Kenny Garrett

One of the most important saxophonists of our time is making his Konzerthaus debut: Kenny Garrett. As a young musician, he played with greats such as Duke Ellington, Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Art Blakey and Miles Davis. With his unmistakable sound, Garrett moulded an entire generation of saxophonists. From his native Detroit, he brings a deep connection to soul, blues and spirituality – musical roots that still characterise his career today.

The spirit of his musical ancestors
Kenny Garrett now honours his musical ancestors such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Sly Stone and Marvin Gaye with his homage »Sounds from the ancestors«. But instead of imitating, the jazz musician lets their spirit speak through his own compositions. This makes his music sound sometimes funky, sometimes soul-jazzy, sometimes spiritual, but always multi-layered and lively.

Saxophonist in a well-rehearsed jazz community
Kenny Garrett's outstanding sextet, with which he also performs at the Vienna Konzerthaus, is more of a community than an accompaniment. It emphasises the rhythmic aspect of the music, as well as the singable and melodious. The well-rehearsed, compact sounding team realises »Sound from the ancestors« with a lot of shared experience – and radiates a modern, cosmopolitan dynamic.