Chabot College Jazz Department Presents their March 14th Big Band Concert, with Grammy Award-Winning Saxophonist, Bob Mintzer, as Guest Artist. Featuring Chabot College Jazz Orchestra (dir. Jon Palacio Jr.) and special guests, James Logan High School Jazz Band A (dir. Christopher Carrasco) and Foothill High School Jazz Band A (dir. Erik Nishimori)

A little more about our guest artist:

Bob Mintzer; born January 27, 1953, is a renowned saxophonist, woodwind specialist, composer/arranger, and educator. His musical journey began at an early age, playing piano, guitar, clarinet, and drums before settling on the saxophone. Bob's commitment to music deepened when he attended the Interlochen Arts Academy in 1969, where he met Peter Erskine, a lifelong colleague. He pursued his studies at the Hartt School of Music and the Manhattan School of Music while immersing himself in the vibrant jazz scene of New York City.

In the mid-1970s, Bob joined the Tito Puente Orchestra and later toured with Eumir Deodato. He then became a member of the Buddy Rich band, performing worldwide and honing his arranging skills. Bob played with various jazz groups and had a significant stint with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. In the early 1980s, he formed his own big band in NYC, featuring top-notch musicians and garnering critical acclaim. During this time, Bob began his fruitful collaboration with Tom Jung's Digital Music Productions, resulting in multiple Grammy-nominated albums and a Grammy win for the Homage to Count Basie project.

Bob's career included session work, teaching at the Manhattan School of Music for 22 years, and joining the Yellowjackets in 1990, with whom he has recorded numerous albums and received 12 Grammy nominations. In 2008, he relocated to Los Angeles, assuming the Barbara and Buzz McCoy endowed chair position at the Thornton School of Music Jazz program. Currently, Bob serves as the chief conductor of the WDR Big Band in Cologne, Germany, a role he has held since 2016. His remarkable contributions as a performer, composer, and educator have made him a highly respected figure in the world of jazz.

About Chabot College Jazz Studies: The Jazz Studies has attained national recognition for several decades. It has garnered awards from Reno Jazz Festival, Pacific Coast Jazz Festival, Santa Cruz Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Through the years, the Chabot Jazz ensembles have performed all over the U.S. including several trips to Japan. The Chabot College Jazz Studies areas covers very unique offerings including Jazz Piano, Jazz Theory and Improvisation as well as numerous award winning Jazz ensembles on many levels.