Mike DiRubbo
Combining deep knowledge of the jazz tradition with a highly individualistic approach to performance, alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo has secured his place among New York City’s elite straight-ahead jazz musicians. His style reflects the profound influence of giants like Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean—his former teacher and mentor—as well as tenor legends Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
Born in New Haven, CT, on July 25, 1970, DiRubbo began clarinet studies at age nine before switching to alto saxophone a few years later. His interest in jazz was sparked while attending Notre Dame High School after playing with the Mitchell-Ruff duo during a concert at Woolsey Hall. Awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, DiRubbo studied under McLean, blending his natural ear with formal training in African-American music.
Shortly after graduation, DiRubbo began a long-term collaboration with fellow Hartt alumnus trombonist Steve Davis, appearing on seven of Davis’ records and playing regularly in his bands. DiRubbo honed his craft in New York at Augie’s, a hotspot for rising jazz talent, where he played alongside stars such as Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, and Peter Bernstein, and veterans like Harold Mabern and Cecil Payne. He later joined pianist Michael Weiss’ acclaimed sextet. Now a Bronx resident, DiRubbo is a frontline member of Steve Davis’ Quintet, David Hazeltine’s Quartet, and “Killer” Ray Appleton’s Sextet.
DiRubbo has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Israel, and his group frequently appears at New York clubs and jazz festivals. Committed to education, he has taught privately for 17 years and has been a resident artist at the Litchfield Jazz Camp since its inception in 1997. He has also been a guest instructor at SUNY Purchase, William Paterson University, the Jackie McLean Institute, and is a saxophone tutor at The New School in New York City.
Over his career, DiRubbo has emerged as a notable soloist, composer, and bandleader, evidenced by his first four leader recordings on Criss Cross, Sharp Nine, and Cellar Live. His fifth album, Repercussion (Posi-Tone, 2009), featuring Steve Nelson, Dwayne Burno, and Tony Reedus, earned critical acclaim. His latest release, Chronos (Posi-Tone, 2011), with Brian Charette on organ and Rudy Royston on drums, finds DiRubbo exploring new sonic territory through innovative instrumentation while remaining true to his artistic core.
Combining deep knowledge of the jazz tradition with a highly individualistic approach to performance, alto saxophonist Mike DiRubbo has secured his place among New York City’s elite straight-ahead jazz musicians. His style reflects the profound influence of giants like Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean—his former teacher and mentor—as well as tenor legends Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane.
Born in New Haven, CT, on July 25, 1970, DiRubbo began clarinet studies at age nine before switching to alto saxophone a few years later. His interest in jazz was sparked while attending Notre Dame High School after playing with the Mitchell-Ruff duo during a concert at Woolsey Hall. Awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, DiRubbo studied under McLean, blending his natural ear with formal training in African-American music.
Shortly after graduation, DiRubbo began a long-term collaboration with fellow Hartt alumnus trombonist Steve Davis, appearing on seven of Davis’ records and playing regularly in his bands. DiRubbo honed his craft in New York at Augie’s, a hotspot for rising jazz talent, where he played alongside stars such as Eric Alexander, Jim Rotondi, and Peter Bernstein, and veterans like Harold Mabern and Cecil Payne. He later joined pianist Michael Weiss’ acclaimed sextet. Now a Bronx resident, DiRubbo is a frontline member of Steve Davis’ Quintet, David Hazeltine’s Quartet, and “Killer” Ray Appleton’s Sextet.
DiRubbo has performed extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Israel, and his group frequently appears at New York clubs and jazz festivals. Committed to education, he has taught privately for 17 years and has been a resident artist at the Litchfield Jazz Camp since its inception in 1997. He has also been a guest instructor at SUNY Purchase, William Paterson University, the Jackie McLean Institute, and is a saxophone tutor at The New School in New York City.
Over his career, DiRubbo has emerged as a notable soloist, composer, and bandleader, evidenced by his first four leader recordings on Criss Cross, Sharp Nine, and Cellar Live. His fifth album, Repercussion (Posi-Tone, 2009), featuring Steve Nelson, Dwayne Burno, and Tony Reedus, earned critical acclaim. His latest release, Chronos (Posi-Tone, 2011), with Brian Charette on organ and Rudy Royston on drums, finds DiRubbo exploring new sonic territory through innovative instrumentation while remaining true to his artistic core.