Gabe Baltazar is a well-known jazz musician who gained international recognition as the lead alto saxophone player for the late Stan Kenton Orchestra’s golden era in the 1960’s. (Recorded on at most 18 albums). The definitive jazz interpretation of “Stairway To the Stars” is his recorded version with Kenton. Gabe has recorded with Dizzy Giillespie, Cannonball Adderly and Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse All Stars. He also recorded with James Moody. Gabe, who retired from the Kenton Band in 1995, was part of an elite group of musicians in Hollywood’s recording studios. Some of his studio work was with Jerry Lewis, Danny Thomas and Glenn Campbell. Pat Boone, Andy Williams and Ray Charles were some of his notables. Gabe lives now in Hawaii, where he performs regularly on clarinet, flute, and saxophone. The Benten is Gabe’s clarinet of preference. from http://globalmusicsupply.com
