Charles McPherson

Charles McPherson has thoroughly enjoyed his life as a music maker.  The jazz saxophonist was strongly influenced by the players of the big band era, such as Johnny Hodges who played in the Duke Ellington orchestra for many years.  Charles took what he heard and played his own style during the formative years of bebop and free jazz.  What he sought was a way to express himself that was not only his unique sound, but conveyed his unique thoughts and ideas within his music.  As a composer, he crafted that expression in new and meaningful ways, such as in his song “Manhattan Nocturne.”  His NAMM Oral History interview was completed on October 1, 2008.