photo
home
gigs
biography
photos
discography
articles
audio-video
links
contacts
Masthead
ARTICLE/REVIEW This article is posted with permission of the original author and/or publisher and may not be used elsewhere without their written consent. Please contact the original author/publisher directly for permission.

Fullerton College Jazz Studies Director Nominated with Bill Holman Band
by BARBARA GIASONE
Orange County Register - January 31, 2008

Fullerton College Jazz Studies Director Bruce Babad's talents are heard on more than 75 commercial recordings, numerous jingles and television and movie soundtracks.

On Feb. 10, his aptitude with the alto saxophone gets the Grammy nod when his work with the Bill Holman Band vies for the Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording at the 50th anniversary Grammy Awards show from the Staples Center.

It's not the first time Babad has been in the international spotlight. This is the second Grammy-nominated album with the Los Angeles-based Holman band whose members include Pete Christlieb of Steely Dan and Lanny Morgan of Supersax.

"In the '60s, pianist Dave Brubeck said jazz had become tame," Babad said. "I'm hoping Grammy judges are looking for a sound that's alive, fresh, interesting and has found new ground."

Babad, who first picked up the sax at age 10, took first place in Michigan's state solo and ensemble contest at 14. By his sophomore year in high school in Washington, he was determined to become a musician.

After receiving the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award in his senior year, he went on to Central Washington University where he met Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Mark Murphy and Mel Lewis.

In 1990, Babad and his wife, Jan, moved to San Diego where he performed with The Four Tops, the Temptations, the Platters, Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole and Bobby Caldwell - becoming one of the most in-demand sax players in San Diego.

He eventually moved to Long Beach where he earned a master's degree in Jazz Studies at Cal State Long Beach. He was chosen Most Outstanding Graduate Student in Fine Arts, and presented a paper on the writing style of Holman at the International Association of Jazz Educators.

"Jazz expresses music like the human voice," Babad said. "It gives me a way to laugh, cry, and joke around with my horn."

Babad will direct the Fullerton College Jazz Bands concert on April 10 and the Fullerton College Jazz Bands with the faculty band on April 17.