Don Menza
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Don Menza is an American saxophonist, arranger, composer, session musician and jazz educator noted for his many contributions to American jazz and big band music. According to Scott Yanow of All Music Guide, "...although (he is) able to effectively imitate most of the top stylists (from Coleman Hawkins to John Coltrane), he has a distinctive sound of his own."
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[edit] Early years
Don Menza was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where he began playing tenor saxophone when he was 13. He studied saxophone with legendary musician and teacher John Sedola. After serving in the U. S. Army, he worked with Maynard Ferguson's Orchestra (1960-1962) as both a soloist and an arranger. A short tenure with Stan Kenton and a year leading a quintet in Buffalo preceded a period living in Germany (1964-1968). Later, he returned to the United States and joined Buddy Rich's big band in 1968, recording a famous solo on "Channel One Suite" that utilized circular breathing and has become known as a classic among music educators and musicians alike. In the late 1960's, he settled in California and performed in the bands of Elvin Jones (1969) and Louie Bellson. Other artists with which Menza has recorded include Keely Smith, Cold Blood, Natalie Cole, Pat Boone, and Leonard Cohen.
[edit] Educator and composer
His work as a jazz educator is renowned among his peers, as exemplified by numerous guest appearances at the conventions of the International Association for Jazz Education. His compositions, such as "Groovin' Hard" and "Time Check" (both favorites of Doc Severinsen's NBC Orchestra and Buddy Rich's Big Band) have become standard repertoire in jazz studies programs at colleges and universities worldwide. In addition to numerous recordings as a sideman, Menza has recorded as a leader for Saba (1965) in Germany, Discwasher (1979), Realtime, Palo Alto (the latter two in 1981), and Verve (GRP).
[edit] Partial Discography
- Burnin' - (2002) Label: Real Time. Personnel: Chuck Findley, Ron King, Jack Nimitz, Don Rader, Bill Reichenbach, Joe Romano, Frank Strazzeri, Bobby Shew and Frank Szabo.
- Menza Lines - The Don Menza Big Band. (2005) Label: Jazzed Media. Personnel: Don Menza: leader, tenor saxophone; Chuck Findley, Bobby Shew, Don Rader, Ron King, Frank Szabo: trumpet; Bill Reichenbach, Alex Iles, Bob McChesney, John Hasselback: trombone; Lanny Morgan, Russ D'Alba, Doug Webb, Tom Peterson, Jack Nimitz: reeds; Mike Abene: piano; Chris Conner: bass; Mark Waggoner: guitar; Mike Stephans: drums.
- Voyage - Don Menza & the SWR Big Band. (2007) Label: Hänssler Classic. Personnel: Don Menza (tenor saxophone), Don Rader, Claus Reichstaller, Felice Civitareale, Klaus Graf (saxophone), Klaus Wagenleiter (piano), Marc Godfroid (trombone), Andreas Maile, Axel Kuhn, Ian Cumming, Joe Gallardo, Karl Farrent, Rudolf Reindl (flugelhorn)
- Jack Rabbitt - Don Menza (sax), Bobby Jones (Hammond B3 Organ), John Bacon (Drums). Cadence Jazz Records 1184
- The Best of Buddy Rich [LIVE] - Buddy Rich (2006). Label: LRC Ltd. COntains Menza's composition, "Time Check."
- The Best Of Buddy Rich: The Pacific Jazz Years - Buddy Rich. (1997) Label: Blue Note Records. Contains Menza's composition, "Groovin' Hard."
- Mercy, Mercy - The Buddy Rich Big Band. Contains Menza's famous solo (the "Menza Cadenza") during "Channel One Suite".
[edit] Trivia
Don Menza is the father of drummer Nick Menza, best known for his work in thrash metal band Megadeth
Don is famous for playing the saxophone in "The Pink Panther Theme"
[edit] References
- Don Menza Bio at All Music Guide website
- Review of "Menza Lines" CD at All Music Guide
- Article: "Recommended Jazz Ensemble Repertoire," published in Jazz Education Journal, the official publication of the International Association for Jazz Education
- Jazz Improv Magazine website
- Don Menza listings on Ejazzlines.com
