Biography
Among the most formidable and forward-thinking tenor saxophonists to emerge after John Coltrane, John Stubblefield collaborated extensively with leading figures in modern jazz and the avant-garde, such as Charles Mingus, later directing the latter's big band. Born on February 4, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, he initially focused on piano before switching to saxophone during his teenage years. Growing up in a segregated African-American area, he drew from the sounds of traveling blues and gospel artists who passed through, profoundly shaping the emotional depth of his improvisations. Saxophonist Don Byas, another Basie veteran from Little Rock, served as a major influence as well. At age 17, he became part of the local R&B group York Wilburn & the Thrillers, marking his first recordings. A subsequent year touring with soul icon Solomon Burke preceded his enrollment at A&ME College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he also directed his own modern jazz quintet. Upon completing his studies, Stubblefield moved to Chicago in 1967 and affiliated with the avant-garde collective Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). He trained with Muhal Richard Abrams and featured on Joseph Jarman's seminal 1968 recording As If It Were the Seasons. His time with the AACM ended in 1970, prompting a move to New York City and involvement with the Collective Black Artists. Engagements followed with Mary Lou Williams, Tito Puente, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra. In 1972, joining Mingus prompted Stubblefield to expand his instrumental range to include alto saxophone, oboe, flute, and bass clarinet. Yet a rift after five months led to his effective exclusion from much of the New York jazz scene. He secured a position in Nat Adderley's quintet despite Mingus's attempts to lure him back, and in 1973 performed briefly with Miles Davis. During the mid-1970s, he also taught in the Jazzmobile program. His debut album as leader, Midnight Sun, appeared in 1976. Later releases on Enja and Soul Note encompassed Confessin' from 1984, Countin' on the Blues in 1987, and Sophisticatedfunk from 1990. Following Mingus's passing, his widow Sue formed the Mingus Big Band in 1992 to preserve his legacy. Stubblefield took the role of lead tenor saxophonist and occasional conductor, among the few members who had performed directly with Mingus during his peak period. Even after a cancer diagnosis in spring 2004, he continued directing the Mingus Big Band, leading much of the I Am Three album while in a wheelchair. Stubblefield passed away on July 4, 2005.
Albums
