From Bebop to Hip-hop: Gary Bartz's Sax Sound Shapes Many Eras

'For more than 60 years, saxophonist and composer Gary Bartz has been a central figure in jazz history. But for some reason, he hasn't received his due. With that said, the late jazz critic Stanley Crouch, who often leaned into tradition, described Bartz as "one of the very best who has ever picked up the instrument." In this episode, we'll also hear stories of his many collaborations with those in the pantheon — Sonny Stitt; Max Roach; Art Blakey; Miles Davis; Charles Mingus — but we also learn why his artistry remains so present today, even perceived as an elder statesman in the hip hop music tradition. Bartz's stamp on the music continues to be absorbed by future generations via projects like Jazz Is Dead with Ali Shaheed Muhammad (Tribe Called Quest) and producer Adrian Younge. And now that he's in his 80s (but looks at least 20 years younger), he's rightfully getting his due.'