Lew Tabackin | |
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| Background information | |
| Born | Lewis Barry Tabackin (1940-03-26)March 26, 1940 (age 85) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Tenor saxophone,flute |
| Years active | 1962–present |
| Labels | RCA Victor/BMG, Discomate,Inner City |
| Website | www |
Lewis Barry Tabackin (born March 26, 1940)[1] is an Americanjazz tenor saxophonist and flutist. He is married to pianistToshiko Akiyoshi with whom he has co-led large ensembles since the 1970s.
Tabackin started learning flute at age 12, followed by tenor saxophone at age 15.[2] He has citedAl Cohn[2][3] andColeman Hawkins[2] as influences on saxophone, while his flute role models include classical players such as William Kincaid,Julius Baker, andJean-Pierre Rampal.[2] Tabackin studied flute at thePhiladelphia Conservatory of Music and also studied music with composerVincent Persichetti. In 1962 he graduated from the Conservatory and after serving with theU.S. Army worked withTal Farlow. He also worked withChuck Israels in New York City[2] and a band that includedElvin Jones,Donald Byrd, andRoland Hanna. Later he was a member ofThe Dick Cavett Show band andThe Tonight Show Band withDoc Severinsen.[4] He moved from New York to California withThe Tonight Show in 1972.[3] During this time he played withShelly Manne andBilly Higgins.[3]
Tabackin metToshiko Akiyoshi in 1967 while he was playing inClark Terry's band and she was invited to sit in forDon Friedman.[3] They formed a quartet in the late 1960s, married in 1969,[5] and in 1973 co-founded theToshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band in Los Angeles,[3] which later became theToshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin, playing bebop inDuke Ellington-influenced arrangements and compositions by Akiyoshi. Tabackin was principal soloist for the band from 1973 through 2003.
CriticScott Yanow describes Tabackin as "one of the few jazz musicians who has been able to develop completely different musical personalities on two instruments", with his forcefulhard bop style on sax contrasting with his delicate flute playing.[6]
Tabackin supports theJazz Foundation of America in its mission to help elderly jazz and blues musicians, including those affected byHurricane Katrina. He has sat on the Advisory Committee of the Foundation since 2002.[7]
As leader or co-leader[edit]
Toshiko Akiyoshi – Lew Tabackin Big Band[edit]
Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra featuring Lew Tabackin[edit]
Akiyoshi - Tabackin Big Band compilations[edit] | As sideman[edit]With Toshiko Akiyoshi
WithDonald Byrd
WithBenny Carter
WithHarmonie Ensemble/New York
WithShelly Manne WithDuke Pearson
WithCarla White With others
Video[edit]
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DownBeat magazine Critic's Poll winner:[12]
DownBeat magazine Readers' Poll winner:
Grammy Award nominations:
Swing Journal awards:
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