Born: September 7, 1973 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Described as “a brilliant gem,” Glenn’s modern jazz compositions and skilled, interactive playing have been called “a thoughtful, remarkable style,” which “stems from a deeper understanding.” A graduate of New England Conservatory, Glenn has performed alongside many notable musicians including Sunnyside Records artist Jamie Baum, Impulse! artist Greg Tardy, ECM Records artist Art Lande, and the Four Tops (opening for Chuck Berry). In addition to his own recordings, Glenn can be heard on recordings by Matador Records artists Julian Plenti (featuring Paul Banks from Interpol), Huevo Imaginary Records artists I'm In You, and more. Glenn's recordings, Sacred Machines (OA2 Records) and Time in Transit (Armored Records), are featured on radio stations and satellite radio internationally.
Glenn's performing and composing are enhanced by his experience as an educatior, which has included a full-time faculty position at University of Alaska Fairbanks (woodwinds/jazz studies) and as a guest artist/clinician at a number of universities and high schools.
Glenn lives in New York City, where he performs regularly with his own groups, which have been featured at festivals and venues throught the US. His groups have shared billing with Chris Potter's Underground, the Maynard Ferguson Alumni band, and more. For more information, please visit Facebook.com/GlennWhiteJazz.
“There is a ceaseless forward motion and approachability to White's music that, for me, characterizes the best jazz of any age.”
–JazzReview.com
“Time in Transit operate with a slick smoothness; these songs are shockingly accessible, decorated with enough melodic hooks to reel in the unenlightened.”
–Jazz Corner
“A sophisticated mix of probing and intriguing original compositions. White has a strong and robust sound, and the writing mixes well structure and freedom.”
–Jazz Weekly
“Soulful and rich . . . commanding presence . . . the ethos here is definitely one of interactional musicianship amid strong compositions.”
–All About Jazz (review of Sacred Machines)
“Progressive jazz is made accessible for once as the genre's wild experimentation is tempered with sleek craftsmanship and an actual point. It becomes quickly obvious that saxophonist Glenn White and his band are sculpting actual soundtracks to their fevered imaginations, producing tracks that are atmospheric, compelling, and even playful.”
–All About Jazz (review of Time in Transit)
“White plays with warm, intense soul.”
–Cadence
“Time In Transit live up to the sterling reputation that jazz bands from NYC have maintained for decades.”
–Muzik Reviews
“A bit wild and zealous through the improvisations, Glenn White’s album, Sacred Machines shows unconformity and sheer sleekness in its melodic lines. His ensemble takes chances but also keeps their melodic proportions palatable. New York-based White creates contemporary jazz textures steep in tradition and post-bop freedom. You can hear the evolution of jazz in White’s compositions as he applies a modern approach to archetypal jazz idioms.”
–JazzReview.com
“Glenn White updates the smooth yet compositionally exquisite strain of postbop that artists such as Wayne Shorter pioneered in the ’60s.”
–Time Out New York
“With this release, White proves himself worthy of the jump from self-production to the eclectic but quality-driven OA2 label.”
–All Music Guide
“White is as accomplished a composer and band leader as saxophonist . . . The band, Sacred Machines – apparently a working unit – is a marvel. If Glenn White can keep producing discs of this quality, he is assured a long and productive career in the world of jazz.”
–Audiophile Audition
“White looms as a witty improviser during the totality of his likeable arrangements, often sparked by his full-bodied tenor sax phrasings. In effect, he’s a very rhythmic soloist who darts and weaves in between these pulsating and often-sinewy jaunts.”
–Ejazznews
“White refuses to be rushed or crowded, preferring settings that let his full tone breathe fully. There's little urgency or conflict here, but no narcotic effects, either. White's unison passages and contrapuntal dances with [Jamie] Baum, as on the Bach-like 'Wish,' dilate the cranium like coffee.”
–Signal to Noise
“Heavy with emotion . . . the music has great power.”
–Hartford Courant
“This is credible and interesting music.”
–Jazz.com
“You can tell right away this is a highly creative cat with an ear for exploration.”
–Midwest Record
“White freely admits being influenced by all sorts of things from Coltrane to the Cure. Certainly, he's got the talent to bring these two worlds of music together.”
–Arizona Republic
“I've just got one thing to say – Glenn White, you rock!”
–Get Out!
“The saxophone looks like it is an extension of his hands, easily connecting to mouth, mind and body. His is a thoughtful, remarkable style.”
–GoGo Magazine
“It's clear that his talent stems from a deeper understanding . . . very reflective, yet penetrating and full of soul.”
–Improvijazzation Nation
“A brilliant gem . . . tremendous chops on tenor saxophone as well as his prolific talents in jazz composition . . . Glenn White's music and band [are] at the level of playing that they could stand their own ground with world-class jazz artists.”
–HotBands.com
“White is a talented and original player.”
–Jazz Society of Oregon
“White is an accomplished, versatile tenor saxophonist.”
–The Silent Ballet
Sacred Machines
OA2 Records
2008
As A Side Musician
Julian Plenti Is . . . Skyscraper
Julian Plenti
Matador Records
2009
Track: Unwind
War Dreams
I'm In You
Huevo Imaginary Records
2008
I'm In You EP
I'm In You
Huevo Imaginary Records
2009
