Don Menza

Known for his robust tenor saxophone playing, Don Menza possesses a unique tonal identity despite his proficiency in emulating leading figures ranging from Coleman Hawkins through John Coltrane. He took up the tenor saxophone at age 13. Upon discharge from military service, Menza joined Maynard Ferguson's Orchestra from 1960 to 1962, contributing both as soloist and arranger. Brief engagements with Stan Kenton and a year spent directing a quintet in Buffalo came before his residence in Germany spanning 1964 to 1968. Following his return to the United States, Menza performed with Buddy Rich's big band in 1968, where he delivered a renowned solo on "Channel One Suite" employing circular breathing, rendering it a classic performance. Establishing himself in California, he has collaborated with Elvin Jones in 1969, Louie Bellson, pursued educational endeavors, and engaged in studio work. Despite having issued an insufficient number of albums under his own name, Don Menza led recording sessions for Saba in Germany during 1965, Discwasher in 1979, as well as Realtime and Palo Alto, both in 1981.