Alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, & teacher.
Born in Springfield, MO (February 19, 1974). Gary Denbow II is the son of pastor, missionary, and educator Dr. Gary Denbow. Gary Denbow II lived in the Philippines from 1977 to 1981. Upon returning to the U.S., Gary lived in Columbia, MO until he graduated from Rock… Read moreShow less
Alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, & teacher.
Born in Springfield, MO (February 19, 1974). Gary Denbow II is the son of pastor, missionary, and educator Dr. Gary Denbow. Gary Denbow II lived in the Philippines from 1977 to 1981. Upon returning to the U.S., Gary lived in Columbia, MO until he graduated from Rock Bridge Senior High School in 1992. He attended North Central University in Minneapolis, MN and graduated from there in 1999 with a BA in Music Performance. In 2005, he moved to Kansas City, MO to attend the UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance and study with jazz great Bobby Watson. In 2009, he graduated from there with an MM in Music Performance and an MA in Music.
Gary began piano lesson when he was 8 years old. He studied piano with Rita Bunn and jazz pianist Tom Andes. At ten years of age, Gary began saxophone in a summer school band program. In junior high, Gary got interested in jazz when he entered the school's jazz band. He went on to win numerous awards in high school and spot in the National Bandmaster's Association Jazz Ensemble.
During his time in Minneapolis, Gary performed with Kev's Cool Gospel Orchestra, Jason and the G-men, Cornbread Harris, and subbed in the Nova Big Band.
While attending UMKC, Gary performed with Ernie Andrews, Howard Johnson, Bill Paxton, Robin Eubanks, Randy Brecker, and, of course, Bobby Watson.
His influences include Bobby Watson, Michael Brecker, David Sanborn, Jackie McLean, Art Pepper, Joshua Redman, Eric Marienthal, Cannonball Adderley, and Phil Woods.
Currently, Gary lives in Kansas City where he works as a musician and teacher.
