Zoltan Sagi: Reeds

Zoltan left the Big Chris Barber Band at the end of 2010.

Replacing Tony Carter on reeds, Zoltan Sagi joined the Big Chris Barber Band on July 23, 2008 for a concert in Macclesfield, Cheshire. Two nights later he played with the band on the opening night of the 30th Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, of which there is a short account elsewhere in the Barber website. Zoltan is an accomplished and widely-experienced musician who is equally at home on the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxes. The following information is taken from Zoltan's own website:

Born in Hungary, Zoltan attended the Guildhall School of Music studying clarinet with Robert Earle and later Frank Allen (CBSO) at Warwick University. He is completely self taught on saxophone, drawing much inspiration particularly from Johhny Hodges, Cannonball Adderley and Stan Getz.

He has made numerous CDs and other recordings as a freelance session musician and has also appeared with such musicians as Earl Warren, Benny Waters, Kenny Davern, Bob Wilber, Humphrey Lyttleton, Roy Williams, Bruce Turner, Marty Grosz, Digby Fairweather, Duncan Swift, Bruce Adams, Janusz Carmello, Bill Coleman, Dan Pawson, Greg Abate, Alan Barnes, Paul Degville, Nik Payton, and John Barnes. He has worked extensively both in the UK and abroad and his experience spans New Orleans jazz to jazz fusion. Past bands have included Harlem, Swing Syndicate and The Charleston Chasers.

As a composer Zoltan has written soundtracks for such clients as Cadburys, Samsung UK, Powergen, and Severn Trent. He is currently with the Sticky Wicket Big Band as well as the Big Chris Barber Band.

Music: Although no official Big Chris Barber Band recordings have been released since Zoltan joined the band, a recent concert performance has been made available to the Barber website and archives team. Here is Zoltan's alto sax solo on All Blues.

Back to the Former members of the Band page