606 Special: Craig Handy with special guest Phil Robson
A powerful and melodic saxophonist, whose eclectic influences range from Dexter Gordon to John Coltrane and Stanley Turrentine, Craig Handy has been a first call player at the highest level for more than 30 years. A Charlie Parker Scholar from North Texas State University (whose alumni also includes David Murray and Joshua Redman), Craig arrived in New York in 1986 and his distinctive sound and authentic instrumental prowess were soon gaining attention. It wasn't long before the legendary Art Blakey had signed him up, a sure sign of burgeoning talent, but it was in 1987, when he was asked to join iconic drummer Roy Haynes's band, that he really started to make an impact. Whilst still performing with Haynes he was asked to join Abdullah Ibrahim's group and at the same time the Mingus Dynasty Band, as he says "I got saddled up with three gigs right away and that was it, I was off and running”. By 1990 the New York Times was referring to him as “a young star,” and work with some of the finest players on the International jazz scene was to follow, including 3 years with Herbie Hancock in the mid 90's as well as contributions to the bands of Cedar Walton, Elvin Jones, Joe Henderson, George Adams, Freddie Hubbard, Betty Carter and Wynton Marsalis. His more recent collaborations include those with John Scofield, Charles Tolliver, Kirk Lightsey and singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, a review in the New York Times of his performance with the latter describing his playing as "…a combination of sensitivity and audacity". He is also touring of late with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and he had a 20 year association with the Mingus Dynasty, the Mingus Big Band and the Mingus Orchestra, where he served as musical director for much of that time. And in between all of that he has also had an impressive career as a recording artist, with literally hundreds of CD's to his name. You get the idea, he's very, very good! Having spent much of his career as a sideman, in more recent years Craig has finally started to perform and record under his own name, most notably with his highly acclaimed band "Craig Handy & 2nd Line Smith", which draws much of its inspiration from his fondness for the contemporary music of New Orleans. His ability to inhabit the emotional dimensions of a song, delivering his own striking and elegant interpretations, make him a musician much admired the world over by both audiences and fellow musicians alike. A unique and special player. Craig's Special Guest this evening will be one of the UK's finest guitarists, now resident in New York, Phil Robson. Craig and Phil have had a lengthy association and this promises to be quite a night.
"...all grace and liquid ease" New York Times; "...hard bop icon" Jazz Times
