Ira Sullivan
Sullivan is that rare thing, a true multi-instrumentalist, capable of improvising statements of worth on all his instruments. He was taught trumpet by his father, saxophone by his mother and played both in 50s Chicago with such seminal figures as Charlie Bird Parker, Lester Young, Wardell Gray and Roy Eldridge, garnering a reputation as a fearsome bebop soloist. After playing briefly with Art Blakey (1956), and mastering alto and baritone saxophone, Sullivan moved south to Florida and out of the spotlight in the early 60s. His reluctance to travel limited his opportunities to play with musicians of the first rank, but Sullivan continued to play in the Miami area, often in schools and churches. Contact with local younger players, notably Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny led to teaching and to a broadening of his own musical roots to include the lessons of John Coltrane's music and elements of jazz rock. With the addition of flute and soprano saxophone to his armoury, Sullivan moved to New York and in 1980 formed a quintet with legendary bop trumpeter Red Rodney. Resisting the temptation to follow current trends and play the music of their youth, Sullivan and Rodney worked on new material and fostered young talent to produce some fresh and stimulating music.
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- Sun Stone by Jerome Wilson
- Sun Stone by Jack Bowers
- A Family Affair by William Carey
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Album Review
- After Hours, Volume 5 by Jim Santella
- After Hours, Volume 5 by Jim Santella
October 05, 2020
April 07, 2015
Legendary Multi-instrumentalist Ira Sullivan Pays Homage To Former...
April 20, 2010
Drummer Mike Reed Completes People, Places and Things Trilogy with...
July 29, 2009
August 6 Full Moon Jazz Excitement on Hollywood Beach, Florida
March 27, 2009
Bob Albanese Trio with Ira Sullivan Releases One Way/Detour on Zoho...
November 03, 2006
Eric Alexander Quintet featuring Ira Sullivan at Dizzy's Coca-Cola in...
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bass, electric

trumpet

voice / vocals

woodwinds

saxophone, alto

saxophone, tenor

trumpet

piano

piano

piano

piano

voice / vocals

saxophone

saxophone

multi-instrumentalist

guitar