Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 12, 1923 in Boston, MA

Death

:

June 16, 2009 in Cologne, Germany

 

Charlie Mariano was a renowned jazz and classical music artist who was born on November 12, 1923, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the son of Italian immigrants and grew up in a musical family. His father played the saxophone, and his mother was a singer. Mariano started playing the saxophone at the age of 12 and quickly became proficient in the instrument. Mariano's early musical influences were jazz musicians such as Lester Young and Charlie Parker. He played in various jazz bands in Boston before joining the United States Army during World War II. While in the army, Mariano played in the 396th Army Band and performed for troops in Europe. After the war, Mariano returned to Boston and continued to play in jazz bands. In 1951, he joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra, one of the most popular big bands of the time. Mariano played alto saxophone and flute in the orchestra and became known for his virtuosic solos. He recorded several albums with the Kenton Orchestra, including "New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm" and "City of Glass." In 1956, Mariano left the Kenton Orchestra and moved to New York City. He began playing with jazz musicians such as Chico Hamilton, Shelly Manne, and Toshiko Akiyoshi. He also started to explore classical music and began studying with the renowned classical saxophonist Sigurd Raschèr. Mariano's interest in classical music led him to move to Europe in 1961. He settled in Germany and began playing with the radio orchestras in Stuttgart and Munich. He also formed his own jazz quartet, which included the pianist Wolfgang Dauner. The quartet recorded several albums, including "Gonjasufi" and "Mirror." In the 1970s, Mariano began to incorporate Indian music into his playing. He studied with the Indian musician Ravi Shankar and played with the Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu. He also formed a group called "The Karnataka College of Percussion," which blended Indian and Western music. Mariano continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He played with musicians such as Joe Zawinul, John McLaughlin, and the pianist Jasper van't Hof. He also recorded several albums as a leader, including "Charlie Mariano Plays" and "Tears of Sound." Mariano received several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1997, he was awarded the Bavarian Order of Merit for his contributions to music. He was also inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 2009. Mariano passed away on June 16, 2009, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and versatile saxophonists in jazz and classical music. His unique blend of jazz, classical, and Indian music continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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