Rick Margitza, who has long been regarded as one of the « Young Lyons » of the International Jazz Scene, is nowadays one of the most respected musicians of his generation. Excellent tenor and soprano saxophonist, mostly inspired by John Coltrane, Michael Brecker and Wayne Shorter, he has managed to expand and develop his unique voice, highly poetic and sharply incisive.
He started on the violin when he was four. His grandfather was a cellist and his father a violinist with the Detroit Symphony. He then studied classical piano for a bit, and also played oboe before switching to tenor in high school. He attended Wayne State University, Berklee, the University of Miami, and finally Loyola University in New Orleans, where he lived and played for four years.
Back then, Rick was touring with Maynard Ferguson and also Flora Purim and Airto Moreira. He then moved to New York in 1988.
That same year he joined Miles Davis' group and recorded three albums with them: "Amandla", "Live around the world" and "Live in Montreux". He then cut three sets as a leader for the prestigious label Blue Note during 1989-1991. Since 1994, his career found itself enriched with five more solo albums and collaborations with such artists as Maria Schneider, Chick Corea and McCoy Tyner.
SELECTIVE DISCOGRAPHY
As a leader:
BOHEMIA – Rick Margitza – Nocturne – 2004
MEMENTO – Rick Margitza – Palmetto Records – 2001
HEART OF HEARTS – Rick Margitza – Palmetto Records – 2000
GAME OF CHANCE – Rick Margitza – Challenge – 1997
WORK IT – Rick Margitza – Steeplechase – 1995
HANDS OF TIME – Rick Margitza – Challenge – 1995
THIS IS NEW – Rick Margitza – Blue Note – 1991
HOPE – Rick Margitza – Blue Note – 1990
COLOR – Rick Margitza – Blue Note – 1989
As a sideman:
AMANDLA – Miles Davis – Wea International – 1989
LIVE AROUND THE WORLD – Miles Davis – Wea International – 1990
LIVE IN MONTREUX – Miles Davis – Wea International –
COMIING ABOUT – Maria Scnneider Big Band –
