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Med Flory

Med Flory has enjoyed both a profitable music career and successful stints as a television and film writer and actor. His alto sax and clarinet work are deeply influenced by the classic bebop sound, notably the playing of Charlie Parker. Though he doesn't directly emulate Parker, Flory's sound, phrasing and approach reflect his reverence for his music. He played clarinet and alto with Claude Thornhill in the '50s, and tenor with Woody Herman. Flory formed his own New York band in 1954, then moved to the West Coast two years later. He organized a big band that performed at the inaugural Monterey concert in 1958. Flory played with Terry Gibbs' nonet and orchestra in the late '50s and early '60s, recording with both units and also cutting sessions with Art Pepper and Herman on baritone. Flory's acting career blossomed in the '60s, as he began appearing on many television shows and in films. He also wrote screenplays and trimmed his playing dates. During Flory's sessions with Pepper, the sax section played arrangements of Parker improvisations. Flory and Joe Maini began transcribing the solos, but after Maini's death in 1964 Flory stopped the process. When Buddy Clark showed interest, Flory not only began transcribing again, he co-formed a band with Clark to play the material. Supersax was made up of 5 saxophonists, and 4 other band members. Their debut album, 'Supersax Plays Bird' won a Grammy in 1973 for the best jazz performance by a group. Lightening almost struck twice in 1975 when they were nominated for a second Grammy for 'Supersax Plays Bird With Strings', but they were beat out by Chick Corea. In all, Supersax recorded 10 albums. Though Buddy Clark left in 1975, and there were numerous other changes through the years, Med remained the driving force behind the group. Med continued touring well into the ninties, and recorded a last album in 1998 called "Live at Capozzoli's." Flory has recorded as a leader for Jubille and World Pacific as a session leader, and for Capitol, MPS and Columbia with Supersax. In 2009 Flory teamed with another West Coast jazz founder Dave Pell, and the Quintet has been active playing Los Angeles at Henri's Back Room.


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Obituary

Med Flory dies at 87

Med Flory dies at 87

Source: Michael Ricci

Med Flory, an alto saxophonist and founder of the Grammy-winning jazz group Supersax in addition to being an actor who appeared on numerous TV series, has died. He was 87. His son, Rex, who cared for his father during several years of heart maladies, reported that Flory died Wednesday at his home in North Hollywood. Flory had not been professionally active over the last few years, a shift from the busy demands of a career stretching over six decades. One ...

Obituary

Med Flory (1926-2014)

Med Flory (1926-2014)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Med Flory, a West Coast jazz saxophonist and actor who in 1972 founded the reed-centric band Supersax that played transcriptions of Charlie Parker solos in tight formation and won a Grammy in 1973, died on March 12. He was 87. Like many West Coast reed players, Med was relentlessly upbeat and easy-going—until he raised the mouthpiece to his lips. At that point, a transformation took place as aggression, competitiveness and a burning desire to excite the listener filled his face. ...

Obituary

Med Flory, 1926-2014

Med Flory, 1926-2014

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey

Alto saxophonist Med Flory was best known to the general public as an actor, but jazz listeners are most likely to remember him as the co-founder and leader of Supersax. Flory died this week at the age of 87. He made hundreds of appearances in television shows and a few in motion pictures, usually as characters in westerns and action flicks. He’s the big man in the foreground in a scene from the 1966 film Night Of The Grizzly. He ...

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Performance / Tour

Dave Pell with Med Flory Band Play the Backroom at Henri's

Dave Pell with Med Flory Band Play the Backroom at Henri's

Source: All About Jazz


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Performance / Tour

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Henri's

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Henri's

Source: All About Jazz

One of the legendary originators of the West Coast Jazz Sound, Dave Pell plays The Back Room at Henri's with the Med FLory Quintet.

FRIDAY, MAY 14 SHOWS 7 pm and 9 pm

DAVE PELL Tenor MED FLORY Alto RICHARD SIMON Bass FRANK STRAZZERI Piano FRANK CAPP Drums Featuring Young Tenor Star CHLOE FEORANZO

The Back Room at Henri's 21601 Sherman Way Canoga Park, ...

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Performance / Tour

Dave Pell & the Med Flory Quintet Play the Back Room @ Henri's

Dave Pell & the Med Flory Quintet Play the Back Room @ Henri's

Source: All About Jazz

The famed sax of Dave Pell comes to The Back Room at Henri's in the San Fernado Valley

Friday, March 12th The Back Room atHenri's 21601 Sherman Way Canoga Park, CA 91303 Reservations(818) 348-5582

Dave Pell - Tenor Med Flory - Alto Marty Harris - Piano Chuck Berghofer - Bass Frank Capp - Drums

7:00 pm Dinner Show 9:00 pm Show

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Performance / Tour

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet

Source: All About Jazz

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Henri's Back Room

Friday, February 12 The Back Room at Henri's 21601 Sherman Way Canoga Park, CA 91303 Reservations (818) 348-5582

Dave Pell - Tenor Med Flory - Alto Bill Fulton - Piano Jim Hughart - Bass Frank Capp - Drums

7:00 pm Dinner Show 9:00 pm Show (Limited Menu) No ...

161

Performance / Tour

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Cafe 322

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Cafe 322

Source: All About Jazz


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Performance / Tour

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Henri's Friday Night

Dave Pell & Med Flory Quintet @ Henri's Friday Night

Source: All About Jazz

The legendary sax of Dave Pell with the Med Flory Quintet plays the southland

Friday, January 8th The Back Room at Henri's 21601 Sherman Way Canoga Park, CA 91303 (818) 348-5582

Dave Pell - Tenor Med Flory - Alto John Campbell - Piano Chuck Berghofer - Bass Frank Capp - Drums

Shows: 7pm and 9pm No Cover Intimate Affordable Full Bar Good ...

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Interview

Photostory 7: Med Flory

Photostory 7: Med Flory

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Today's Med Flory's birthday. Med is a Los Angeles-based saxophonist whose recordings in the 1950s are legendary for their power and swinging out-choruses. After recently interviewing Med here, I received an e-mail from Indianapolis photographer Mark Sheldon, a regular contributor to Down Beat, who sent along a few photos of Med. I loved them so much I asked Mark to provide the story behind the images:

“These photographs of Med Flory were made in May 2008 at the inaugural Med ...

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Go West Young Med

Unknown label
2004

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The Big Band

Amplion Records
1963

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Jazz Wave

Amplion Records
1958

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