Tomas Fujiwara Quartet

(For a copy of the original letter of recommendation with signature, please send an email to jirabago@yahoo.com)

October 28, 2010
American Music Abroad: The Rhythm Road
Jazz at Lincoln Center

Dear Rhythm Road,

This recommendation is for Jon Irabagon

I have known Jon Irabagon since he joined the Middle School Jazz Academy faculty in 2005. As a member of theMSHA faculty from 2005-2009, Jon always impressed me with his deep sensitivity to young people. It is rare to find, and accomplished musicians, this degree of sensitivity in addition to the creativity, care and compassion Jon shows his students. In addition, Jon brings a refreshing lightness and humor to his role as teacher while clearly helping students build fundamental and advanced skills.

As a musician, Jon's accomplishments speak for themselves in breadth and scope. I am honored that he consulted me prior to wining first place in the Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition. The fact that he sought me counsel, among others, shows how he also possesses a true sense of humility. And he sure knows how to make the most of the lessons he learns!

To sum up, I think Jon Irabagon would make an ideal cultural ambassador for the Rhythm Road because of the unique combination of skills he possesses: sense of humor, flexible and sensitive demeanor, humility, great performer, great team worker and great educator.

Thank you,

Eli Yamin (signed) - Jon Irabagon

Jon Irabagon Press Page

“As one of today's most versatile and interesting saxophonists, Jon Irabagon is always good for a compelling listen... Foxy is no different.” -- Jordan Richardson,
blogcritics.com

“Simple without being simplistic; straightforward without being strictly straight-ahead;
unpretentious, yet artistically thoughtful; humble, yet full of youthful confidence,
saxophonist Jon Irabagon, winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Competition,
showcased a compelling mix of humor, technique, and engaging music during his
October 30 concert at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club.” --Franz Mantzner, All About Jazz

“Jon's performance was trancelike, glowing with intellect.” --Nate Chinen, New York
Times

“A tour-de-force of ardent virtuosity and cogent interplay, this marathon blowing session is a potent reminder of the joyous spontaneity of jazz in all its stylistic permutations, and a bold statement from a young artist on the rise.” -- Troy Collins, All About Jazz

“Jon Irabagon creates some of the most exciting and provocative music of the year.” --Jazz and Blues Blog

“Foxy is a great big belly-laugh of an album; a stunning physical feat; a constantly
shifting musical achievement; an adventure; and a raw and visceral performance.”
-- Bruce Lindsay, All About Jazz

“The trio of Halvorson, bassist John Hebert and drummer Ches Smith, which graced her debut, is now augmented by trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and saxophonist Jon
Irabagon, a player whose best work unites freedom and tradition in an effortless way
that complements Halvorson's approach to the guitar.” -- Marc Medwin, Dusted
Magazine

“Listening to Irabagon is somewhat like watching Olympic luge in that you just
can't believe someone can go so fast so unprotected and not get killed.” --Bill
Shoemaker, Point of Departure

“Jon Irabagon's album The Observer stands as one of the most cohesive, consistent, and delightful discs of 2009.” --JazzTimes

“Irabagon emerges as a consummately lyrical musician with a subtly individualist take on the tradition.” –Stuart Broomer, Point of Departure - Jon Irabagon

Jon Irabagon, saxophone

Jon Irabagon, winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Saxophone Competition, has
dedicated himself to learning about all aspects of the jazz lineage, from the most
traditional to the most searching, and being able to perform, teach, and compose
using the entire history. Jon has honed his craft by performing with many of today's
top jazz musicians, including Kenny Barron, Herbie Hancock, Rufus Reid, Nicholas
Payton, Victor Lewis, Frank Kimbrough, Alvin Atkinson, Wycliffe Gordon, TS Monk,
Kenny Washington, John Farnsworth, and Grant Stewart, among others, and has
performed internationally at the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Moers Jazz Festival,
Warsaw Jazz Festival, Enjoy Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Tampere Jazz
Festival, and the Jazz Festival of the Azores. Jon recently released a record of
original music entitled The Observer to critical acclaim on Concord Records, and
features Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid, Victor Lewis, Nicholas Payton, and Bertha Hope. He has three other recordings under his own name, as well as over 50 albums with sideman or co-leader credit.

As an educator, Jon has traveled the world running clinics, masterclasses, and
roundtable discussions about jazz, improvisation, and woodwind techniques. He has
instructed students in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Scotland, Germany,
England, Japan, and Taiwan, and locally taught at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Middle
School Jazz Academy for four years. - Jon Irabagon

Jon Irabagon
30-49 44th St.
Astoria, NY 11103
917-826-9891
jirabago@yahoo.com

Jon Irabagon--saxophone

Performance Experience
• Has recorded on over 50 albums as a leader, co-leader, sideman, and arranger
• Extensive touring experience and performances at many of the biggest international jazz festivals, including the Vancouver Jazz Festival, Moers Jazz Festival, Tampere Jazz Festival, Nattjazz Oslo Festival, Vision Festival, Warsaw Jazz Festival, and the Azores Jazz Festival
• Has performed and/or recorded with Kenny Barron, Rufus Reid, Wycliffe Gordon,
Victor Lewis, Nicholas Payton, Frank Kimbrough, Donald Edwards, Kenny
Washington, Grant Stewart, Brandon Lee, Tom Harrell, John Abercrombie, and Herbie Hancock

Education/School Experience
• Has led masterclasses and clinics in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Germany, Taiwan, Costa Rica, and Japan, to all age levels
• Taught saxophone, clarinet, and helped run ensembles and sectionals for four years atJazz at Lincoln Center's Middle School Jazz Academy (2005-2009), as well as arranged several pieces specifically for the MSJA Jazz Ensemble
• Was part of Eli Yamin's educational New York City tour with Howard Johnson and
LaFrae Sci, presenting workshops through each of the five boroughs in 2008
• Teaches privately and runs ensembles in Westchester County, New Jersey,
Connecticut, and Manhattan
• Received a Bachelors in Music from DePaul University (2000), a Masters in Music
from the Manhattan School of Music (2003), and an Artist Diploma in Jazz Studies
from the Juilliard School (2005)

Further Experience
• Extensive work with Finale, some experience with Sibelius
• Moderate ability on piano, flute, and clarinet
• Extensive arranging experience for big bands, small groups, and string quartets
• Extensive transcription experience - Jon Irabagon