Leo Wright

A first-rate bop-oriented alto saxophonist, Wright was also among the finest flutists jazz has known. He researched saxophone beneath the tutelage of his dad. His first documenting was manufactured in 1958 with vibist Dave Pike; another year, he performed the Newport Event with bassist Charles Mingus’ group. Wright became a member of Dizzy Gillespie’s music group in 1959, staying until 1962. Furthermore to his sideman function, Wright founded himself like a innovator in the first ’60s, leading New York-based rings that included famous brands bassist Ron Carter, pianist Junior Mance, drummer Charlie Persip, and guitarist Kenny Burrell, amongst others. In 1960, he documented the record that he is maybe best-known — Blues Shout for the Atlantic label — with an organization comprising himself, Mance, Persip, bassist Artwork Davis, and trumpeter Richard Williams. After departing Gillespie’s music group, Wright continued to try out and record with pianist/composer Lalo Schifrin and organist Jack port McDuff; using the second option he documented Screamin’ for the Prestige label. He also caused composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, trumpeter Johnny Coles, and vocalist Jimmy Witherspoon before shifting to Europe later on in the 10 years. There he caused pianist/composer George Gruntz and he also used saxophonist Lee Konitz within an all-star group known as Alto Summit with trumpeter Carmell Jones. Wright ultimately transferred to Berlin, where he performed in a studio room band and proved helpful freelance. IN-MAY 1978, Wright co-led a studio room session in NEW YORK with pianist Crimson Garland for Muse Information. He essentially retired from music around 1979, before re-emerging within the middle-’80s. In 1986, Wright performed gigs using the Paris Reunion Music group, which also included trombonist Grachan Moncur III, cornetist Nat Adderley, and pianist Kenny Drew Sr. Within the years before his loss of life, Wright proved helpful and documented along with his wife, vocalist Elly Wright. His autobiography, God Is normally My Reserving Agent, was released posthumously by Bayou Press in nov 1991. His last documenting was made out of his wife on her behalf CD Pay attention to My Plea.