GARY SMULYAN

JAZZ FORUM ARTS / APRIL 3-4

Veteran baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan has an extensive musical résumé, known for his work in the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band, the Jimmy Heath Big Band, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra, along with his many CDs. Due to his incomparable improvisations and sonorous tone, Smulyan is a frequent winner of both critics’ and readers’ polls on his instrument. Gary celebrates his seventieth birthday with fellow baritone saxophonist Frank Basile for two nights. They released their SteepleChase quintet CD Boss Baritones in 2024, and a follow-up to it, You Are the One, is scheduled for release later this year by SteepleChase. Their rhythm section is top drawer, featuring pianist Steve Ash, bassist Mike Karn, and drummer Matt Wilson. —KD