Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

October 31, 1922 in Somerville, MA

Death

:

May 12, 2011

 

Ted Nash is a renowned American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and classical music. Born on October 28, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Nash grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Dick Nash, was a trombonist, and his uncle, Ted Nash, was a saxophonist. Nash's exposure to music from an early age sparked his interest in pursuing a career in music. Nash began playing the saxophone at the age of eight and quickly developed a passion for jazz. He attended the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with jazz legends Charlie Haden and Joe Henderson. After completing his studies, Nash moved to New York City in 1980 to pursue his career as a professional musician. In the early years of his career, Nash played with various jazz ensembles, including the Gerry Mulligan Concert Jazz Band, the Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. He also worked as a sideman for prominent jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Clark Terry, and Quincy Jones. In 1999, Nash formed his own jazz ensemble, the Ted Nash Quintet, which quickly gained recognition for its innovative sound and unique approach to jazz. The group's debut album, "Rhyme and Reason," was released in 2000 and received critical acclaim. The album featured Nash's original compositions and arrangements, which showcased his versatility as a composer and bandleader. Over the years, Nash has released several albums with his quintet, including "Sidewalk Meeting" (2001), "The Mancini Project" (2008), and "Chakra" (2013). His music has been praised for its blend of jazz, classical, and world music influences, as well as its sophisticated arrangements and improvisation. In addition to his work as a jazz musician, Nash has also made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He has composed several works for chamber ensembles and orchestras, including "Portrait in Seven Shades," a suite for jazz orchestra that was commissioned by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in 2008. The suite, which was inspired by the paintings of Henri Matisse, received widespread acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. Nash has also collaborated with several classical musicians, including the Juilliard String Quartet, the Orion String Quartet, and the New York Philharmonic. His collaborations with these ensembles have resulted in several recordings, including "The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and the New York Philharmonic" (2010) and "Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom" (2016). Nash's contributions to the world of music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards. In 2017, he was awarded the Jazz Journalists Association's Musician of the Year award, which recognized his outstanding contributions to jazz and classical music. In addition to his work as a musician, Nash is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at several institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, and has conducted masterclasses and workshops around the world. He is also the author of several instructional books and videos, including "Studies in High Harmonics" and "The Jazz Saxophonist's Survival Guide." In conclusion, Ted Nash is a highly accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the world of jazz and classical music.

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