Jazz master and saxophonist Gary Bartz has shaped the history and evolution of the genre since the 1960s. One of the best purveyors of what he calls “informal composition” (as opposed to traditional jazz improvisation), he has worked with luminaries like Charles Mingus and Miles Davis.
For a career spanning show at Le Guess Who? 2025, Bartz performs with NTU Troop, the iconic group who recorded several classics with him - like I’ve Known Rivers and Other Bodies and the iconic Harlem Bush Music - as well as their brand new album The Eternal Tenure of Sound: Damage Control.
In 2023, Bartz made a bet: at 83 years old, the iconic saxophonist cashed out his 401k, went on sabbatical from teaching at Oberlin Conservatory, and made a record - not for a label, but for himself. The result is Damage Control, his first studio album in twelve years, and one of the most heartfelt projects of his career. “These are songs that I play in my house just for me when I just wanna relax and chill” said Bartz. “They inspire me and they make me feel good.”
Gary Bartz and NTU Troop perform at Le Guess Who? 2025 on Sunday 9 November. Also performing are a.o. Tumi Mogorosi, أحمد [Ahmed], Tomoki Sanders and many more.
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