Donny McCaslin

Donny McCaslin

(1966–)

Santa Cruz, CA, United States

A tenor saxophonist active in the NYC post-bop scene. Grammy winner as a member of the Maria Schneider Orchestra. His quartet's edgy sound caught David Bowie's ear, leading to his role as bandleader on Bowie's final album Blackstar.

The band on David BowieDavid BowieDavid Bowieデヴィッド・ボウイ's final album Blackstar (2016) were all NYC jazz musicians. Bowie saw Donny McCaslinDonny McCaslinDonny McCaslinドニー・マッキャスリン's quartet at the 55 Bar in Greenwich Village on composer Maria Schneider's recommendation and hired the entire group. Drummer Mark GuilianaMark GuilianaMark Guilianaマーク・ジュリアナ, also known for his duo with Brad Mehldau, played on every track. The album was released on Bowie's 69th birthday; he died two days later. It won five Grammys.

— Track by Track: Mark Guiliana on David Bowie's Blackstar, Modern Drummer, 2016