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Rudresh Mahanthappa: "Just because you're improvising doesn't mean you're playing jazz."

By Leo Sidran | The Third Story
July 6, 2020
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Saxophonist Rudresh Mahanthappa on his early development, the journey through music schools, cruise ships and merengue bands that ultimately led him to New York, exploring one's personal identity through music, teaching jazz in a non conservatory environment, Sesame Street, and a casual analysis of saxophone on popular recordings in the '80s. He also discusses his new trio record Hero Trio (Whirlwind Recordings) with Francois Moutin and Rudy Royston, and the influence of David Sanborn, Michael Brecker, Charlie Parker, and Grover Washington, Jr. on his conception.

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About Rudresh Mahanthappa

Instrument: Saxophone, alto

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