Perth saxophonist Troy Roberts is one of 12 saxophonists from around the world to make the semi-finals of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.
The Competition, to be held in Los Angeles 24-27 October, focuses on a different instrument each year with 2008 being the saxophone. Previous sax winners have been Joshua Redman, Seamus Blake from Canada and Chris Potter, who gained a gallant third place.
The formidable judging panel will be made up of:
Jane Ira Bloom
Wayne Shorter
Jimmy Heath
Greg Osby
David Sanchez
Still in his mid-20s, Troy has accomplished much in his burgeoning career. Firstly, he was offered an exceptional entry to the West Australian Conservatorium of Music – WAAPA @ Edith Cowan University at the age of 15, graduating in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music and then completing his Masters of Music at the University of Miami in 2007.
Troy has never taken the easy path, preferring to stay in the genre he loves with all its styles and intricacies. This will hold him in good stead in the competition if he makes the final three where he will be required to play in a variety of styles, including working with vocalist, Dee Dee Bridgewater and acclaimed, pianist, arranger and producer, George Duke.
However, Troy has already gained vast experience from working with artists such as James Morrison, Libby Hammer, VOID, June Smith, Tom O’Halloran, Roger Garrood and Jamie Oehlers, along with his American heroes, students, colleagues and lecturers while studying in Miami. He even toured with US pop singer Lauren Hill.
Concord Records is a major sponsor of the Competition and will be offering the winner a recording contract. It has also asked for an option on the second- and third-place winner. It is an incredible opportunity for a young jazz artist to record with such a prestigious jazz label.
Coincidentally, Troy is in the process of finishing off his own CD, ZenDen Suite – eight compositions based around his longstanding friendship with the late, Alan Corbet who was pivotal to Troy’s career and a major influence and inspiration in his life.
The initial judging for the Thelonious Monk competition was done in August, 2008 in Manhattan. The selection panel was Vincent Herring, Marcus Strickland and Ron Blake. The trio was required to listen to the audition recordings of the applicants without knowing any details about them, including country of origin.
For the semi-finals Troy will be required to select three tunes, to be played within 15 minutes, and to show the judging panel his experience and the scope and breadth of his artistic capabilities.
Background to the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition
Over the past 21 years the Thelonious Monk Institute has reached millions of people by developing and administering a variety of jazz education outreach projects.
This is done through its renowned annual international jazz competition, the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, the Jazz in the Classroom programs, the National Jazz Curriculum, as well as other educational programs.
It provides scholarships, performance opportunities and worldwide recognition to gifted young musicians. Its goal being “to help students develop imaginative thinking, creativity, curiosity, a positive self image and a respect for their own and other cultures”.
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