Walt Weiskopf

Walt Weiskopf (born July 30, 1959 in Augusta, Georgia) is an American jazz saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, author and educator. He has released sixteen albums as a leader, and performed on countless other albums as a sideman. He has collaborated with artists such as Buddy Rich, Frank Sinatra and Steely Dan.

Author and journalist Cicily Janus regards Weiskopf as "one of the best unknown musicians in the modern scene", and JazzTimes Magazine considers him to be underrated and "a highly potent tenor saxophonist who demonstrates a strong Trane-Rollins influence".

Early life

Weiskopf was born in Augusta, Georgia. He grew up outside of Syracuse, New York. He took up his first instrument, the clarinet, at age 10. He began his saxophone studies four years later. He studied at the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester from 1977–80. After earning his BA in Music Performance, he moved to New York City in September 1980.

Professional career

Weiskopf began his New York career performing with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981 at the age of 21, and began a 14-year stint with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra two years later. Since then he has released 16 recordings as a leader, and holds numerous credits as a sideman.

In 1988, Weiskopf decided to attend Queens College of the City of New York, where he spent 2 years studying with clarinetist Leon Russianoff. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in clarinet performance. Over the next two decades he went on to perform with a number of notable orchestras, including the American Ballet Theatre, the American Composers Orchestra and the Gotham Chamber Orchestra.

In 2002, Weiskopf became a part of the popular music group Steely Dan, and was featured on the title track of their 2003 album '' Everything Must Go''. In 2006, he began to tour and perform with the Donald Fagen Band, as well as with the Dukes of September in 2010.

In addition to performing, Weiskopf has taught at a number of different universities, and authored several books on jazz improvisation. Between 1996–2000, he was an adjunct professor at New Jersey City University in Jersey City