Artist Spotlight: Dominic Lalli, Denver Jazz Fest

Colorado saxophonist Dominic Lalli stopped by for Paul Donovan’s Artist Spotlight series to talk about his upcoming show during Denver Jazz Fest. Dominic is beloved for his sonic adventures, and in this special performance, he digs deep into the jazz foundations of his acclaimed career. While millions know Lalli as the saxophone powerhouse behind the chart-topping electronic music duo Big Gigantic, this concert offers a rare chance to witness the virtuosic, improvisational artistry Lalli honed during his time in New York studying with Bob Mintzer, Dave Liebman, Kenny Barron, and other jazz masters.

This concert showcases Lalli’s breathtaking technique and deep fluency in jazz traditions. However, he doesn’t leave his electronic identity behind. The music will feature works from his sophisticated jazz project, Dominic Lalli’s Bluebird Quintet. This project yielded his 2020 acoustic album, A Blind Man’s Blue, which featured an incredible lineup of musicians, including the great, late cornetist Ron Miles, along with trumpet player Greg Gisbert, pianist Eric Gunnison, bassist Bijoux Barbosa, and drummer Rudy Royston. This pedigree is a testament to Lalli’s stature in the jazz world.