Jazz Articles about Mike Tucker

Mike Tucker: Collage

by Jim Santella
February 21, 2006

New England tenor saxophonist Mike Tucker leads his quartet in a modern mainstream session of original compositions on Collage. “Bird Lives, a slow ballad by Billy Drewes, serves as the album's lone exception. Trumpeter Eric Bloom sits in on the opening “Fanfare, which sets the tone for the album with a modicum of excitement and plenty of groove.

Tucker prefers to honor the jazz tradition through his original work, but through quiet reflection and lyrical melodies. “Kathy finds ...

Mike Tucker: Collage

by Dan McClenaghan
February 2, 2006

There's always room on the jazz scene for young talent, even in the tried and true saxophone-plus-rhythm-section format. Tenor saxophonist Mike Tucker received a full scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2002; he was also chosen to compete in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition the same year. After three years-plus of formal education and more than a decade of professional work--including a Gary Burton/Pat Metheny recording project--Tucker has released his debut CD as a leader, Collage.