Internationally known Houston saxophonist, composer and music educator Woody Witt will be the special guest artist at the free ‘Jazz @ Lee College’ concert set for Friday, Nov. 6, at the Performing Arts Center.
An annual showcase that also features the college’s own Thursday Night Band and Bayou Big Band, Jazz @ Lee College will begin at 7:30 p.m., in the main performance hall.
Witt holds a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Houston, where he is also an Affiliate Artist. He teaches full-time at Houston Community College, and served as the manager and artistic director of Cezanne — a world-renowned venue and one of the city’s only jazz clubs — for 10 years.
Despite his academic credentials and popularity as a master-class instructor and guest artist, critics have described Witt’s musical approach as full of soul and genuine emotion. His distinctive saxophone style is instantly recognizable: a unique tenor voice with a full-bodied sound and modern edge that catches the listener’s ear. He has performed in major cities and venues around the world, including two tours in France and a stint in the traveling Broadway production of “42nd Street.”
Witt has released and/or been featured on more than 25 recordings, most recently his solo album “Pots and Kettles” on the Bamboo Music label. He has been a Yamaha Performing Artist for more than 15 years and in 2010 was selected to receive a grant from Chamber Music America.