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John Stubblefield

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John Stubblefield was one of the most versatile musicians in jazz, an invaluable artist who expanded on the music's potential from within the tradition. Stubblefield's tenor and soprano saxophones told the story of four decades of diverse musical experience, from local R&B acts like Jackie Wilson and Solomon Burke (64) through Chicago's progressive Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (67- 70) to freelancing in New York with the renowned Tito Puente (72-74) and Kenny Barron (86) and everyone in between. After moving to New York in 1971, he played with the Collective Black Artists big band and Mary Lou Williams. He was also in groups led by Charles Mingus, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and Tito Puente. In 1972 he played a free jazz concert at Town Hall with Anthony Braxton and was featured with him on an album of the same name. In 1973 John recorded with Abdullah Ibrahim and worked with Miles Davis - and later recorded with him in 75. Stubblefield's adaptability and ease in any setting brought him calls from the World Saxophone Quartet (86-88), Reggie Workman (89-93), McCoy Tyner (84 Clark), Freddie Hubbard (85), and George Russell (85). As a leader of his own quartet since the early 1980s, Stubblefield recorded for Enja and Soul Note. Concert reviews attest that Stubblefield was a powerful and irresistible soloist who has stood out with such ensembles as the McCoy Tyner Big Band and the Mingus Dynasty Big Band.

John Stubblefield + Nat Adderley

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers
October 29, 2018

Chances are you are unfamiliar with John Stubblefield. The obscure saxophonist was versatile and could play soul-jazz, funk-jazz and avant-garde jazz in the 1970s and beyond. Which probably is why he recorded with so many different types of artists and groups over the course of his career. Stubblefield brought enormous heat and polish to his solos, often sounding different with each artist. He recorded with Anthony Braxton in May 1972, toured with Charles Mingus in early 1973 and recorded with ...
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TV / Film

New from Jazz Video Guy: John Stubblefield, Larry Willis, Bob Cranshaw, Freedom Suite

Source: All About Jazz
July 17, 2008

Jazz Videos: John Stubblefield Tribute, Uncle Sonny Rollins, Larry Willis and Bob Cranshaw

Check out the brand new featurettes from Bret Primack, a.k.a. Jazz Video Guy.

Stubbs Clifton Anderson's upcoming Doxy Records release includes “Stubbs," which he dedicates to his dearly departed friend John Stubblefield.

Uncle Sonny The latest edition of the Sonny Rollins Podcast features a comprehensive interview with Sonny's nephew, the trombonist Clifton Anderson. Meet Larry Willis A portrait of the one ...
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Event

John Stubblefield Memorial Service September 25th 7:30pm Saint Peter's Church

Source: All About Jazz
September 22, 2005

September 23, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Memorial Service for John Stubblefield 25th September 2005 7:30 pm Saint Peter's Church East 54th Street at Lexington Avenue New York City -Program- Andrea Brachfeld solo, flute “Amazing Grace" (spiritual) Pastor Lind Greeting Sathima Bea Benjamin solo, vocal “Come Sunday" (D. Ellington) Hubert Eaves III solo, piano “My Friend" (H. Eaves & J. 'D Train' Williams) Sonelius Smith Remembrances Amina Claudine Myers solo, piano “Dino" (J. Stubblefield) Anita Brown brass ensemble ...
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Event

John Stubblefield Memorial Service

Source: All About Jazz
August 24, 2005

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Obituary

John Stubblefield Viewing & Funeral Arrangements

Source: All About Jazz
July 8, 2005

Following is an announcement for John's funeral in Little Rock. An address where a card can be sent is at the end. I trust this radio community will send their condolences: John Stubblefield, of New York City, aged 60, went to share his God given musical talent with the heavenly father on July 4th 2005. He was born to the late Mable and Johnnie Stubblefield. He was preceded in death by a brother William L. Stubblefield. John Stubblefield’s career as ...
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Obituary

John Stubblefield Feb. 4, 1945-July 4, 2005

Source: All About Jazz
July 5, 2005

5 July 2005

At five minutes before seven on the evening of the forth July 2005, after enduring great suffering with remarkable strength and courage, our beloved John Stubblefield left us on a soft note held gently at the end of a bitter sweet ballad.

Surrounded with love by wife Katherine Gogel, sister Joyce Pattillo, cousins Harry Stubblefield and Stephanie Barber, and by friends Rolando Briceño and Yvonne, John quietly passed away into paradise, where he will compose brilliant works ...
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Event

John Stubblefield Fundraiser June 2 at Sweet Rhythm in NYC

Source: All About Jazz
May 19, 2004

Affectionately known as “The Governor," tenor saxophonist and composer JOHN STUBBLEFILD was born in Little Rock on February 4, 1945, Stub joined the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) after moving to Chicago from Little Rock. He is an in-demand teacher, having lectured, led seminars, and organized workshops at many universities, colleges, and festivals, and worked with “the Jazzmobile."

After moving to New York in 1971, he played with the Collective Black Artists big band and Mary Lou ...
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