Music was a part of jazz saxophonist Stanley Turrentine's life, even before he was born.
His father, Thomas Turrentine, played the tenor sax and clarinet with the Savoy Sultans during the late 1930s."My father was my biggest influence," the younger Turrentine has said. "He took the time to teach me after he came home from work."
Stanley Turrentine will show Salt Lake City why he is one of the most recognized sax players in the business when he plays the Salt Lake Hilton Seasons Ballroom, 150 W. 500 South, Tuesday, Oct. 8, as part of the Jazz at the Hilton series. Turrentine will be joined by bassist Brian Bromberg. The music begins at 8 p.m.
Tickets are available for $15 by contacting Lola Monsen at the Salt Lake Hilton Hotel, 532-3344.
Turrentine began his career at the age of nine and played to the tunes of Errol Garner, Kenny Clarke and Ray Brown - who, incidentally, were neighbors of the Turrentine family.
By the time Turrentine was 12, he was already sneaking into jazz clubs in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa. At 13, the young saxophonist landed his first professional gig in Joe Westry's Band.
Since then, Turrentine has played with the best. He's shared the stage with the Lowell Fulsom Blues Band and Tadd Dameron's Orchestra. He also served three years in Uncle Sam's All-Stars Band of the 158th Army.
Turrentine's recording debut can be found on the album "Midnight Special" with Jimmy Smith.
The '60s were an exciting time for Turrentine. He recorded numerous albums and joined with composer Oliver Nelson, key-board-ist Herbie Hancock, guitarist Kenny Burrell and drummer Grady Tate.
During the '70s Turrentine teamed with trumpeter Freddi Hubbard, vibraphonist Milt Jackson and vocalist George Benson. The man kept going through the '80s and '90s by jamming with Ron Carter and Benson, as well as taking on a few worldwide tours. He received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, in 1994 and has garnered a handful of Grammy nominations.