Pete Magadini - Bones Blues [CD]

Don Menza is a powerful tenor saxophonist, with a dynamic and distinctive sound and style. Born in Buffalo, NY in 1936, Menza was with Maynard Ferguson's Orchestra (1960-1962) as both a soloist and an arranger. A short tenure with Stan Kenton preceded joining Buddy Rich's 1968 big band in the "jazz tenor" chair, recording the famous solo cadenza on "Channel 1 Suite" (Recorded "live" at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas) that utilized circular breathing and has become known as a classic. He settled in California and has worked with Elvin Jones, Louie Bellson and as a long time member of The Tonight Show Band, with Johnny Carson.