Musical artist From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Lenny Pickett (born April 10, 1954)[1] is an American saxophonist and musical director of the Saturday Night Live band.[2] From 1973 to 1981 he was a member of the band Tower of Power. Pickett has worked extensively as a session musician for a wide range of performers and genres.[3]
Lenny Pickett | |
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 Pickett in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | April 10, 1954 Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1972–present |
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| Formerly of | Tower of Power |
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Pickett led the horn section for Tower of Power, an innovative and funk band from the East San Francisco Bay area. He was also a frequent session band member that backed many musicians in multiple genres, from Elton John to musicians in the soul music, rhythm and blues, and funk music genres.[4] Tower of Power also released its own albums as a group.[1]
Pickett joined the Saturday Night Live Band in 1985[5] and has served as the band's musical director since G. E. Smith was fired during the cast exodus in 1995.
As a composer, Pickett has written for his group, the Borneo Horns, and has received a number of commissions to write works mixing classical and popular idioms for a variety of musical ensembles, including the New Century Saxophone Quartet, as well as music for theater and collaborations with dancers, poets and film-makers.
As leader
Other appearances
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