Degrees

B.M. Jazz Studies, Loyola University New Orleans; M.F.A., Tulane University

Short Bio

An accomplished performer and composer, Tony Dagradi Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies, maintains a large saxophone studio, teaches classes in improvisation, and directs various ensembles.  At the same time, he keeps up a busy performance schedule.  Working as a leader, with his award winning quartet, Astral Project, or as a sideman, Dagradi appears at jazz festivals and venues around the world.   

Growing up in a New Jersey suburb, Tony Dagradi began playing alto saxophone as part of his elementary school music program.  At age thirteen, he switched to tenor and began the process of discovering and studying the many facets of jazz.  He often traveled into Manhattan to hear music at various hot spots.  By the time he was in high school he was transcribing solos, performing with local groups, and writing arrangements for the school band and local theater companies. 

During these early years two teachers were especially influential; multi-reedman Joe D'addario, and pianist Tony Aless.  The former gave Dagradi a solid foundation on sax, clarinet and flute.  The latter opened up the world of harmony and encouraged the development of piano skills.

In 1970, with a scholarship from Downbeat magazine, Dagradi enrolled at Berklee College of Music where he studied with Andy McGhee, Phil Wilson, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Mariano and Gary Burton.  After two years he left school to work full time and practice. During this period, he co-led an experimental quartet called "Inner Visions" with trombonist Gary Valente.  The group performed at various jazz venues in Boston and featured bassist Ed Schuller and at different times D Sharpe and Anton Fig on drums.

Becoming frustrated with the music scene in the New England area, Dagradi chose to accept an engagement on the road.  His travels eventually brought him to New Orleans where he found a vital and diverse musical culture.

He soon signed on with the late great Professor Longhair and appeared on the rock and roll pioneer's last three recordings.  Since then, he has performed with virtually every important musical figure in the Crescent City.  His soulful tenor saxophone has been heard in concert and on recordings with Ellis Marsalis, Gatemouth Brown, Tommy Ridgely, James Black, Alan Toussaint, Johnny Adams, Wardell Querzerque, The Meters, Al Hirt, Dr. John and Phillip Manuel to name only a few.

In 1980, Dagradi began a five year association with avant garde composer, Carla Bley.  Working with Bley gave the saxophonist his first international exposure in a top notch working ensemble.

At about the same time, Dagradi's talents caught the attention of Jonathan Rose, founder of the then fledgling Gramavision Records.  Rose invited Dagradi to join his label, which resulted in three highly regarded recordings.

Dagradi's most essential musical connection is with a collective of high powered jazz artists from the Crescent City known as Astral Project.  Founded by Dagradi, in 1978, Astral Project has established itself as the most exciting and consistently innovative contemporary jazz ensemble in the area.  The group which includes John Vidacovich on drums, James Singleton on bass and Steve Masakowski on guitar, recently celebrated the release of it’s seventh CD, “Blue Streak.”  The dynamic solos and almost telepathic communication that has developed on the bandstand over the years are clearly evident on the new disc and point to new directions for the future.

Today, Dagradi divides his time between performing in a wide variety of settings, writing and teaching.  On the national scene, Tony has appeared with Bobby McFerrin, Mose Allison, Nat Adderley, Eddie Harris, Cedar Walton, Dave Liebmann, Bobby Previte and a host of others.  His distinctive playing style can be heard on recordings with Bley, Longhair, Allison, Marsalis, Astral Project, his own CDs as a leader and a multitude of other independent projects.

Dagradi has been voted "Best Saxophonist" in New Orleans' Offbeat magazine readers poll.  He has also been the recipient of numerous fellowships and artistic awards, including grants from the Louisiana Division of Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, Loyola University and the Contemporary Art Center of New Orleans.

He has written a series of articles for Saxophone Journal and Jazz Player magazine, which include a master class CD and a play-along CD featuring his compositions performed by Astral Project.  His book “Essential Scale Studies For Improvisation,” published by Kendor Music, includes basic patterns and intervallic studies useful in developing technical skills necessary for improvisation.

YouTube Video of Tony Dagradi:

Courses Taught

• Applied Saxophone