Mike DiRubbo

NYC-based saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and educator Mike DiRubbo is one of the leading artists of his generation. Ever since he arrived in New York two decades ago, Mike has worked with the brightest jazz stars including Al Foster, Harold Mabern, Larry Willis, Eddie Henderson, Steve Davis, Carl Allen, Christian McBride, Dwayne Burno, Tony Reedus, Peter Washington, John Hicks, and Cecil Payne. As a solo artist and bandleader, Mike has nine critically-acclaimed CDs available, and he has been featured in articles, reviews, and interviews in magazines such as Downbeat, Saxophone Journal, The Sax (Japan), Jazziz, Hothouse, Jazz Times, Jazz Journal, Cadence, Swing Journal, Jazz Folio, JazzWise, All Music Guide, and All About Jazz. Mike has been nominated in the Downbeat Rising Stars Alto Saxophone category every year since 2013.

On his instrument, Mike draws from Benny Carter’s mastery of melody, Johnny Hodges’ ballad style and mellow tones, Charlie Parker’s light-speed fluency, as well as from his years apprenticing with the legendary alto saxophonist and educator Jackie McLean. SJW is thrilled to have Mike join the faculty for the first time!