Results for "Larry Slezak"

Musician

Larry Slezak

Born: 1946

Saxophonist Larry Slezak was born in Manhattan in 1946. He gravitated to the saxophone after hearing {{Bill Doggett = 6327}}'s hit recording of "Honky Tonk." Growing up in New York afforded him the opportunity, while still in his teens, to hear all the great musicians live: from Armstrong to Ellington and Basie. He was drawn to the music and was working professionally by the time he was 14. Since relocating to Houston in 1973, Slezak has mastered the entire reed instrument family and has performed in the orchestras for {{Johnny Mathis = 9164}}, {{Liza Minnelli}}, {{Burt Bacharach}}, {{Tony Bennett = 3785}}, {{Joe Williams = 11393}}, and countless others

Article: Album Review

Raquel Cepeda: I'm Confessin'

by C. Michael Bailey
May 2, 2013

The Houston jazz mafia expands with vocalist Raquel Cepeda's I'm Confessin'. Cepeda joins the ranks of multi-instrumentalist Henry Darragh, singers Melissa Darragh, Tianna Hall, Jacqui Sutton and Danielle Reich, guitarist Paul Chester, trumpeter Dennis Dotson (who appears here), saxophonist Larry Slezak and (by extension), trumpeter Carol Morgan, Houston jazz mafiosi all. Cepeda adds eloquently to a ...

Article: Catching Up With

Tianna Hall: Sid, Barney, Duke & Billy

by C. Michael Bailey
November 27, 2012

Jazz vocalist Tianna Hall calls Houston, TX home. At first blush, one might consider Houston a hub for the oil industry, barbecue, and country music, but not one for jazz. However, Houston has a long history with the music dating to the age of the territory bands and the “Chitlin' Circuit" existing between the late '20s ...

Article: Bailey's Bundles

Gary Norian: Houston Lifts Off

by C. Michael Bailey
October 13, 2011

Houston, Texas is the oil capital of the United States. It is also, in 2011, becoming a jazz mecca ready to take on New Orleans, Chicago and New York City. Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery Counties are home to an exploding jazz population that includes pianist, vocalist and trombonist Henry Darragh, vocalists Melissa Darragh, Jacqui Sutton, ...

Article: Album Review

Danielle Reich: This Year’s Kisses

by C. Michael Bailey
April 7, 2011

There is something strange going on in Houston, Texas. It must be the heat and humidity, stimulating the fecund creative jazz spirits that give rise to the likes of Larry Slezak (No Worries (Self Produced, 2009)), Jacqui Sutton (Billie & Dolly (Self Produced, 2010)), Henry Darragh Tell Her More Me (A-Train Creative, 2010)), and, now vocalist ...

Video

How About You?

Featuring the music of Larry Slezak
Duration: 8:19
May 21, 2010

The band and I performed Jan. 31 at Cactus Music. We loved being there and everyone who came out was great. This was a special performance because it was the first time the record store had invited a jazz band for an in-store performance. Thanks Cactus! We hope everyone enjoys the video.

Album

No Worries

By Larry Slezak

Label: Self Produced
Released: 2009
Track listing: Floatin'; How About You; No Worries; Chico and the Man; You've Changed; Distant Harmony; Girl Talk; Wee Small Hours; Maybe By Tomorrow; Cry Me A River; Secret Love; Young and Foolish.

Video

Saxophonist Larry Slezak plays Ellington tune

Featuring the music of Larry Slezak
Duration: 2:12
July 16, 2009

Larry Slezak, a jazz saxophone player from Houston, jams to "Just Squeeze Me" by Duke Ellington at Ovations Night Club on June 12.

Article: Take Five With...

Take Five With Larry Slezak

by AAJ Staff
June 30, 2009

Meet Larry Slezak:Larry Slezak is one of Houston's great jazz saxophonists. But outside of well-known jazz venues in the southwest, he has seldom been heard on record. His debut release, No Worries treats listeners from Houston and beyond to Slezak's versatility, expressive ideas, energy and mastery of the saxophone.Instrument(s): Saxophone.I ...

News: Interview

Larry Slezak Interviewed on WGLT's Jazz Next Podcast

June 15, 2009

WGLT’s Jazz Next podcast featured an interview with Larry Slezak in last week’s episode! Listen to it here About WGLT WGLT Music Director and Jazz Host Jon Norton and Arts Editor and Jazz Host Laura Kennedy share their jazz picks in this weekly podcast. Listen for up-and-coming artists and tunes deserving a bit more attention. You’ll ...