Country

:

United States of America

Birth

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in Cleveland, OH

 

Rich Perry is a renowned jazz saxophonist and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on January 5, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, Perry grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer. Perry started playing the clarinet at the age of 10 and later switched to the saxophone. Perry's love for music grew as he listened to jazz greats such as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, and Dexter Gordon. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with saxophonist Joe Viola. After graduating, Perry moved to New York City, where he began his career as a professional musician. In the early 1980s, Perry joined the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, which was one of the most prominent big bands of the time. He played with the band for several years and recorded several albums with them. Perry's playing style was heavily influenced by John Coltrane, and he was known for his ability to play long, complex solos. In 1985, Perry released his debut album, "Scorpio Rising," which received critical acclaim. The album featured Perry's original compositions and showcased his unique playing style. Perry continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "East of the Sun" and "What Is This Thing Called Love?" Perry has also collaborated with several other jazz musicians, including Dave Liebman, Bill Dobbins, and Harold Danko. He has performed at some of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world, including the North Sea Jazz Festival and the Montreux Jazz Festival. In addition to his work as a performer, Perry is also a respected educator. He has taught at several universities, including William Paterson University and the Manhattan School of Music. Perry is known for his ability to teach students how to develop their own unique playing style and has mentored several successful jazz musicians. Throughout his career, Perry has received several awards and accolades. In 1998, he was awarded the Jazz Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards and has won the DownBeat Critics Poll several times. Perry's most recent album, "Mood," was released in 2019 and features his original compositions. The album showcases Perry's ability to create beautiful melodies and his unique playing style. Perry continues to perform and record music, and his contributions to the world of jazz will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

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