Joe Lovano

Joe Lovano brings a fluid virtuosity to an instrument many consider to be the very voice of love itself, the tenor saxophone. Playing live in the Terrace Theater at the Kennedy Center, he exhibits a range of styles from the classic jazz songbook, to more experimental sounds. His background lends itself to this diversity. Not only was Lovano raised among great jazz musicians from childhood, he also considers himself a permanent student of modern jazz, dedicated to exploring new sounds through his instrument and as a composer.

Joe Lovano grew up in Cleveland. And as he points out to Billy Taylor, his hometown was really a crossroads for many traveling bands going between cities like New York and Chicago during both bebop and early modern jazz periods. As a result, many great musicians emerged from cities "in-between", not the least of whom was Joe Lovano's own father, Anthony.

Through his father, Lovano was able to witness many a performance and rehearsal of professional jazz players. Hearing his dad practice was instrumental in Joe's developing an ear for sound and melody. Hanging around the groups his dad played in also instilled within Lovano an ability to immerse himself into what other musicians were playing. Lovano also notes the importance of his experience in playing with large ensembles. At 23, he played in Woody Herman's orchestra, touring 50 weeks a year for three years. He then played about ten years for Mel Lewis' Village Vanguard orchestra in New York.

On the classic side of the spectrum, Lovano pays tribute to an old favorite from his father's repertoire, "How High the Moon", to the delight of the audience at the Kennedy Center. He also does an instrumental rendition of "Chicago", a tune made popular by Frank Sinatra, as well as Charles Mingus' tribute to Duke Ellington, "Sound of Love", and the classic "Have You Met Miss Jones?"

On the more experimental side, Lovano demonstrates his talents as both a composer and a musician. When a member of the audience asks Lovano how he translates experience into composition, he responds with an explanation and demonstration using his own "In the Land of Ephesus" as an example. He then indulges Billy Taylor's request for a full rendition of another Lovano tune, "Fort Worth".