John Klemmer
b. 3 July 1946, Chicago, Illinois, USA. After trying guitar and alto saxophone in early childhood, Klemmer settled on tenor saxophone in his early teens. He studied extensively, playing in school and other youth bands, then played professionally with several name dancebands of the early '60s, including those led by Les Elgart and Ralph Marterie. In the late '60s he made his first records and then joined Don Ellis's formidable big band. During these years he also played in small groups led by Oliver Nelson and Alice Coltrane. During this time he led his own groups, making jazz and jazz-fusion records. He experimented with electronics and fusion and some of his 1969 recordings slightly pre-date Miles Davis's BITCHES BREW. Sometimes Klemmer used electronic enhancements to allow him to record complex solo saxophone albums. He continued to develop these electronic concepts throughout the '70s and into the '80s. Playing with a diamond-hard tone, Klemmer's solos are filled with daring lines and imaginative ideas, often tossed out almost casually. On ballads, at which he excels, he introduces a breathy quality which aids the sometimes light and airy feeling he imparts. Many of his recordings feature his own compositions. Musically, his interest in areas on the fringes of jazz has tended to keep him from acceptance by the jazz world at large.