Jerry Bergonzi: State of the Tenor

Boston-based tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi has been one of the most influential voices on saxophone over the past 40 years. In addition to being a giant on saxophone, he has been a prolific composer and in-demand music educator. In this interview, he shares his career experiences and thoughts on saxophone playing, improvisation, and remaining passionate about playing music.

[@michaelpedicinjr]

First, let me say that I am absolutely an ardent admirer of Jerry's gorgeous and virtuosic saxophone playing. And, of course he is one of the most supreme improvisors of our time. I was fortunate enough to follow Jerry in Dave Brubeck's quartet, which was an honor and also quite a challenge to, as they say, "fill those big saxophone shoes." I played with Dave from 1982-1984, and like Jerry said, was treated warmly and respectfully by Dave and his family, including his wonderful wife Iola. Ed, I want to thank you for presenting Jerry, and although I have spoken to him, I have never gotten to know him as well as I had hoped to do. I really love the way this interview has demonstrated the humility of someone so brilliantly talented. Ed, I thank you again for doing what you do so well!

[@jimcsax]

I am happy to hear Jerry mention Joe Viola. I had him for a year. He ripped me apart. I was not expecting it at the time. It was great. So helpful. I feel blessed to have had the time with him before he retired.

[@skimanization]

Jerry Bergonzi is a great saxophonist and a master teacher it's a pity that in my earlier years of learning saxophone in South Africa, I didn't know anything about him and I never had any opportunity to know about great teachers outside my country where great local players wouldn't or were reluctant to teach anybody starting up. It's only now in my advanced age I'm starting to learn from his great books and other online jazz learning materials and I'm so grateful. There's a lot I can say but I wish young players check him out. Thanks.

[@johnnyloungejazz5477]

Jerry was the featured Gust artist at Jazz Vermont, I attended 15 years so got to know Jerry some. The first think I would ask him was what sax and MP are you playing this year? He played a old Selmer Cigar cutter one year, I like that he liked different horns and MP’s. But it didn’t matter what he played he’s a Monster and a Prince.

[@rustOfunk]

Really enjoy your videos. The more you do, the better. A great service to all the young players out there.

[@scratchedvinyl8462]

Terrific interview, with some great insights. Thanks chaps!

[@missingmylink]

Thank you Ed and of course Jerry 🙏🏻

[@darrellscott2483]

Excellent as usual, Ed. 💯

[@michaelschuster206]

Another great interview. Thanks as always.

[@leanmchungry4735]

Jerry said here he played metal mouthpieces until 1996. When I heard him in the 80s I never though for a moment to ask him what mouthpiece he played, but now I'd love to know: what was the tip opening on the ToneMaster he played with Brubeck C1980. I'd guess it was a 6, but dunno... Calling the internet, can anyone help?

[@stangetz534]

👋👋👋

[@Zxx459]

Let's give credit to ALL THE BLACK JAZZ MASTER WHOM CAME BEFORE JERRY AND MANY MORE!!!

[@Zxx459]

Jerry bergonzy Stan Getz Micheal B. David Sanborn Bob malach All these guys of the same ages had the Renaissance of jazz Not so much now 2020