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In Tune

In Tune

16:30 - 17:30

Sean Rafferty presents a selection of music and guests from the arts world.

100 Jazz Profiles
Kenny Garrett
1960 - present
Saxophonist. One of the most distinctive saxophone voices to emerge in the 1980s and 1990s, Garrett is a product of the flourishing jazz scene in Detroit, where, like his contemporaries Geri Allen and Regina Carter, he came under the influence of inspirational trumpeter Marcus Belgrave.

But it was his work with another inspirational trumpeter, Miles Davis, that brought Garrett's work to an international audience for the first time, mainly on the albums Amandla and Dingo from 1989 and 1990 respectively.

By then he had recorded his own debut album and also played with the group Out of the Blue, but it was after leaving Miles and recording a string of distinguished albums in the 1990s that Garrett really showed his strength and individuality.

He has worked with many major figures, including guitarists Pat Metheny and John Scofield, and his own groups have often included pianist Mulgrew Miller and bassist Charnett Moffett. In all this Garrett's blues-tinged, precise and rapid-fire style stands out, and it is mainly so individual because of his seemingly inexhaustible fund of invention.

This is thrown into sharp relief in his trios with just bass and drums, but he also responds to a good chordal foil, such as Metheny (who guests on Garrett's 1996 album Pursuance) or pianist Kenny Kirkland (who stars on Garrett's 1997 disc Songbook).

Further Reading:
Ian Carr, Digby Fairweather, Brian Priestley: Jazz: The Rough Guide (2 ed. London, Rough Guides) 2000

Recommended CD:
Trilogy (Warner Bros 9 45731)
Suggested track: Giant Steps

Recommended links:
Official Kenny Garrett site
With bio, discography, upcoming concerts and links

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