Former Jazz Saxophone Faculty Telephone  (212) 749-2802  x7770

Born and raised in Iowa, saxophonist Dick Oatts was brought up in a musical family and was introduced to the saxophone by his father, Jack. He began his professional career in Minneapolis/St. Paul in 1972 and in 1977 moved to New York City and joined the Thad Jones–Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra. Since then, he has recorded and toured with small groups such as Red Rodney, Eddy Gomez, Vic Juris, Bob Brookmeyer, Mel Lewis, Jerry Bergonzi, Flim & the BBs, Fred Hersh, Ray Mantilla, Terell Stafford, and Dave Berkman. His big band and larger group experience include the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Mel Lewis, Lester Bowie, Joe Lovano, Sam Jones–Tom Harrell, Paquito D’Rivera, Tito Puente, and Gunther Schuller. Mr. Oatts has also been featured with the Stockholm Jazz Orchestra, Danish Radio Big Band, Rome Radio Jazz Band, Berlin RIAS Big Band, and the UMO Jazz Orchestra in Helsinki. He has accompanied vocalists such as Joe Williams, Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Nneena Freelon, Mel Tormé, and Brazilian artist Milton Nascimento. He has recorded solos for pop artists such as Luther Vandross, James Taylor, and Everything But The Girl. Mr. Oatts has recorded three CDs under his own name with pianist and co-leader, Garry Dial, for the DMP label. He has a CD out on RED Records with bassist Dave Santoro, entitled MERU. Oatts is now a SteepleChase recording artist and has five CDs released as a leader including All Of Three, Standard Issue (volumes 1 and 2), Simone’s Dance, and South Paw. Mr. Oatts has appeared at college jazz festivals as soloist and clinician throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, and the Mideast. He has taught at New York University and is currently on the jazz faculty at Manhattan School of Music and the Amsterdam Conservatory. Manhattan School of Music faculty from 1989 through 2006.

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