Mike DiRubbo

Combining an extensive knowledge of the jazz tradition and a highly
individualistic approach to performance, Mike DiRubbo has taken his
place in the elite of New York City’s straight-ahead jazz musicians.  His
alto saxophone style reflects the influence of two of the giants of the
instrument, Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean (DiRubbo’s former
teacher and mentor), along with an attraction to the sound of tenor
saxophonists like Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
     
A native of New Haven, Connecticut, DiRubbo was born on July 25th
1970.  He began clarinet studies at age nine, and took up the alto a
few years later.  While attending Notre Dame High School, his interest
in jazz was spurred by an opportunity to play with the Mitchell-Ruff
duo during a concert at Woolsey Hall in New Haven.
    
After receiving a scholarship to the prestigious Jackie McLean
Institute of Jazz of the Hartt School, University of Hartford, DiRubbo
studied under McLean, combining his penchant for learning by ear
with formal training in African-American music.  Throughout the Hartt
years he frequently led groups in local clubs, appeared in the company
of visiting New York musicians like trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and
played bread and butter jobs in Latin bands.  A short time after
graduation, DiRubbo began a fruitful, long-term association with
another Hartt alumnus, Steve Davis.  In addition to regular gigs in
the trombonist’s bands, he played on Davis’ first disc, The Jaunt
(Criss Cross), and they formed an impressive alto/trombone front line
on DiRubbo’s inaugural date as a leader, From The Inside Out,
released in 1999 for the Sharp Nine imprint.
     
A call from drummer Joe Farnsworth led to frequent work at
Augie’s, a New York watering hole that served as an incubator of
promising young talent.  In this hothouse atmosphere DiRubbo learned
to hold his own in the company of emerging stars, such as tenor
saxophonist Eric Alexander, trumpeter Jim Rotondi, and guitarist
Peter Bernstein plus veterans like pianist Harold Mabern and
baritone saxophonist Cecil Payne.  A few years later he moved to
Brooklyn, New York, and became a member of pianist Michael Weiss’
highly regarded sextet. Now a resident of the Bronx, he can be found
in the front lines of Steve Davis’ Quintet, David Hazeltine’s Quartet,
Jim Rotondi’s Quintet, “Killer” Ray Appleton’s Sextet, and with the
group, “One For All”.  DiRubbo has performed throughout the United
States, Europe, and in Israel and his quartet regularly appears in
various New York City clubs and jazz festivals.  In addition, DiRubbo
has recorded as a sideman on 8 compact discs for the Criss Cross,
Fresh Sounds, Knitting Factory, and Double Time labels.
     

Continuing the circle of knowledge, DiRubbo has been teaching
privately for the past 17 years and has been a resident artist at the
Litchfield Jazz Camp since it’s inauguration in 1997.  Most recently he
has taught at William Patterson University’s jazz program, at SUNY
Purchase, and is a saxophone instructor at the New School in NYC.
     
From this varied activity, DiRubbo has evolved into a significant
soloist, composer, and bandleader.  Evidence of this progress is
abundant on his two recordings for Criss Cross as a leader, Keep
Steppin’, and Human Spirit.  DiRubbo’s latest CD, New York.
Accent, on the Cellar Live label, has received much critical acclaim
and was in the top 50 of the Jazz Week chart for 10 weeks.   

RussMusto of All About Jazz NY writes, “On this live date, leading a quartet
- with an incendiary rhythm section of veteran pianist Harold Mabern
and the indomitable bass and drum team of Dwayne Burno and Tony
Reedus - through a swinging set at The Kitano, the altoist proves that
he has few peers on his instrument in this idiom.”

For more information go to: www.mikedirubbo.om