Leo Wright
A first-rate bop-oriented alto saxophonist, Wright was also one of the finest flutists jazz has known. He studied saxophone under the tutelage of his father. His first recording was made in 1958 with vibist Dave Pike; the next year, he played the Newport Festival with bassist Charles Mingus' group. Wright joined Dizzy Gillespie's band in 1959, remaining until 1962. In addition to his sideman work, Wright established himself as a leader in the early '60s, leading New York-based bands that included the likes of bassist Ron Carter, pianist Junior Mance, drummer Charlie Persip, and guitarist Kenny Burrell, among others. In 1960, he recorded the record for which he is perhaps best-known -- Blues Shout for the Atlantic label -- with a group consisting of himself, Mance, Persip, bassist Art Davis, and trumpeter Richard Williams. After leaving Gillespie's band, Wright went on to play and record with pianist/composer Lalo Schifrin and organist Jack McDuff; with the latter he recorded Screamin' for the Prestige label. He also worked with composer Antonio Carlos Jobim, trumpeter Johnny Coles, and singer Jimmy Witherspoon before moving to Europe later in the decade. There he worked with pianist/composer George Gruntz and he also played with saxophonist Lee Konitz in an all-star group called Alto Summit and with trumpeter Carmell Jones. Wright eventually moved to Berlin, where he played in a studio band and worked freelance. In May 1978, Wright co-led a studio session in New York City with pianist Red Garland for Muse Records. He essentially retired from music around 1979, before re-emerging in the mid-'80s. In 1986, Wright played gigs with the Paris Reunion Band, which also included trombonist Grachan Moncur III, cornetist Nat Adderley, and pianist Kenny Drew Sr. In the years before his death, Wright worked and recorded with his wife, singer Elly Wright. His autobiography, God Is My Booking Agent, was published posthumously by Bayou Press in the fall of 1991. His last recording was made with his wife on her CD Listen to My Plea.
© Chris Kelsey /TiVo
Discography
13 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
-
Alto Summit
Lee Konitz, Phil Woods, Leo Wright
Jazz - Released by MPS on 18 Nov 1968
24-Bit 88.2 kHz - Stereo -
-
-
Eldee Young & Co. "Just for Kicks" / 'Red' Holt "Look Out!! Look Out!!"
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 2 Jun 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Suddenly The Blues
Jazz - Released by Rhino Atlantic on 23 May 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Leo Wright Soul Talk / Suddenly the Blues
Jazz - Released by Blue Velvet on 17 May 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Blues Shout + Suddenly Blues
Jazz - Released by New Jazz Society on 30 Dec 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
New Horn in Town / Blues Shout
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 3 Apr 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Blues Shout (Leo Wright)
Jazz - Released by Stardust Records on 1 Nov 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Wiggler / A Felicidad (All Tracks Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Hit Singles Records on 5 Jan 2021
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Greensleeves / Angel Eyes (All Tracks Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Hit Singles Records on 29 Mar 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -