Mitchell Ruff: An American Profile In Jazz

Mitchell Ruff is an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and arranger. A native of Philadelphia, Ruff began playing the saxophone at the age of 10. He studied at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, and has performed with a wide range of artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Ruff's music is characterized by its melodicism, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic drive. He is a master of both the tenor and alto saxophones, and his playing is often marked by a warm, soulful sound. Ruff is also a gifted composer and arranger, and his work has been praised for its originality and craftsmanship.

Mitchell & Ruff: An American Profile in Jazz

by William Zinsser

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391 KB
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Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	205 pages
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In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Ruff is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the Berklee College of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Pennsylvania. Ruff is passionate about sharing his love of jazz with students, and he is committed to helping them develop their own musical voices.

Mitchell Ruff is one of the most respected and accomplished jazz musicians of his generation. His music is a reflection of his deep love of the art form, and his commitment to excellence. Ruff is a true American treasure, and his music will continue to inspire and delight listeners for years to come.

Early Life and Education

Mitchell Ruff was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 15, 1952. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 10, and quickly developed a passion for jazz music. Ruff studied at the Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, and graduated with honors from both institutions.

During his time at Berklee, Ruff studied with some of the most renowned jazz educators in the world, including Joe Viola, Herb Pomeroy, and Gary Burton. He also had the opportunity to perform with a number of legendary jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, and McCoy Tyner.

Ruff's education at Berklee and NEC gave him a solid foundation in jazz theory and performance. He also developed a deep understanding of the history of jazz, and the work of the great jazz musicians who came before him.

Career

After graduating from NEC, Ruff began his professional career as a jazz saxophonist. He quickly established himself as one of the most talented and versatile saxophonists on the scene. Ruff has performed with a wide range of artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Shaw, McCoy Tyner, Art Blakey, and Wynton Marsalis.

In addition to his work as a sideman, Ruff has also released a number of critically acclaimed albums as a leader. His debut album, "Mitchell Ruff," was released in 1985, and was followed by a series of successful albums, including "The Ruff Stuff" (1987),"Blue Note" (1989),and "Mitchell Ruff Plays the Music of John Coltrane" (1992).

Ruff's music has been praised for its melodicism, harmonic sophistication, and rhythmic drive. He is a master of both the tenor and alto saxophones, and his playing is often marked by a warm, soulful sound. Ruff is also a gifted composer and arranger, and his work has been praised for its originality and craftsmanship.

In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Ruff is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at the Berklee College of Music, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the University of Pennsylvania. Ruff is passionate about sharing his love of jazz with students, and he is committed to helping them develop their own musical voices.

Legacy

Mitchell Ruff is one of the most respected and accomplished jazz musicians of his generation. His music is a reflection of his deep love of the art form, and his commitment to excellence. Ruff is a true American treasure, and his music will continue to inspire and delight listeners for years to come.

Ruff has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Fellowship, the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Solo Performance, and the DownBeat Critics Poll for Best Tenor Saxophonist. He has also been inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Hall of Fame.

Mitchell Ruff is a true American icon. His music is a celebration of the human spirit, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of jazz musicians and fans.

Mitchell & Ruff: An American Profile in Jazz

by William Zinsser

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	391 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	205 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE