Odean Pope (saxophone), Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts (drums), Eddie Henderson (trumpet), David Weiss (trumpet), Lee Smith (bass), George Burton (piano), Terrence Brown (saxophone), Joe Sudler (saxophone), Howard Johnson (baritone saxophone, tuba)

The great and soulful saxophonist from Philadelphia Odeon Pope assembled a beautiful all-star band for his latest project ‘Odeon List ' composed. Odean Pope played a longtime with legendary drummer Max Roach is often described as the ‘tenor terrorist’ and is known as a fiery soloist.

He grew up with the sounds of the Southern Baptist Church. When he was  ten years old he moved to Philadelphia where music became his guide. Philadelphia was a lively jazz city John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Clifford Brown, Benny Golson, McCoy Tyner, Jimmy and Percy Heath, Ray Bryant, Bill Barron, Kenny Barron, Archie Shepp, Jymie Merritt, Jimmy Garrison, Philly Joe Jones and Dizzy Gillespie. John Coltrane chose Odean Pope to replace him in Jimmy Smith his band when he moved to New York.


But Pope sought his own way and took lessons with Ron Rubin, the most important reed player in the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also studied with Kenny Clarke, Ray Bryant, Jymie Merritt and was heavily influenced by pianist Hasan ibn Ali. In 1979 he joined drummer Max Roach.

On the double album ‘Catalyst; The Funkiest Band You Never Heard’ his music, which contains elements of classical music as well as from the church, took further shape. In max Roach’ Quintet he perfected the ‘circular breathing’ technique and the multiphonic technique which permit him to build up impressive solo improvisations for which he is so well known with heavy, hoarse and raw sounds which sound delicate at the same time. Odean Pope worked in trio, quartet and also with his ‘Saxophone Choir’ with nine saxophone players.

The 71-year-old Pope is a multi-instrumentalist, but prefers the tenor saxophone as the sound is closest to the human voice. He remained in Philadelphia where he maintains a strong relationship with the community and started various musical programs.

Joe Lovano once said: “Odean Pope is a tough, tough, tough and beautiful musician.” Also Ornette Coleman gave him high praise. For this All Star Band he is joined by among others the overwhelming drummer Jeff ‘Tain’ Watts (ex Branford Marsalis) and the magnificent trumpet player Eddie Henderson ‘Odeans List’ with beautiful, wide arrangements was one of the most exciting albums released last year.