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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHANDY, John(b John Richard Handy III, 3 Feb. '33, Dallas TX) Alto and tenor saxophones, other instruments; also composer, educator. Not related to Capt. John Handy, well-known New Orleans alto saxist (1900--71; CDs on GHB). Played clarinet at 13, won amateur featherweight boxing championship '47, took up alto '49, studied formally. To NYC '59, recorded with Charles Mingus '58--9 on Columbia (Mingus Ah Um), Atlantic, UA; worked with Randy Weston '59, led own group, toured Europe; with Mingus at Monterey Jazz Festival '64, own quintet there '65 with violinist Michael White incl. Handy comp. 'Spanish Lady'; the gig was a sensation, issued on Columbia, on a Koch CD '96. From tough, hard-edged bop-infl. solos with Mingus (incl. duets with Booker Ervin), his music became more adventurous, while he also did film, TV work, appeared with symphony orchestras, etc as well as much teaching in various capacities since late '40s. Own LPs on Roulette '57, 59, 61; quintet LP on Columbia with Monterey personnel '66, varying personnel '67, 68; Hard Work '76, Carnival '77 on ABC/Impulse; Karuna Supreme '75 and Rainbow '80 on MPS with Indian musicians; Centerpiece '89 on Milestone, Excursion In Blue '93 on Quartet. |