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Arthur Blythe

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Arthur Blythe was an American alto saxophonist and composer, born in 1940 in Los Angeles and raised in San Diego. He began on the alto saxophone at the age of nine and as a teenager played rhythm and blues, until he discovered jazz. In the 1960s he belonged to Horace Tapscott's Underground Musicians and Artists Association, on whose 1969 album The Giant Is Awakened he made his recording debut. In the mid-1970s he moved to New York, where he played with Chico Hamilton, Gil Evans, Lester Bowie, Jack DeJohnette and McCoy Tyner.

Music and breakthrough

From 1977 Blythe made his own records, first for India Navigation, then from 1978 to 1987 for Columbia. Albums such as The Grip, Bush Baby and Lenox Avenue Breakdown, from 1977 to 1979, show his personal style. Striking is the tuba of Bob Stewart, which often took the place of the double bass. Blythe also played on records by Jack DeJohnette's Special Edition, was a member of The Leaders and for a time took a seat in the World Saxophone Quartet. Later he worked for Enja and Savant. He died in 2017.

Influence

His sound is big and round, with a fast, broad vibrato and a sharp, precise sense of phrasing. Blythe stood between the avant-garde and tradition: he could play freely, but also straightforwardly, with roots in gospel and blues. Critics heard traces of Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter in his sweet tone. His unusual line-ups with tuba, guitar and African percussion made him in the 1970s one of the most individual saxophonists of his generation.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Lenox Avenue Breakdown from 1979. Notice the tuba in the rhythm section and the broad vibrato of the alto saxophone.

Discography

Studio albums

See also

Categories: Artists