SUE TERRY

Sue Terry is an alto and soprano saxophonist who began her professional career in Hartford, Connecticut, where she was a graduate of the Hartt School, and a protégé of saxophonist Jackie McLean. She settled in New York in 1982, where her mentors Barry Harris, Clifford Jordan, and Junior Cook dubbed her “Sweet Sue.”

Ms. Terry has worked with Dr. Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Al Jarreau, Walter Bishop, Jr., Chaka Khan, George Duke, Hilton Ruiz, Irene Reid, Juan Carlos Formeil, Dr. John, Teri Thornton, Mike Longo, and Dianne Reeves, among others. She has appeared as a jazz soloist with the National Symphony, The Brooklyn Philharmonic, and The New York Pops conducted by Skitch Henderson.

Her compositions are featured on The Troubadours (Consolidated Artists) as co-leader of the group Terra Mars. Other artists whose recordings have featured her playing and writing include Charli Persip, Clifford Jordan, Joe McMahon, Derwyn Holder, Mini All Stars, Jaki Byard, Ricardo Franck, Fred Ho, and DIVA. She is Musical Director of the dance/music ensemble Beauteez ‘N The Beat.

Widely known as an educator, she has conducted numerous clinics, workshops and lectures throughout the U.S., she is the author of the books Practice Like The Pros, Step One Saxophone and Step One Clarinet and is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators.

More about Ms. Terry’s career can be found at www.sueterry.net, and in the book Madame Jazz by Leslie Gourse; her photograph appears on the book’s cover.

Sue Terry is a Yamaha artist, and uses Consoli Ramplig ligatures.

“Sue Terry on alto saxophone: one should almost say that this young lady is born for her instrument. That relaxed, exalted playing! That rhythmic feeling! That improvisational skill! Simply extraordinary!” — Die Wahrheit Berlin, Germany

“She has a formidable musical intelligence. . .” — Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD

“She plays like Charlie Parker reincarnated! She smokes!” — Jazz Central Station