Results for "saxophone, tenor"

Scott Hamilton

Born: September 12, 1954

Scott Hamilton is the premier 'mainstream' saxophonist of today. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1954, he came along at the time when the kind of jazz he loved-the small-group swing of such great stylists as Illinois Jacquet and Eddie Lockjaw Davis-was out of fashion, and largely out of the public ear. Scott's handsome sound and impeccable phrasing were a rare commodity among young jazzmen. So when he signed to Concord Records, and began making albums for label boss and mainstream advocate Carl Jefferson, it caused surprise and excitement among both devotees of the style, and in the wider musical world. His first Concord set, [Scott Hamilton is A Good Wind Who IS Blowing Us No Ill] was made in 1977 and took it’s title from an admiring remark from veteran jazz critic Leonard Feather

Rich Halley

Rich Halley is a saxophonist and composer who has released more than two dozen critically acclaimed recordings. He performs in settings that range from solo to large groups and frequently with the Rich Halley 4 which includes Michael Vlatkovich on trombone, Clyde Reed on bass and Carson Halley on drums. Rich also leads the Outside Music Ensemble, a four horn two percussionist group that performs acoustically in outdoor settings.

For over two decades, Rich was the leader of the Lizard Brothers, a sextet whose performances combined exploration and jazz tradition. He was the leader of Multnomah Rhythm Ensemble, a group that combined new jazz with multi-media.

Jeff Hackworth

"New York City saxophonist Jeff Hackworth keeps alive the soulful tenor tradition of such historic greats as Gene Ammons, David “Fathead” Newman, Stanley Turrentine and the still active Houston Person. But rather than just duplicate the past, Hackworth invigorates the music with his own personal sound and modern ideas." Scott Yanow, author of ten books including The Jazz Singers, Trumpet Kings, Jazz On Film and Jazz On Record 1917-76 "New York City abounds with working musicians trying to make their mark in jazz circles. Whether as a fan or music professional, discovering these musicians is a delight, especially when the musician has "arrived " and developed a true voice in the jazz tradition. Jeff Hackworth is one such musician. He’s achieved a deep understanding of the tenor sax and he plays with assurance and a keen mastery of the drenching emotions of his horn. Houston Person introduced me to Jeff and has been a big influence and mentor in Hackworth’s career. I endorse this enthusiasm, and I am honored to add these words."

Tom Gullion

Born: 1965

Saxophonist Tom Gullion brings a deep, soulful performance style, a sophisticated avant-garde sensibility, and a quicksilver technique. Now, at the peak of his musical maturity, he is launching several new projects: a solo CD Catharsis, the ground-breaking group, Aspect Jazz featuring percussionist Ernie Adams, Chicago, and has even found time to organize the Driftless Jazz Festival in Southwestern Wisconsin. "Humbly walking in the footsteps of Sonny Rollins and other who have taken time for reflection in their careers, I've found my path is to bring music to the people. And that's exactly what these new projects are about."

Johnny Griffin

Born: April 24, 1928

Since Johnny Griffin's precocious professional debut with Lionel Hampton in 1945, his best work has been guided by spontaneity. One of the fastest and least inhibited of tenor men, Griffin loves the challenges and excitement of the jam session. Back in 1963, despite the solid reputation he had established as a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Thelonious Monk’s group (and as co-leader of a band with Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis), Griffin felt forced to flee to Europe. During the Sixties, Griffin was one of an elite corps of resident American jazzmen in Europe, a group that included Kenny Clarke, Arthur Taylor, Horace Parlan, Kenny Drew, and, of course, Dexter Gordon (“Dexter’s family to me,” he smiles)

Wardell Gray

Born: March 13, 1921

Wardell Gray was one of the truly great, yet by now almost obscure, bebop tenor saxophonists. With a smooth mellow and consistent tone, he created a tenor style that veered from swing to bebop, a style that was elegant, sure-footed, mature and distinctive. His premature death under mysterious circumstances in 1955, robbed the jazz world of another unique player, and cast him into distant recollection, though his talent deserves greater recognition. Born in Oklahoma City, Gray grew up in Detroit, playing locally as a teenager. He was a member of the Earl Hines big band during 1943-1945 before moving to Los Angeles in 1945

Dexter Gordon

Born: March 27, 1923

Dexter Gordon is considered to be the first musician to translate the language of Bebop to the tenor saxophone. Dexter Keith Gordon was born on February 27, 1923 in Los Angeles, California. His father, Dr. Frank Gordon, was one of the first African American doctors in Los Angeles who arrived in 1918 after graduating from Howard Medical School in Washington, D.C. Among his patients were Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton. Dexter's mother, Gwendolyn Baker, was the daughter of Captain Edward Baker, one of the five African American Medal of Honor recipients in the Spanish-American War. He began his study of music with the clarinet at age 13, then switched to the alto saxophone at 15, and finally to the tenor saxophone at 17