Biography
As one of the world's celebrated tubist, Jon Sass is widely recognized today as the Groove Master of his instrument.
Jon is truly one of a kind with a unique versatility and innovative style, best describing his abilities.
Jon was born and raised in Harlem, New York City. Much of his early influences started in Virginia where his
grandfather Fitchue, would tell stories singing the blues with his guitar. Jon's father, Tex Townsend was a
noted lead gospel singer who sang both bass and falsetto.
Jon started playing tuba at the age 14, and in the same year came in contact with Howard Johnson, who later
recommended Jon for the job with the Vienna Art Orchestra at the age of 18. In the same year Jon studied with
Joe Daley and Sam Pilafian who remained as Jon´s teacher throughout college. As a Boston University student,
diversity would play a strong role while having to commute between Boston, N.Y. and Vienna playing professionally throughout the year.
Jon has made a tremendous impact on the Jazz and Classical scenes throughout Europe and the Brass world globally.
With his truly unique and soulfully penetrating sound, his first highly acclaimed solo CD has positioned him as arguably
the most creative artist playing tuba, living today!
Current news!! Jon is producing a new band soon in the studio-featured soloist with Frankfurt Radio Big Band-performances in
Austria of a new concerto written for Jon from Franz Cibulka-. Current tours are in duo with French hornist
Arkady Shilkloper, bass trombonist Dave Taylor , Doug Hammond Quartet , Mutua Mamadu Diabate and Wolfgang Puschnig , Erika Stucky.
Other current productions "Sassy the Tuba".which was performed for 6 sold-out performances at the Vienna Konzerthaus and
the Grammy nominated cd Blauklang with Vince Mendoza, Jandl-Jazz me if you can with Wolfram Berger. Colors/Farben together
with illustrator Rupert Hörbst.
He has progressively developed a solo voice on the tuba which is heard on over 75 recordings. Since 1985 Jon has played
with the creme de la creme of musicians sharing feature programs together with Bobby Shew, Ivan Neville, Dave Taylor
throughout Europe from the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic musicians solo features with Symphonic Wind Orchestras, Big Bands,
Brass Festivals, diverse productions and as well with his own formations.
Outside of Europe, he tours regularly throughout Asia to North & South America . As an official American Cultural Representative,
Jon has giving workshops based on his creative concepts. Creative Impulse is a source for creative motivation which is used in a
series of products such as play along books from Editions BIM and TMV records as well as the corporate seminar-Corporate Groove.
Jon composes his own music and has arranged music for the James Brown Horns.
Other artist with whom Jon has performed and recorded are Ray Anderson, Ricky Ford, Henry Threadgill , Michelle
Rosewoman , David Murray, Sunny Murray, Butch Morris, James Spaulding ,Leon Thomas, Peter Erskine, Frank Foster,
Vienna Art Orchestra Linda Tillery and the Heritage Cultural Choir, Howard Johnson ,Gideon Kremer, Boston Symphony-Empire Brass.
Hans Theessink, Scurdia, Heavy Tuba and Jon Sass, Wurzburg Jazz Orchestra, Millagros Pinera,Jon plays currently
in Austria Brass Connection.
-"Who ever lover of bass can trust in the Tuba. Jon Sass plays the tuba so unorthodox like Ian Anderson Plays flute."
(Audiophile CDs Musik - HIFI-FORUM )
-Jon Sass, magician of sounds, pumped his innermost into his beloved Tuba. (Bernhard Lichtenberger)
-"Sass, you sound mighty great on that tuba!" James Brown
Jon’s music:
» I never considered myself a jazz or classical musician, but foremost an artist. «
Sassified - the solo CD: The combination of Jon's huge musical talent with everything that ever influenced him can be enjoyed on his » new solo CD,
which turned out to be a unique blend of his rich experiences in various musical formations, from duets to Big Bands and from small to big classical orchestras. His early roots go back to what we might call "the best black music ever recorded", evoking memories of James Brown, Isaac Hayes and so many others, moving to present day rap and hip hop tunes - and from there crossing effortlessly over towards an almost classical structure of music, sometimes spiced with avantgarde sounds. The result is a terrific mix of differing musical styles and timings - the longer you listen to it, the more beautiful and convincing it gets - definitely a masterpiece.
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