Gary Thomas Quintet at An Die Musik Live

Gary Thomas, sax
Miki Hayama, piano
Blake Meister, bass
Eric Kennedy, drums
Christie Dashiell, vocals

Saxophonist and flutist Gary Thomas established himself in the 1980s as one of the most jarring soloists of his generation, especially against somewhat chaotic backdrops.

The Baltimore native studied at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He founded the jazz studies degree program at Peabody and was the first African-American degree program director at the conservatory. Has traveled the globe as both a leader and sideman. His performance and recording credits include Dennis Chambers, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, Vinnie Colaiuta, Billy Hart, Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Bobby McFerrin, Sam Rivers, Vanessa Williams, Betty Carter, George Benson, McCoy Tyner, Randy Brecker, James Newton, Jeff Watts, Marvin “Smitty”Smith, Patrice Rushen, Kevin Eubanks, John Scofield, Tony Williams, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Smith, John Patitucci....

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Gary Thomas, sax
Miki Hayama, piano
Blake Meister, bass
Eric Kennedy, drums
Christie Dashiell, vocals

Saxophonist and flutist Gary Thomas established himself in the 1980s as one of the most jarring soloists of his generation, especially against somewhat chaotic backdrops.

The Baltimore native studied at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He founded the jazz studies degree program at Peabody and was the first African-American degree program director at the conservatory. Has traveled the globe as both a leader and sideman. His performance and recording credits include Dennis Chambers, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ron Carter, Vinnie Colaiuta, Billy Hart, Wynton Marsalis, David Sanborn, Joe Lovano, Joshua Redman, Bobby McFerrin, Sam Rivers, Vanessa Williams, Betty Carter, George Benson, McCoy Tyner, Randy Brecker, James Newton, Jeff Watts, Marvin “Smitty”Smith, Patrice Rushen, Kevin Eubanks, John Scofield, Tony Williams, Kenny Garrett, Jimmy Smith, John Patitucci.

In addition to 11 recording dates as a leader, he’s worked on more than 80 recordings as a featured sideman, reflecting his status as one of the most coveted saxophonists on the jazz scene today. Two of his recordings as a leader, By Any Means Necessary and While the Gate Is Open, were named best recordings of the 1990s by Downbeat Magazine.

The most recent highlights of Thomas' activities are his tenure with British guitarist John McLaughlin from 1997 to 1999, and as a member of the Herbie Hancock Quartet since 2002.

Tickets: $25 in advance/ $28 at door/$10 full-time students with ID

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