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Joe Ford
Musician - Composer - Arranger - Educator

One of the most exciting truths in jazz is that within every top sideman there is a solo artist primed to break into
the forefront. Longtime McCoy Tyner saxophonist Joe Ford has a stunning and diverse career that proves a
musicians evolution is worth the years that go into it: People who haven't seen me as a leader will be
surprised. My music isn't about hooks and gratuitous soloing. It has a wide variety of styles allowing the quality
of the songs and musicianship stand out. I hope to encourage people to increase their listening palettes."

The development of Joe Fords unique style is the result of a lifetime of preparation and diverse musical
experiences. Born in Buffalo, New York, Joe grew up in a family that granted him the opportunity to be
surrounded by different forms of music. Fostering his artistic aptitude early on, Joe began playing piano at age 7
and switched seamlessly to the saxophone at age 11. While in high school and later attending college as a music
major, he performed with a variety of campus groups, guest performers and local funk bands. "All the styles I
grew up with and have played professionally, funk, gospel, classical, avant-garde and jazz, are within me.
Though I've been playing professionally for many years, every note I play is brand new, providing a current
overview of what I'm about at the present time."

After graduating from Central State University, Joe returned to Buffalo to teach music and direct a school band
and chorus. In addition to his day job, he continuously worked with local groups and house bands where he
backed up such touring acts as The Miracles. Ironically, when he stopped teaching and started to tour with a Top
40 band he was hired as a pianist; not a saxophonist. In 1973, as co-leader and co-producer with tenor
saxophonist Paul Gresham, and drummer Nasar Abadey, the locally popular Coltrane/Miles-influenced jazz
band, BIRTHRIGHT was formed. This alliance resulted in the release of two critically acclaimed albums for
Freelance Records: Free Spirits and Breath of Life. During this time Joe also played with the Buffalo Jazz
Ensemble, a group featuring future members of Spyro Gyra. After an invitation to join the McCoy Tyner
Quartet, Joe relocated to New York City, and has since established himself as one of the strongest independent
voices in jazz. His robust alto and velvety soprano sound has since kept him in high demand.

Since his arrival, Joe Ford has appeared on more than 80 albums and soundtracks, including New York
Undercover, the popular Fox police drama. His performances have been witnessed at over 300 jazz venues &
festivals with The McCoy Tyner Big Band, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band, Kenny Kirkland,
Abdullah Ibrahim, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Freddy Cole, Malachi Thompson, Charles Fambrough, Nova Bossa Nova,
and John Blake. Joe Ford has played on two Grammy winning albums and three Grammy nominated albums. As
a member of The Fort Apache Band, and other groups, Ford proved to be a pivotal player helping the bands
become winners of the Downbeat Critics Poll Award, The World Beat Group Readers Poll Award, a New York
Jazz Award, multiple Playboy Jazz Poll awards, The Seagrams Jazz Talent Search and a Jazz Journalist Award.
His legacy was solidified in 2004 when he was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout his vibrant career, Joe has stood out as a teacher, composer, pianist and saxophonist. His style is in
the tradition of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter and Jackie McLean, with a personalized approach to
improvisation. Joe Ford is continually reaching new audiences in the best way possible; through heartfelt,
intensely performed music that strikes a chord with jazz aficionados, fans and critics alike.




C CC Con on on ontact tact tact tact & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries: :: :
Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford
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Joe Ford Press & Quotes
Musician - Composer - Arranger - Educator



Joe Ford is a master musician and composer who's contributed quite a few originals to our book. -Andy Gonzales

I have always thought that he is one of the most lyrical alto and soprano saxophonist of our generation. Though I am a violinist I know
that much of my style as a jazz player has been greatly influenced by Joe. I am also a fan of Joe's music and his talent as a composer.
He is certainly deserving of a lot more recognition for his talent and work than he has received. -John Blake Jr.

I've known Joe for quite some time; I had him in my bands in a variety of settings over the years. I wanted him in my band because of
his versatility, his sound, and most of all because of his unique voice on his instrument. -McCoy Tyner

Ford, a former McCoy Tyner band member, had so many hot, fast riffs and solos, one would think he might he would melt his own
horn. Luckily for us, he persisted all afternoon. -Salsa San Francisco

Floating on an ever-shifting bottom made up of the sounds of anything that can be hit, scraped, rubbed and rattled, Rumba Buhaina
also shows compact call-and-response and a melodic improvisation from Ford on soprano. Like Jefferson and Stubblefield before him,
Joe Ford balances a number of necessary gifts, including the ability to bring sparks and muscle to his melodic soloing, as well as the
confidence to become the entire front line on his own when selections like Along Came Betty begin to veer more closely toward
straight rumba and Gonzalez puts down his horn to play conga along with drummer/percussionist Steve Berrios. Ford, who also
contributes the original cha-cha Madi's Smile to this volume, gives equal time to alto and soprano sax here, as he does live. His
soprano work brings an almost uncharacteristic sweetness to this very Bronx-flavored crew -Dusted Magazine

Joe Ford's piercing yet soulful voice on alto and soprano saxes captures the listener's attention throughout the session. His alto on the
opening number evinces a sophisticated command of the blues idiom. Ford cuts loose long, flowing upper-register phrases on his solo
on 'Waltz for a Nebulous Woman. -All About Jazz

Two time Grammy award nominee, Joe Ford, a jazz saxophonist from New York, is one of the founders of contemporary jazz with its
unique lyrical style of improvisation. He has released more than 80 albums and played on the soundtracks for hit TV shows such as
New York Undercover, and will be performing some of his greatest hits in Kyiv at the end of the month. Despite 40 years in the
business, Ford is not behind the times, and his music is always up to date and fresh. -What's On Magazine (Ukraine)

Joe Ford limber and swinging playing combines with Lonnie Smith's funk influence and imaginative organ playing adds a rich range
of intensity, color and texture to the recording .-Jazz Canadia

World-class jazz musicians are coming to the city to play at Swing and then at the National Conservatory on two successive nights.
Eminent sax player Joe Ford (who was a member of McCoy Tyners band) and pianist and composer Larry Willis (whos played with
Blood, Sweat & Tears, Art Blakey, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Cannonball Adderly and more) are the men in the spotlight on these
nights that jazz fans cant afford to miss. -Whats On Online - Kiev (Ukraine)





Additional national & international press and quotes can be found at www.jafjazz.com
Contact Contact Contact Contact & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries: : : : Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford - -- - 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 - -- - www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com - -- - info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com


Joe Ford
Musician - Composer - Arranger - Educator



For Immediate Release


Contact:
Nia Michelle
Purpose Media Management
917-566-0552


Jazz Living Legend Joe Ford To Be Inducted Into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame


AUGUST 25, 2004 NEW YORK, NY On September 9, 2004, 2 time Grammy winning saxophonist and composer
Joe Ford will be inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame (BMHF), in recognition of his masterful performance
ability and his incredible professional career, spanning over 40 years. The ceremony, which will take place in Ford's
hometown of Buffalo, New York, will also honor nine other performers, along with five individuals whose achievements
have raised the level of musical excellence. The awards ceremony will start at 9 p.m., and will be cause for twice the
celebration, as it doubles as the grand re-opening of legendary Buffalo performing venue, The Tralf. The newly renovated
performance space is located at 100 Theatre Place. Tickets can be purchased at any Ticketmaster location or by calling
the Tralf Box Office at 716-854-3068.

Though his career has garnered him many accolades, including Playboy Jazz Poll win and four runs as the winner of
Downbeat Magazine's Critics Poll, Ford's induction into the BMHF holds special value to him. My career in the music
industry has allowed me to work with some of the best in Jazz Music and has taken me around the world, explains the
accomplished Ford. But to receive such recognition at home, where it all started, makes it all worthwhile. He will be
honored among a class that includes such luminaries as vocalist Marlene Ricci, guitarist Doug Yeoman's, and producer
John Boylan.

The Buffalo Music Hall of Fame recognizes groups and individuals who have had a significant impact on the West New
York music scene, or have achieved success in the music industry on a national and/or international scale. In addition to
honoring these outstanding musicians and preserving the musical heritage of Buffalo and its surrounding area, the BMHF
is committed to presenting music to people of all ages. More on the BMHFs mission is available online at
www.buffalomusichalloffame.org.

For more information regarding Joe Ford please contact Purpose Media Management at 917-566-0552 or via email at
info@purposemediamanagement.com. You can also visit Purpose Media Management online at
www.purposemediamanagement.com.

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Joe Ford Photos
Musician - Composer - Arranger - Educator












Contact Contact Contact Contact & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries & Booking Inquiries: : : : Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford Joe Ford - -- - 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 908.822.0133 - -- - www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com www.jafjazz.com - -- - info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com info@jafjazz.com