Bobby Zankel

By the time alto saxophonist Bobby Zankel moved to Philadelphia in 1975 he had already been part of free-jazz innovator Cecil Taylor’s “Unit Core Ensemble,” and had earned accolades from Jazz Times and Downbeat magazines. The Philadelphia jazz scene was a good fit for Zankel,and many successful artistic collaborations decorated his illustrious career. In 1995 he was awarded the prestigious PEW FELLOWSHIP. In 2001 he organized Warriors of the Wonderful Sound Inc. an organization dedicated to promoting new jazz and the big band with the same name. The Warrior big band has developed a worldwide reputation for collaborations with Muhal Richard Abrams, Steve Coleman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, among other notables. Over the past 3 decades, Bobby has also spent time working with musicians in the Pennsylvania prison system.

Photo Credit: Screenshot courtesy of WRTI.