Woody Witt, a saxophonist and composer, is making a mark in today’s jazz world. Witt is a respected member of the Jazz community and has performed with many of the most prominent names in the industry. Witt’s unique approach to composition and improvisation has earned him the respect of his peers. Witt is a native of Omaha, Nebraska. He earned his Bachelor of Music at the University of Houston and a Master of Music from the University of North Texas (Jazz Studies). Witt also earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in 2000 at the University Of Houston Moores School Of Music. Witt is currently an Affiliate Artist at The University of Houston. He also teaches full time at Houston Community College. Woody’s unique style is a perfect blend of looking for the future and building on the past. It is easy to recognize Woody’s style. He is an Affiliate Artist at the University of Houston and teaches full-time at Houston Community College. Randy Brecker, a Grammy Award-winning composer and trumpeter, said that Woody Witt “continues the tradition of great Texas Tenors” with a big sound, fresh ideas, and an innovative approach to improvisation. Woody’s self-titled CD was his first, and it was released in 2002. It was followed by three other acclaimed albums on Apria Records in 2005, Square Peg Round Hole, Live at Cezanne’s 2007 and Willows 2008. His live performances and recordings have documented Woody’s tenor voice, which is distinguished by his distinctive improvised melodies, a rich tone and distinct harmonic language. Frank Rubolino, a noted writer from Cadence says that his approach is not academic. His solos are full of emotion and soul, and they ring with authority. His musical career has taken him to Broadway and Tommy Tune. As a featured soloist on “Up South”, a jazz ensemble and orchestra, and “Three Musicians”, a work for soprano, saxophone and guitar, Witt has created new works that bridge the musical genres of jazz and classical. Witt, a Yamaha Performing Artist for over 15 years, was a 2010 recipient a Chamber Music America French American Cultural Exchange grant that helped to underwrite a 10-day tour of France in March. He will also be helping with a US tour with Franck Amsallem this fall. Witt will be featured in “The New Face of Jazz”, a book by Cicily Janus. It will be released this July – http://newfaceofjazz.com. Witt is equally skilled at imparting his vast knowledge to others. He has given masterclasses and appearances at many venues over the years. Witt’s performances are exciting and rich in musical experiences. He has performed at the following venues: New York City (Small’s Enzo’s and Jazz Improv Convention), Chicago (Pop’s for Champagne and Andy’s, Spring 2009), Minneapolis, Texas State University, Texas State University, Amarillo College (2 times), New Orleans (Snug Harbour), Alaska, Japan, and 2 tours to France (2007 and 2010. Woody was the manager/artistic Director of Cezanne, one of the city’s few jazz clubs for 10 years. Witt has presented numerous name acts, including Randy Brecker and Tim Hagans, Mark Levine and the Moutin Reunion Quartet. He also performed with Eddie Gomez and Jimmy Cobb. The New York Standards Quartet includes Gene Jackson, Gene Jackson, Dave Berkman and Ugonna Okegwo. Jim Rotondi and Billy Hart. There are many other local and regional acts. Many international acts, including Tim Armacost, Mark Levine, Nancy King and Jim Rotondi, he performed or recorded with. Witt’s 7th album, First Impression, is his seventh as a leader. He has been on at least 25 recordings as a sideman, six of which were for Blue Bamboo Music. http://woodywitt.com
