Andrew Rathbun

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Saxophonist, composer, and Toronto native Andrew Rathbun has achieved a rare depth of lyricism and compositional intelligence in 25 years as a recording artist; Ben Ratliff of the New York Times described Rathbun as “an industrious saxophonist and imaginative composer-arranger.” Voted as a “Rising Star” in the 2018 and 2022 Downbeat Critics Polls, he has documented his stirring original music with a series of acclaimed recordings, on the Challenge, Fresh Sound and Steeplechase labels, and has collaborated with musicians like Kenny Wheeler, Billy Hart, Ben Monder and Luciana Souza. “Rathbun’s lines dance and glide,” writes David Whiteis of JazzTimes, “reflecting both childlike wonder and well-honed artistry.” After hearing 2014’s Numbers & Letters the New Yorker declared Rathbun “a crafty saxophonist and composer whose ambitious work over the past decade has eluded the wider recognition it deserves.” Atwood Suites, Rathbun’s JUNO-nominated jazz-orchestra project was summarized in Jazziz Magazine; “On the basis of this CD alone, Rathbun deserves to be ranked among today’s top arranger- composers.” His latest recordings include Impressions of Debussy, about which revered Chicago critic Howard Reich declares “the listener travels from a high-toned performance of a familiar work to a new conception that opens up its motifs, rhythms and harmonies.” Northern Noir is Rathbun’s duo recording with the legendary pianist Ran Blake. In James Hale’s review, he describes the recording as “a deeply charming and compelling meeting” and that “he has released some truly moving and memorable recordings.” Semantics finds Rathbun with tenor sax great Rich Perry, and jazz percussion icon Billy Drummond, and has reached over 500,000 plays on Spotify. It was nominated for a JUNO award in 2023. “The Speed of Time” is Andrew’s latest project, and features pianist Gary Versace, bassist John Hébert and drummer Tom Rainey Andrew has been a fellow at the MacDowell Colony, the Atlantic Center for the Arts and the Banff Center. He received his masters from New England Conservatory, and his D.M.A from Manhattan School of Music. He is currently Distinguished Professor of Jazz and Saxophone at Western Michigan University. www.andrewrathbun.com Press An industrious saxophonist and imaginative composer-arranger. – The New York Times A crafty saxophonist and composer whose ambitious work over the past decade has eluded the wider recognition it deserves. – The New Yorker Toronto native Andrew Rathbun is one of the most thoughtful and curious saxophonists to emerge in New York over the past decade. – The Chicago Reader The Canadian saxophonist/composer is a gifted performer who writes challenging and complex pieces. – The Irish Times Andrew Rathbun is an artist who takes chances with his recordings. You don’t hear any paint-by-the-numbers jazz discs from him. – All About Jazz