Combining an extensive knowledge of the jazz tradition and a highly individualistic approach to performance, Mike DiRubbo has taken his place in the elite of New York City’s straight-ahead jazz musicians. His alto saxophone style reflects the influence of two of the giants of the instrument, Charlie Parker and Jackie McLean (DiRubbo’s former teacher and mentor), along with an attraction to the sound of tenor saxophonists like Dexter Gordon and John Coltrane. A native of New Haven, Connecticut, DiRubbo was born on July 25th 1970. He began clarinet studies at age nine, and took up the alto a few years later. While attending Notre Dame High School, his interest in jazz was spurred by an opportunity to play with the Mitchell-Ruff duo during a concert at Woolsey Hall in New Haven. After receiving a scholarship to the prestigious Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz of the Hartt School, University of Hartford, DiRubbo studied under McLean, combining his penchant for learning by ear with formal training in African-American music. Throughout the Hartt years he frequently led groups in local clubs, appeared in the company of visiting New York musicians like trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and played bread and butter jobs in Latin bands. A short time after graduation, DiRubbo began a fruitful, long-term association with another Hartt alumnus, Steve Davis. In addition to regular gigs in the trombonist’s bands, he played on Davis’ first disc, The Jaunt (Criss Cross), and they formed an impressive

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