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Al Guart

Al Guart is a self-taught musician whose tone on alto saxophone has been compared to that of the late Paul Desmond.

About Me

Al is a Brooklyn-born saxophonist who first played the alto and baritone sax in the NYC public school system. Upon graduating junior high, his mother bought him an alto from a Park Slope pawn shop. His first gigs came as a teen in Latin and Rock bands that performed at street festivals, parties and night clubs throughout Brooklyn and a few performances at the Prospect Park Bandshell.

In the late 1970's, Al took a job as a merchant marine, where he took his alto on ships and practiced while out at sea. It was during this lonely period he developed the soulful, plaintive tone that remains with him to this day. In the early 1980s, Al was rejected by the music program at Brooklyn College. He went on to earn a degree in Journalism and Philosophy. His alto, the one his mother bought and had been his constant companion for years, was stolen from his apartment and he stopped playing for more than 10 years.

Even so, Al's his desire to learn and perform music continued to burn quietly as he pursued the opportunties available to him. These options included teaching underpriviledged students in the NYC public schools and later reporting for the New York Post, where he earned two Pulitzer Prize nominations for investigative journalism. After The Post, Al completed a two year stint as an investigative producer for CBS News, a transition rarely accomplished by print reporters.

During those years, Al led Jazz ensembles in NYC, performing at the Sign of the Dove, the Cornelia Street Cafe, TJ Bentley's and many other venues. He recorded one album in 1997 that featured one original composition and the talents of guitarist Rick Stone. His ensembles backed some notable vocalists, including Vinnie Knight.

In 2007, Al left behind the world of big city reporting and life and moved to the Catskill Mountains. Here he's been leading Jazz ensembles at the Kindred Spirits Steakhouse & Pub in upstate New York. Al continues to hone his distinctive melodic style while performing with the best Jazz musicians in the Hudson Valley.

In May 2012, Al's ensemble performed at Chancellor's Hall in Albany at the request of the Mendelsohn Club. Al's performing has been featured in the Woodstock Times and the Catskill Daily Mail. Music is finally moving to the forefront of Al's life.



Some musicians Al has performed with include:

Piano: John Esposito, Peter Tomlinson, Paul Duffy, Jeff Marder, Sarah Cion Bass: Malcolm Cecil, Frank Luther, Ira Coleman, Michael Bitz, Richard Syracuse, Jim Curtin, Rob Anzellotti, Dmitri Kolesnick Sax: George DeLeon, Mitch Kessler Brass: Peter Ecklund, Robert Fisch Guitar: Rick Stone, Mike DeMicco, Steve Raleigh, Tom Depetris Drums: Peter O'Brien, Kesai Riddick, Mike Mullen Vibes: Rick Altman

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it allows deep artistic expression on both an individual and group context. I've met famous Jazz musicians over the years, but have knowm many unsung players. These musicians worked day jobs and played small money gigs in hole in the wall venues with me. They were no less musically profound than the well known Jazz greats. They simply did not have the good fortune to perform Jazz for a living. My advice to new listeners is to acquire an ear for this rich, complex music. You will be rewarded for taking the time.