Saxophonist, arranger/composer, educator and bandleader Bob Mintzer has a new website, http://www.bobmintzer.com. In addition to leading his own groups, including the Bob Mintzer Big Band, and two decades as a member of the Grammy winning Yellowjackets, Bob is the recipient of the Buzz McCoy Endowed Chair in the Jazz Studies program at the University of Southern California.
Bob Mintzer’s website includes a comprehensive discography, bio and video (including an EPK from his celebrated organ trio recording Canyon Cove, released last year on Japan’s Pony Canyon Records), visitors can preview and purchase over 100 Bob Mintzer compositions, arrangements and how-to-books that Bob has written over the past quarter century. The arrangements are available as PDF files for immediate download.
A New York native, Bob moved to Los Angeles two years, to join the USC faculty. His big band works regularly at Vibrato, Herb Albert’s cozy club in BelAir, California and Bob’s quartet plays at Vitellos in Studio City. “After spending most of my life in the New York area, I’m happy to report that Los Angeles offers considerable musical opportunities. For me, playing music is a life long commitment. There are always new things to consider and develop. I'm exhilarated and humbled by music on a daily basis, and plan to continue on this path until my last day on earth."
Bob Mintzer has made his mark merging a traditional jazz approach with an all- encompassing modernism that embraces lyricism, a strong sense of swing, and arrangements that take the listener on an unpredictable and vibrant journey. He honed his skills playing and writing for Buddy Rich, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Art Blakey, Sam Jones, Jaco Pastorius, The GRP Big Band, Mike Manieri, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, and the New York Philharmonic. He also has done session work for James Taylor, Queen, Steve Winwood, Aretha Franklin, and countless others.
Bob has been nominated for thirteen Grammy awards both for his solo work and big band recordings (Art of the Big Band, Departure, Homage To Count Basie, One Music, and Only In New York) and his work with the Yellowjackets (Blue Hats, Club Nocturne, Dreamland, Greenhouse, Like a River, Live Wires, Runferyerlife, Time Squared). Homage to Count Basie won the Grammy in the best large ensemble category for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards, 2001.
Following Bob’s twenty three year, twelve album relationship with Digital Music Products, the Bob Mintzer big band now resides on the MCG Jazz label.
Bob Mintzer Big Band performing in the Sheraton, Metropolitan Ballroom in NYC. January 13th,IAJE 2006.
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