Greg Osby

Veteran New York saxophonist Greg Osby began his career as a sideman for artists as varied as Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Muhal Richard Abrams, Jim Hall and Jaki Byard. Seeking challenge has been a theme in Osby's career. Upon diving into the New York jazz scene, he often found himself frustrated by the output of many of his less adventuresome peers. He sought out other musicians who shared his love of exploring musical styles beyond the standard Tin Pan Alley fare. In 1985 Osby was invited to to join Jack DeJohnette's innovative group, "Special Edition". Osby signed with Blue Note Records in 1989 and recorded fifteen outstanding recordings for that label as a leader. In 2007, Osby launched his own label, "Inner Circle Music," which serves as a platform for many of today's brightest artists. The Village Voice critic Francis Davis wrote of his contribution to their double album Upriver, "Greg Osby superimposes his own brand of rhythmic complexity (one fully worthy of Wayne Shorter) on the rhythm section's static vamps every time he steps forward." In 2003 Osby toured with The Dead, which was a reincarnation of The Grateful Dead for a full North American tour. He also has contributed in various collaborations with many other jazz, cultural and popular artists.