BARTZ, Gary: Episode One

Classical Music

The two-time winner of Grammy Awards, alto saxophonist Gary Bartz (b. Baltimore, Sept. 26, 1940) studied music at the Julliard School in New York. He then worked with many prominent players like Max Roach, Art Blakey, Blue Mitchell, McCoy Tyner in the 60s. His international fame came when he joined Miles Davis in the early 70s. He made his SteepleChase recording debut with Jackie McLean in 1973 (“Ode To Super” SCCD 31009). 15 years later he went into a studio in Copenhagen with the band he was touring with in Europe (except Butch Lacy replacing Joanne Brackeen on piano) to make this second album for SteepleChase. Bartz received the BNY Mellon Jazz 2015 Living Legacy Award. He is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at Oberlin College. “…one of the best of Bartz’ recent releases, while it emphasizes leader’s powerful playing, the well-balanced ensemble performances are quite enticing.” (Sato – Swing Journal on SCS 1234)

Recorded in NYC November 1988, this album is the first of the series of recordings SteepleChase undertook after a few years of pause from the New York recording scene. Saxophonist Gary Bartz returned to acoustic hard-bop around that time from fusion jazz having played in the 70’s Miles Davis group. “Gary Bartz convinces you his incisive alto would have fit with Monk himself - his ear-catching post-Bird cry, rhythmic snap and blues-sense would have put him in the pocket...he treats the material with the honour it deserves and the spirit it demands.” (Kevin Whitehead, Cadence)

Monsoon

Reflections Of Monk - The Final Frontier