Supported by KNKX. Born and raised in Baltimore, NEA Jazz Master Gary Bartz stands as a titan of modern jazz, dedicated to honoring and advancing Black American musical heritage. With a career spanning over six decades, Bartz’s masterful approach to the alto saxophone and his concept of “informal composition” have redefined the boundaries of jazz improvisation.

Bartz first rose to prominence in the 1960s, performing alongside legendary figures like Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, and Miles Davis. His work with Davis included the iconic Live-Evil sessions, marking him as a dynamic force in the jazz fusion movement. As a bandleader, Bartz has released over 45 albums, including the groundbreaking Harlem Bush Music, blending Afrocentric themes with avant-garde expression.

In 2025, Bartz will unveil his first solo recordings since 2011—a highly anticipated dual project produced by Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith (Frank Ocean, John Legend). These works, slated for announcement early in the year, reaffirm Bartz’s position at the vanguard of jazz innovation.