Larry McKenna
One of the world’s finest jazz saxophone players, Larry McKenna is known for his gorgeous tenor saxophone sound, the beauty of his balladry, and his fluid, bebop-inspired improvisations. After six decades in his profession, his international reputation as both a masterful jazz improviser and educator is firmly established. Over the years, Larry has performed and recorded with many jazz stars including Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Barry Harris, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Harry Allen, Terell Stafford, Eric Alexander, Bill Charlap, Warren Vaché, Kenny Barron, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and Frank Sinatra.
Larry McKenna’s composing, songwriting and arranging skills received critical acclaim with the 2013 release of his CD, “From All Sides,” supported in part by a Subito Grant from the American Composers Forum. Among other originals, this CD introduced his popular bossa nova “One Falling Tree” with lyrics by Melissa Gilstrap sung by Joanna Pascale, voted the number two song of the year out of 100 by listeners of WRTI 90.1 FM Philadelphia in 2013.
Larry’s writing and arranging skills are further showcased by the Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra, a 17-piece band dedicated to presenting Larry’s original compositions and arrangements. In 2018, the Larry McKenna Jazz Orchestra was invited by WRTI to film a live performance in the radio station’s recording studio for the station's upcoming jazz video project.
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Album Review
- The Third Quarter by Edward Blanco
- The Third Quarter by Jack Bowers
- You're It! by Jack Bowers
- You're It! by David A. Orthmann
- I Wish I Knew by Jack Bowers
- You're It! by Pierre Giroux
- I Wish I Knew by C. Michael Bailey
- Tea for Two by C. Michael Bailey
Big Band Report
Live Review
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October 31, 2017
Join Us On The Inaugural Bandwagon Excursions Philly Jazz JAWNt For...
March 18, 2015
Sail with Jazz Bridge on our June Jazz River Cruise!
October 15, 2014
June 09, 2014
Denis Diblasio & Larry McKenna Together And Free In South Philly On...
December 26, 2012
Saxophonist Larry McKenna In Old City Phila. On Thurs. Jan. 17th!
November 21, 2012
Larry McKenna Receives 3rd Annual Jazz Bridge "Making A Difference"...
May 23, 2012
Third Annual All-Star Jazz Jam With Jazz Bridge in Somers Point (NJ) On...
October 07, 2011
Jazz Bridge Presents Larry McKenna at the Unitarian Universalist Church...
September 14, 2011
Jazz Bridge Celebrates Jelly Roll Morton on September 24th at Trinity...
Photos
Albums
Fill In The Gap
From: The Third QuarterBy Larry McKenna
Poinciana
From: I Wish I KnewBy Larry McKenna