Gary Bartz

The shadow that Gary Bartz casts over the last six decades of progressive Black music makes him an integral contributor to the Jazz is dead series. An alto saxophonist steeped in the history and tradition of his instrument, Bartz has earned the respect and admiration of his peers. A look at the body of work reveals dalliances with bebop, hard bop, free jazz, spiritual jazz, soul jazz, jazz-funk, fusion and acid jazz, all while remaining unmistakably Gary Bartz.

There’s early work with Eric Dolphy and McCoy Tyner in Charles Mingus’ Jazz Workshop, work with Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln, a stint in Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, and also one with Miles. His highly influential Ntu Troop albums of the early 70s stand alone as ground-breaking gems. His jazz-funk work including two classic albums with the Misell Brothers supplied A Tribe Called Quest with a sample that was smooth like butter. His questing spirit harmonizes with the Jazz is Dead style producing a lead-edge album which effortlessly interfaces with a new generation.