Artist description Contemporary Jazz with simultaneous two horn playing by Gary Wofsey.

Music Style Jazz

Musical Influences Phil Woods, Dave Weckl, Sal Salvador, Ronnie Cuber & Mike Abene, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Benny Goodman Orchestra, the Chiffons, Gene Hull, Billy & the Showmen

Similar Artists Phil Woods, Dave Weckl, Sal Salvador, Ronnie Cuber & Mike Abene, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Benny Goodman Orchestra, the Chiffons, Gene Hull, Billy & the Showmen

Artist History Gary Wofsey was born in Stamford, Connecticut in 1951. From a very early age his parents encouraged him to study several musical instruments and composition. His interest in music continued through grade school and Gary assembled several bands of various styles to have outlets for the diverse music he was composing. He continued his studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he majored in composition.Following graduation Gary performed with and/or composed for many notable orchestras and performers including the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, the Benny Goodman Orchestra, the Chiffons, Gene Hull, Billy & the Showmen and several others. Gary also spent a significant amount of time in the recording studio mastering several of his compositions. These recordings feature a number of jazz greats such as Phil Woods, Dave Weckl, Sal Salvador, Ronnie Cuber & Mike Abene. By April 1981, Gary's album, Kef's Pool, was a surveyed by Jazz Times Magazine as being on the Top Ten List of many jazz radio stations throughout the United States and Canada. In 1982, Gary relocated to Tokyo, Japan, where his career continued to flourish. Gary appeared as a guest soloist and composer for various television shows and recordings. He also had numerous jazz festival appearances and was a guest performer with George Kawaguchi, The Sharps & Flats, Tokyo Union, The New Breed & Hang Raiji.After conquering the language barrier, Gary formed an all-Japanese orchestra. Gary Wofsey and his Japanese orchestra performed regularly at Tokyo's famous Pit Inn and were in concert with jazz greats such as Elvin Jones and Dave Liebman. The Orchestra became very well respected and its concerts and recordings were honored with great acclaim. Finally, after many years in Japan, Gary moved to Hawaii to fulfill his longtime dream of composing for symphony orchestra. In 1990, his dream was realized when he appeared in a series of concerts with the Maui Symphony Orchestra as guest performer, conductor and composer.Since 1993 Gary has returned to the New York area, living in his hometown where he composes, teaches and prepares for concerts with his 13-piece contemporary jazz orchestra.

Instruments Trumpet, flugelhorn and mellophonium

Albums Kef's Pool, Gary Wofsey in Japan, Mel, My Grandfather's Clock

Press Reviews "Wofsey's ability to play two horns simultaneously is uncanny." -- Jazz Line Magazine "Gary Wofsey's Jazz Orchestra is ultra-modern & brilliant. Recommended." -- Billboard Magazine "Gary amazed our kids with his two-horn playing." -- Robert Rams, band director Madison High School, Brooklyn NY "Gary is one of the greatest young musical talents I've ever come across." -- George T. Simon, author The Big Bands "My kids were thrilled to be on the same program as Gary's Contemporary Jazz Orchestra. The highlight was when both bands played together for the finale." -- Richard Sadlon, band director Darien High School, Darien CT "Gary Wofsey offered suggestions that remarkably improved the sound of our group in one short master class." -- Victor Lionti, conductor & music director Westchester Youth Symphony "My students were enchanted by Mr. Wofsey's playing, which grabbed their attention for what he had to say about musicianship." -- Peter Hohmeister, music teacher Eastern Middle School, Greenwich CT "Gary conducts artfully with the intricacy of an elaborate dance." -- Swing Journal Magazine, Japan "When Gary conducted, we could not possibly get lost. He knew every note that each person had to play." -- José Romero, concert master Maui Symphony Orchestra "When Gary told me that he wanted to conduct excerpts from the Rite of Spring, I thought it would be impossible since there were only two rehearsals scheduled. He guaranteed me all I had to be concerned with was making sure everyone attended both practices. To my astonishment, the Symphony sounded its best ever on music far more difficult than anything we had attempted before." -- Jerry Martin, music director Maui Symphony Orchestra

Additional Info Exclusive Management by Watercolour Management www.composerlink.org

Location Stamford, CT - USA

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