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Greg Pardue

Saxophone Player

About Me

Professional musician since 1970

Front Porch Pandemic Jazz Jam - April 2020 to present

Forecast, The Jazz-Rock Fusion - Band Leader - Since 1977

The Roadhouse Band & PHD Jazz - Core member since 2005

Private music teacher - Saxophones & Flute

Formerly employed by P. Mauriat Saxophones, Jupiter Band Instruments & Latin Percussion (LP)

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it's such an expressive, emotional and innovative music. It's not how many notes you can play, it's how you play them and how you can make your music speak to people. I was first exposed to jazz by my sister. It was the Dave Brubeck Quartet, the "Time Out" LP, especially Paul Desmond's "Take Five". While in college I studied with Phil Woods for one summer. That was a big step. While still in college and working as a full time club musician, I heard Grover Washington Jr. and I was hooked on funky jazz. My advice to new listeners is to check out the many varied styles of jazz. You're sure to find something you love, something that speaks to you.

My House Concert Story

My current active project is the "Front Porch Pandemic Jazz Jam". It's just what it says, a front porch jazz house concert. It's outdoors every Thursday from 4:00 to 6:30, subject to the weather of course. 3 of us started it in April 2020 during the height of the covid pandemic because all of our gigs got canceled and we needed some way to keep performing and keep our chops fresh. The band is now 4-6 musicians and we're having so much fun we can't stop. Much to our surprise, we were voted 'Best Local Band' in the 'San Diego Reader's 'Best of 2021' poll and we were a finalist for 'Best Neighborhood Event' and 'Best Cover Band'. We get a weekly audience of 25 to 50 people from the local community and from all over San Diego county. There's appx. a dozen or so regulars who attend every week. People bring their own seating and picnics plus there's wine tasting and dancing in the street. One older couple even brings their own portable dance floor. Here’s the basics: *What: Live Jazz of course! *When: Every Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00-6:30 (subject to weather). Perfect for a jazzy happy hour, just don’t forget to share with the band (lol). *Where: 5600 block of Bloch St. in University City, San Diego 92122. *Seating is outside around the neighborhood or in your parked car. Bring your own chairs. Dancing is encouraged and as you will see, picnicking and wine tasting are popular. Dogs on leash are also welcome. Masks and social distancing are at the audience’s discretion. *FREE for all ages; kids to seniors! *Who: Most weeks it’s the usual cast of scoundrels: Jack Hoffman (piano or drums) Roy Jenkins (bass) Phil Marcus (guitar/vocals) Ray Conseur (drums) Greg Pardue (saxophones) Jim Napier (trumpet)