With Randy Brecker at Drom

by Peter Jurew
July 1, 2017

Tim Ries with Randy BreckerDromNew York, NYJune 21, 2017 Saxophonist Tim Ries has made a name for himself internationally as a jazz educator and composer, leader and sideman. A master of tenor and soprano saxophones, since 2007, he's also known for playing in the Rolling Stones's horn section on several world tours. Those side gigs led to two well-received albums of Ries- arranged Stones material performed by jazz ensembles that have included Mick Jagger, Keith ...

Tim Ries: Stones World: Rolling Stones Project II

by Mark F. Turner
October 14, 2008

Jazz saxophonist Tim Ries presents a global travelogue of The Rolling Stones' classics. A continuation from 2005's The Rolling Stones Project (Concord Music Group, 2005), the two CD release, Stones World now crosses international borders (Africa, Brazil, India, Japan, New York, Portugal, and other locales) with the cooperation of indigenous musicians who share an appreciation for the iconic British rock group.

Tim Ries: The Rolling Stones Project

by C. Andrew Hovan
September 23, 2005

Although purists might hate to admit it, popular music has always provided fodder for jazz interpretations, ever since the '40s and the Tin Pan Alley favorites that supplied chord structures for the mercurial flights of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. Since then, pop hits from the Beatles to Radiohead have become part of the jazz vernacular. Oddly enough, the music of the Rolling Stones has not provided a trove of exploration for jazzers outside of a '60s take on “(I ...

Tim Ries: It's Only Rock n' Roll, But He Likes It

by R.J. DeLuke
August 29, 2005

Saxophonist Tim Ries knows what its like to play with a big band. His first gig out of college was with Maynard Ferguson. More recently, he's been a part of Maria Schneider's critically acclaimed orchestra, including the recording of the multiple award-winning Concert in the Garden. But the big band he's with now has nothing to do with an orchestra or the number of members in the aggregation.

The “big" in this gig is two-syllable big. Bih-Igg.

Ries is out ...

A Fireside Chat With Tim Ries

by AAJ Staff
October 1, 2003

I am a fan of Larry Goldings. Not so much his organ playing, although he is a fine organist, and probably the best of his generation, but more so for his compositional prowess. Goldings' compositions are very much beyond his years (if that didn't sound like a compliment, my apologies). Goldings is a fan of Tim Ries and if you connect the dots, well, in essence, I am as well.

The saxophone is a brutal instrument in jazz. ...

Tim Ries Septet: Alternate Side

by Jim Santella
July 1, 2001

Dramatic modern mainstream jazz contains curious harmonic concepts and rhythmic variety. Leading with tenor and soprano saxophones, Tim Ries provides six original pieces and two standards, from which his ensemble extracts the essential elements. A leading section member with the bands of Maynard Ferguson and Maria Schneider, Ries holds a master's degree in performance and composition from the University of Michigan. At 41, he's at a crossroads; where his writing and leadership mean as much as his searing solo work.

Tim Ries Septet: Alternate Side

by Jim Santella
July 1, 2001

Dramatic modern mainstream jazz contains curious harmonic concepts and rhythmic variety. Leading with tenor and soprano saxophones, Tim Ries provides six original pieces and two standards, from which his ensemble extracts the essential elements. A leading section member with the bands of Maynard Ferguson and Maria Schneider, Ries holds a master's degree in performance and composition from the University of Michigan. At 41, he's at a crossroads; where his writing and leadership mean as much as his searing solo work.