"In my master class on improvisation, I try to teach that what has been called a solo is really much more than a solo. At the high end of it, it's a new composition That's the art form we perform, we compose on the spot."
-- Gary Bartz
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Gary Bartz is one of the most commanding, yet undersung jazz alto saxophonists on the scene today. When he emerged in the early 60's, he was praised as the most exciting alto player to come along since Cannonball Adderley. And certainly, his slinky, sinewy lyricism breathed fire into ensembles led by Max Roach, Art Blakey, and McCoy Tyner. Bartz hooked up with Miles Davis, during some of his earliest electric fusion bands, while at the same time, leading his own Afrocentric fusion funk combo, The NTU Troop. Some purists derided Bartz's steady immersion into pop music, but he never eschewed his scintillating sense of improvisation. On this edition, Dr. Taylor welcomes the outstanding Gary Bartz to engage in some informative conversation and for him join his trio in bright renditions of "The Blues," Miles Davis' "Half Nelson," Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday," and Cole Porter's "What Is This Thing Called Love."
On-demand audio from this show:
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Listen to Gary trace the origins of his professional musical career
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Listen to Gary describe the difference between working with Art Blakey and Charles Mingus
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Listen to Gary talk about his indie-film, Jazz Story and the importance of musicians owning their music
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Listen to Gary explain the concept of his 70's fusion group, The NTU Troop
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Listen to Gary explain the art of constructing an improvised solo
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