Rich Perry
Melodic Tenor Architect
A cornerstone of New York's premier big bands, Perry is a tenor saxophonist revered for his sophisticated harmonic depth and elegant, lyrical phrasing.
jazzpost-bop
About
Born in 1955, Rich Perry moved to New York in 1976 and joined the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra in 1977. A mainstay of the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and Maria Schneider Orchestra, he has recorded over 25 albums as a leader, establishing himself as a master of modern melodic improvisation.
Music Style
Perry's approach prioritizes lyrical beauty and harmonic complexity over bravado, characterized by a warm, fluid tone and a cerebral yet deeply expressive improvisational style.
Background
- Hometown
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Education
- Bowling Green State University
- Instruments
- saxophone (tenor)
- Active
- 1975-present
Similar Artists
If you like Joe Lovano, Dick Oatts — you'll love this artist
Joe Lovano
Both are prominent NYC tenor players known for their lyrical and rhythmically fluid approaches.
85%
Dick Oatts
Frequent collaborator in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra with a similarly sophisticated harmonic language.
90%
Wayne Shorter
Shorter's harmonic innovation and melodic focus are clear influences on Perry's style.
75%
Notable Collaborations
Vanguard Jazz OrchestraMaria SchneiderThad JonesMel LewisHarold DankoFred HerschGeorge Mraz
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