Tedd Baker

Tenor and soprano saxophonist Tedd Baker brings raw energy to every performance by creating a unique soulful sound full of original phrases based firmly in the tradition. Tedd strives to connect immediately with his patrons and fellow band mates as is evident in the approving hollers on the bandstand and the applause in the audience. Tedd is also well respected among his peers and has a great rapport among fellow musicians. Both a composer and performer, Tedd is celebrating the release of his all-original debut CD "MUGSHOTS" this year. Born in Binghamton, NY, Tedd was raised near Boston and started studying piano at the age of 6. He switched to the tenor sax at 10 and started exploring jazz. Tedd also studied the bass guitar in his early teens, yet began playing the saxophone professionally in Boston during high school. Tedd then attended New England Conservatory on a scholarship, and earned a bachelor's degree. While attending NEC, Tedd placed as runner- up in the Boston Jazz Society scholarship competition, and regularly performed in the Boston and New York City areas. Upon graduation, he toured the Middle East with a jazz trio, and after returning, actively performed and recorded in the Northeast's jazz, blues and beyond scene. In 1998, he moved to Queens, NY, continuing to perform while earning a Master of Arts degree from The Aaron Copeland School of Music, Queens College (CUNY). While at Queens College, Tedd placed first in the 2000 Hilton Head Jazz Society Competition. Tedd Baker has performed professionally as a sideman with many jazz masters and numerous "up and coming" jazz musicians both in the USA and overseas including Barry Harris, Pete Yellin, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, Darren Barrett, Duane Eubanks, Donnie McCaslin, Allyn Johnson, Jeremy Pelt, Richard Johnson, Jaz Sawyer, Kevin Louis, John Sullivan, Grady Tate, Allison Miller, Michael Mossman, Arturo O'Farrill, Andrew Adair, Steve Hass and Quincy Davis. Tedd also performed with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, The Ryles Jazz Orchestra, The Harry James Band, The Jimmy Heath Kids Band (aboard the Queen Elizabeth II during the 2001 Charlie Parker Floating Jazz Festival) and with The Frank Carlberg/ Andrew Rathbun Orchestra. In 2001, TB was chosen as a Jazz Ambassador for the US Department of State, touring South America, Central America and Jamaica as a member of the Doron Richard Johnson Trio. Tedd is currently the lead tenor saxophonist with The Airmen of Note, which is the premiere jazz orchestra of The United States Air Force Band, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, DC (www.usafband.com).

As a member of the Airmen of Note, Tedd has performed with numerous internationally renown artists including Ron Carter, Pat Martino, Nnenna Freelon, Eddie Palmieri, Duffy Jackson, Nicholas Payton, Eddie Daniels, Doc Severinsen, BeBe Winans, and Paquito D'Rivera. Besides his lead tenor duties for the Airmen of Note, Tedd is an "in-demand" performer and recording artist in the US and abroad. Tedd Baker performs regularly at Café Nema in the famous "U Street Corridor" of Washington DC and is featured on "The Young Lions" latest live recording, "Ibrahim's Dream-Recorded Live At Café Nema, DC." (cdbaby.com/cd/younglion). Tedd plans to release a follow up live CD next year.