Don Menza


Don Menza is an American jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer.

Music career

After serving in the U.S. Army, he was part of the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra from 1960 to 1962 and then briefly worked for Stan Kenton. From 1964 to 1968 he lived in Germany. Back in the U.S., he became a member of the Buddy Rich band in 1968 and recorded a well-known solo with that band on "Channel One Suite". In the 1970s he was a member of The Tonight Show Band. He later lived in California and played with Elvin Jones and Louie Bellson.
In 2005 Menza was inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.

Personal life

His son Nick Menza was the drummer for the heavy metal band Megadeth.

Discography

As leader

With Louie Bellson
With Les DeMerle
With Neil Diamond
With Maynard Ferguson
With others