Jazz Saxophonist Larry Haddad Plays in Bethel on Sunday

From Pizzeria Lauretano:

BETHEL, CT - Danbury saxophonist Larry Haddad makes a rare area performance this Sunday at Pizzeria Lauretano's jazz series in Bethel.

Mr. Haddad brings a wonderful quartet to explore the music of the late, great bebop saxophonist Art Pepper. Haddad and his top-notch band of Jim Olbrys on guitar, Steve Clarke on electric bass, and Joe Corsello on drums, put this show together this summer at the Stamford jazz club "The 9th Note."

“Art Pepper has been an influence and inspiration for me, especially his sound,” says Mr. Haddad. "He is my favorite ballad player, and no one plays with more beauty or emotional intensity."

Mr. Pepper was a longtime major figure in the West Coast Jazz scene and once called "the world's great alto saxophonist." (Scott Yarrow). He came in second to Charlie "Bird" Parker in a Downbeat Readers Poll. Mr. Haddad and band will focus on the “songbook” – tunes either composed by or closely associated with the late musician - from some of his most famous recordings including “Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section”, “The Return of Art Pepper”, and “The Trip”.

"I can’t really imagine a greater group of guys to play with," says Mr. Haddad. "The opportunity to play this music with guys like Joe [Corsello] and Steve [Clarke] that have so much experience and depth is just fantastic. Jim [Olbrys] has become like a jazz ‘big brother’ over the past few years, as we’ve been playing together every week for the past couple years. That alone really helps build musical rapport.”

Mr. Haddad is a Danbury native, and has been a resident of Stratford for the past 16 years. He has performed in the CT area for the past 20 years.

Jim Olbrys is a Stratford native and resident, and has been performing music for the past 30 years. He was a student at the New England Conservatory, and studied with Gene Bertoncini, among others.

Steve Clarke is a Bridgeport native and resident, and one of the premier electric bass players in the area. He recently finished a 6 week European tour with his own group, The Steve Clarke Trio.

Joe Corsello is a Stamford native and resident. His drumming career has spanned over 40 years when he was hired by Benny Goodman, to more recent collaborations with Sonny Rollins and Mike Mainieri.

Pizzeria Lauretano is located at 291 Greenwood Ave in Bethel, Conn. All concerts are Sundays at 6:00, and cover charge is $15 (unless noted). Reservations are recommended by calling 203-792-1500.

Image via Pizzeria Lauretano.