Kenny Garrett
Alto Sax, Soprano Sax
63 age
October 9, 1960 Birthday
Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Birthplace
www.kennygarrett.com Website
Social
Shows
About
Kenny Garrett is a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and composer. He first emerged on the jazz scene in 1978 when he joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra (led by Mercer Ellington) at the age of 17. He went on to play with legendary jazz artists including Miles Davis, Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers, Donald Byrd and Freddie Hubbard. Garrett also has a successful solo career, starting with the album "Introducing Kenny Garrett" in 1984 and going on to release over 16 albums as leader. Garrett consistently ranks at the top of DownBeat Readers polls. Additionally, Garrett is a member of the Grammy-winning Five Peace Band, which includes John McLaughlin, Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Brian Blade.
Trivia
Miles Davis hired Kenny Garrett to play with his band after seeing Garret play a guest spot with Dizzy Gillespie in 1987. Kenny Garrett speaks Japanese. Kenny Garrett is particularly noted for mentoring young drummers and has worked with Jeff “Tain” Watts, Brian Blade, Chris Dave, Jamire Williams and Eric Harland.
Early Life
Kenny Garrett was born in Detroit in 1960 and his upbringing was full of music. His biological father was a singer and church deacon while his step father was an amateur saxophonist and jazz enthusiast. Garrett began playing the saxophone at age 8 and by high school was playing locally in Detroit with artists such as Mercer Ellington and Lyman Woodard. Garrett won a full scholarship to the Berkelee College of Music, but turned it down when Mercer Ellington invited him to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He remained with the orchestra for 3 years and then moved to New York City in 1982.
Kenny Garrett Solos
1992
Alto Sax solo - Tacit Dance - 1992
4/4 swing in E major at 270 BPM
Alto Sax solo - Computer "G" - 1992
4/4 swing in F major at 240 BPM
Soprano Sax solo - Van Gogh's Left Ear - 1992
3/4 waltz in D minor at 122 BPM
Alto Sax solo - Jackie & The Bean Stalk - 1992
4/4 swing in C minor at 283 BPM
Alto Sax solo - 2 Step - 1992
4/4 funk in C minor at 158 BPM
Soprano Sax solo - Bone Bop - 1992
4/4 funk in C major at 191 BPM
Soprano Sax solo - Bone Bop - 1992
4/4 funk in C major at 191 BPM
Alto Sax solo - Books & Toys - 1992
3/4 waltz in F major at 151 BPM
Alto Sax solo - Bye Bye Blackbird - 1992
4/4 swing in F major at 324 BPM