Gregory Tardy


Gregory Tardy is an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist, who has released albums for the record labels WJ3 Records SteepleChase Records, J Curve Records, and Impulse! Records. He has played with Elvin Jones, Avishai Cohen, Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Aaron Goldberg, Brad Mehldau, and Joshua Redman, among many others.

Early life and education

Born in New Orleans on February 3, 1966, Gregory John Tardy's parents were both opera singers. His mother, Jo Anne Tardy, also recorded as a jazz singer. He trained at Carroll College and the University of Wisconsin as a classical clarinetist. In order to fund his college education he played tenor saxophone in a funk and fusion band. He pursued further studies in jazz harmony at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, and later studied at the University of New Orleans.

Selected discography

With Tom Harrell
  • The Art Of Rhythm
With Andrew Hill
With Dave Douglas
  • Soul on Soul
  • El Trilogy
With Brian Lynch/Eddie Palmieri Project
  • Simpatico
With Chris Potter
  • Song for Anyone
With Marcus Printup
With Bill Frisell
  • History, Mystery
  • Four
With Craig Brann
  • Advent SteepleChase, 2012