Ari Ambrose

[JSngry]

Ok, so I'm listening to Steeplechase Jam Session Volume 48818989881261 or wahtever the hell number it is, the one with the three-tenor front line of Mark Turner, Greg Tardy, and this cat I've never heard of, Ari Ambrose.

Well, it's a snoozefest so far, what with the virtuostic constrictions of Turner & Tardy constricted even more by the bodyless digital recording quality, when all-of-a-sudden this RUDE-ass tenor starts playing. He's still doing the New York squeedledeedle thing, but unlike Tardy & Turner, that's not all he's doing, and on top of that, when he does do it, he does it like he's just come in off the street reeking of cheap but plentiful booze and ill-gotten pussy.

Every tune was the same - Turner & Tardy are soundling like they're dressed in tuxes waiting to take the Jazz Principal's daughter to the prom, dance a waltz or two with her, and get her home on time. A few minutes early, most likely. And Ambrose sounds like he's just gonna hang out in the alley behind her house and get loaded until they bring her home and then he'll take her out and show her a REAL good time.

Who IS this motherfucker?

As always, thanks in advance!

Edited July 17, 2005 by JSngry

[JSngry]

Upon relisten, I gotta say that when Tardy has to follow Ambrose, he bumps it up a notch or two and hangs quite nicely. Turner too, although not as nicely. But jesus, why does it take a threatened ass-whoopin' to get them to bring it on?

[marcello]

Never heard of him Jim, ; I would ask my buddy, Jay Anderson who has recorded with him but Jay is on a long, long, tour with Joe Sample.

It seems that he has toured and recorded with Steely Dan and has been a member of The Vanguard Jazz Orch.

Here is a listing of recording by himAri Ambrose.

He may be from the D.C. area,but lives in NYC now.

[JSngry]

That photo does absolutely nothing to dissuade me of my initial impression of him.

[marcello]

It just proves my point that this music has no boundries or cliche's any more!

Try these.

The one on the left is Ari with Michael Leonhart ( left) on a Steely Dan tour and this text is from the SD a fan site, it seems from a few years ago.

Now Jim, You have me interested to buy some of his music!

Danfans loved Ari's playing with Steely Dan throughout the 1996 Art Crimes World Tour. Ari again lent his awesome musicality to Steely Dan's early 2000 performances in Japan and through the first North American dates.

Ari began playing saxophone in junior high school in the Washington D.C. area. While in high school he studied with Dr. George Ross, Andrew White, and Stanley Turrentine, and was the recipient of several outstanding soloist awards at various local and national jazz festivals. During this time Ari performed with area musicians such as Butch Warren, Carter Jefferson, and Tom Williams, and with visiting NY musicians such as Randy Brecker, Billy Hart, Geoff Keezer, and Stanley Turrentine.

In 1991, Ari moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with saxophonist Dick Oatts. During this time, Ari traveled with the Ryan Kisor quintet and played in the NYC area with musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Steve Turre, Peter Erskine, Michael Leonhart, Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis (with David Berger's Jazz Orchestra).

After graduating, Ari began performing regularly with the Monday night Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and recorded with Michael Leonhart, Evan Marks, George Colligan, and the MSM Jazz Orchestra. In 1998, Ari made his debut recording on the Steeplechase label featuring Billy Hart and Dennis Irwin. Since then and as of this writing, Ari has made four more recordings on Steeplechase featuring Billy Drummond, Jay Anderson, George Colligan, and Jeff Williams. In 2000, Ari performed and traveled with Jane Monheit.

Edited July 17, 2005 by marcello

[brownie]

I have seen some of his albums around. Now that Jim has got me interested in listening to him, which would be the best one to start with?

[Kalo]

... when all-of-a-sudden this RUDE-ass tenor starts playing. He's still doing the New York squeedledeedle thing, but unlike Tardy & Turner, that's not all he's doing, and on top of that, when he does do it, he does it like he's just come in off the street reeking of cheap but plentiful booze and ill-gotten pussy.

←

Jim, you sure have a way with words!

Edited July 17, 2005 by Kalo

[Randy Twizzle]

Separated at Birth?

[Indestructible!]

Ari began playing saxophone in junior high school in the Washington D.C. area. While in high school he studied with... Stanley Turrentine...

←

Well, it sounds like Stan the Man had some significant influence on Ari if he's playing like you say he is, Jim.

I'm going to have to check him out...

Cheers,

Shane

Edited July 18, 2005 by Indestructible!