No posturing or styling...just no-nonsense straight-ahead playing from one hell of a musician and probably one of the greatest solos that has ever been played on this tune...they dont make 'em like Don anymore!And that arrangement...!Amazing...
Something else alright, especially on those changes. A style akin to Sal Nistico. Only Sal had less of a reed sounding edge with more center. More definition of each note. No flies on (the "Red Herring") Don though!
Ok Boys, Mensa very good, however on Cherokee lisen too: (Let's drop it. C. Parker) S. Hamilton,S. Grossman, D. Byas, S. Stitt, B. Watson, J. Griffin, B. Johnson, T. Hayes, A. Pepper, and way not the Italian M. Urbani etc etc!!!
wow! i cant hear this enough, its like channel 1 suite cadenza for 7 minutes! in my opinion menza is one of the most under appreciated tenor men on the planet. hes my fav!
Don Menza is great. He used to play with the college bands in Southern California in the 1970s. He would do amazing things like circular breath for 30 minute or more on solos.
Dude, where have you been? Ever heard of Channel One Suite? (Buddy Rich - Mercy, Mercy album 1968), Acid Truth? Goodbye Yesterday? Check out Menza with Maynard Ferguson in 1960-61 (Ole, Maynard '61), Stan Kenton 1962 (Adventures in Time), Frank Strazzeri 1973 (Frames), Menza's Own 1975 (First Flight), 1981 (Hip Pocket), 2004 (Menza Lines - big band), Pete Magadini 1977 (Bones Blues), Louie Bellson's bands of the mid-70's and early 80's.
You're welcomed. I must be getting old. Because three guys who came over my place to buy my mouthpieces, didn't know the name of Don Menza. All these guys know about are Brecker, Lovano, Redmond, Sanborn, Marienthal, etc. Yeah, I'm old.
The coolest part is how he can just go on and on and maintain a sound. u=
GimmeLife 7 months ago
wow never heard a tenor player with so much speed.. absolutely incredible
fighterdude83 8 months ago in playlist jazz
Menza was already world class at Buddy Rich or Louie Bellson´s bands, he hasn´t lost on bit yet!
whity72 10 months ago
No posturing or styling...just no-nonsense straight-ahead playing from one hell of a musician and probably one of the greatest solos that has ever been played on this tune...they dont make 'em like Don anymore!And that arrangement...!Amazing...
s1t9o7r6m 10 months ago
Something else alright, especially on those changes. A style akin to Sal Nistico. Only Sal had less of a reed sounding edge with more center. More definition of each note. No flies on (the "Red Herring") Don though!
warrenclarkable 11 months ago
the Drummer is my teacher...
Fusionkid2 11 months ago
all menzas are super talented
ManiacSerialKilleR 1 year ago
Amazing!! when I listen to these endless bebop lines @ this burning speed I can only remember Sandoval.
& I cant help but asking the same question.... why is this guy NOT famous enough!
Beeflat79 1 year ago
5:18 ftw!
mafatu69 2 years ago
Incredible.
CEwindsSaxes 2 years ago
Menza was in a class with Stitt, Tubby Hayes. Plus- He had soul.
GREAT PLAYER AND....WHAT A SOUND!!
TimPriceJazz 2 years ago
Ok Boys, Mensa very good, however on Cherokee lisen too: (Let's drop it. C. Parker) S. Hamilton,S. Grossman, D. Byas, S. Stitt, B. Watson, J. Griffin, B. Johnson, T. Hayes, A. Pepper, and way not the Italian M. Urbani etc etc!!!
BennyMax37 2 years ago
il fraseggio di Don Menza è di una velocità spaventosa,tenore troppo sottovalutato!
sanblem 2 years ago
bom muito bom eu amo jazz assim bem tocado e com a alma.
SantosSax 2 years ago
It's unbelievable that Menza isn't as widely recognized as Brecker or Bob Berg. That technique is utterly fantastic.
mickysax1 2 years ago
wow! i cant hear this enough, its like channel 1 suite cadenza for 7 minutes! in my opinion menza is one of the most under appreciated tenor men on the planet. hes my fav!
menza1man 3 years ago 7
thats beast
opiumchannel 3 years ago
Menza Cadenza
HollywoodMuffler 3 years ago
Met this guy in LA at a hotel near the airport. Cool cat, had some drinks and talked music.
koko420 3 years ago
this guy is so intense!!!
he's the father of nick menza, one hell of a drummer...
locomotive147 3 years ago 7
holy crap
lovesthesax 3 years ago
Yeah, that's what I'm saying. One isn't necessarily better than the other, but I know what _I_ like. :)
kjetbar 3 years ago
that was so intense
joebandana 3 years ago
Don Menza also bears an uncanny resemblance to Max Branning of EastEnders!
simmur 3 years ago
This man is possesed!
simmur 3 years ago
or Chris Potter
SwissArmyTriplet 4 years ago
Redman and potter look up to Menza.
LeonLeonheart5422 3 years ago 3
Check him out live, he's still traveling and blowing away anyone he encounters along the way. If you're in L.A., he'll be at Charlie O's in April.
pyrox23 4 years ago
I agree with Doctersax. Hawk Eyes had far from the same technique, tone and finesse as Menza. And menza is all music. My new hero, he is.
kjetbar 4 years ago
Yes Don, yes!
michaelpedicinjr 4 years ago
The Mighty Menza strikes again.
This guy can throw down with anybody!
MusicLiberates 4 years ago
Don Menza is great. He used to play with the college bands in Southern California in the 1970s. He would do amazing things like circular breath for 30 minute or more on solos.
MemphisOC 4 years ago
Holy shite we have found another jazz superhero from the looks of things - this man can really bebop very very well! Bird would be proud
joebandana 4 years ago
Dude, where have you been? Ever heard of Channel One Suite? (Buddy Rich - Mercy, Mercy album 1968), Acid Truth? Goodbye Yesterday? Check out Menza with Maynard Ferguson in 1960-61 (Ole, Maynard '61), Stan Kenton 1962 (Adventures in Time), Frank Strazzeri 1973 (Frames), Menza's Own 1975 (First Flight), 1981 (Hip Pocket), 2004 (Menza Lines - big band), Pete Magadini 1977 (Bones Blues), Louie Bellson's bands of the mid-70's and early 80's.
tunnelrat1900 4 years ago
Obviously I've been living under a rock lol. Thanks for all these things to check out man, much appreciated
joebandana 4 years ago
You're welcomed. I must be getting old. Because three guys who came over my place to buy my mouthpieces, didn't know the name of Don Menza. All these guys know about are Brecker, Lovano, Redmond, Sanborn, Marienthal, etc. Yeah, I'm old.
tunnelrat1900 4 years ago
Wow. Cool. Thanks for posting.
tonyfreejazz20 4 years ago