Educator and Composer
His compositions, such as "Groovin' Hard" and "Time Check" (both favorites of Doc Severinsen's NBC Orchestra and Buddy Rich's Big Band) have become standard repertoire in jazz studies programs at colleges and universities worldwide. In addition to numerous recordings as a sideman, Menza has recorded as a leader for Saba (1965) in Germany, Discwasher (1979), Realtime, Palo Alto (the latter two in 1981), and Verve (GRP).
Don Menza is the father of drummer Nick Menza, best known for his work in thrash metal band Megadeth.
Don is an accomplished hand engraver and has engraved many of his own saxophones.
Read more about this topic: Don Menza
Famous quotes containing the word composer:
“A composer is a guy who goes around forcing his will on unsuspecting air molecules, often with the assistance of unsuspecting musicians.”
—Frank Zappa (1940–1994)