![]() ![]() Of the many pearls he gleaned, the saxophonist says, "Miles' genius was getting the best out of musicians but not controlling them - letting them be free, but also getting what he wanted from them."Īfter two albums for Atlantic Records - Prisoner of Love and African Exchange Student - Kenny signed to Warner Bros. Miles Davis hired Garrett in 1986 and the ensuing five-year/four-album association left an indelible imprint on both Garrett's life and career. ![]() During the 1980s he also recorded with Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. He released his first album as a leader, Introducing Kenny Garrett, in 1984. Three years later, Kenny moved to New York and played with The Mel Lewis Orchestra (absorbing the charts of Thad Jones) and the Dannie Richmond Quintet (playing the music of Charles Mingus). In 1978, Garrett was offered a slot in the Duke Ellington Orchestra (then under the direction of Duke's son, Mercer Ellington), effectively putting college on the back burner for the young reedman. Growing up in Detroit at the time offered Garrett ample opportunity to explore soul, gospel, even classical firsthand, in addition to jazz. His muscular yet melodic playing can be heard on recordings by jazz legends Art Blakey, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Haynes, and Miles Davis, rock royalty Sting, Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen, and progressive rap pioneer GURU.īorn in Detroit, he was introduced to the saxophone early by his father, who played tenor. Throughout his career, multiple Grammy-nominee Kenny Garrett has explored a vast spectrum of music. Musicians on the new disc include Tenor Saxophone Legend Pharaoh Sanders, in addition to pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Robert Hurst, drummer Brian Blade, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, percussionist Ruggerio Boccato, and the leader Kenny Garrett on alto saxophone among others. ![]() So I wrote a song about the wall to inspire me to get there.like writing out my plan." I always dreamt of going to mainland China. I'd written the song 'Beyond the Wall' a few years before. ![]() I wondered if I could connect the spiritual aspects of Africa and China in music. I was comparing books on their approach to health and saw many similarities. "Preparing this CD," he continues, "I was initially trying to join Africa and China. There is simplicity to Confucianism that I love.how they function by nature and how something as simple as raking the leaves can put you in tune with the universe." Naturally, Garrett's interest also turned to music. "I've read books on Chinese philosophy and intuitively felt that there is something in the culture for me. "The people of China were so mysterious to me because they are so isolated," Garrett says. The saxophonist went unaided into direct contact with natives who urged him on in his serious effort to approach China. The deeply spiritual recording reflects the saxophonist/composer's long-time fascination with the culture, music and spirituality of China.Īttempting to learn as much of the language and culture of China during his stay, Garrett recorded Beyond the Wall following his first, long-anticipated trip to mainland China last year. In perhaps his most far reaching effort yet, Garrett has released Beyond the Wall, on Nonesuch records. Whether in the studio or on the bandstand, Garrett becomes a channel for inspired musical statements. Omaha, Nebraska – Kenny Garrett is one of the most accomplished musicians of his generation. Beyond the Wall is saxophonist's most ambitious recording to dateBy Chris Cooke ![]()
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