Born in Omaha, Nebraska in 1969, Woody
discovered his love for music at the early age of 8. He manages a
diverse music career centered in Houston, TX. To quote Grammy Award
Winning trumpeter and composer, Randy Brecker, "Woody Witt continues
the tradition of great 'Texas Tenors' with a big fat sound, fresh ideas
and a decidedly modern and original approach to improvisation and
composition. A perfect combination of building on the past and
searching for the future." Woody's style can be recognized instantly -
it is that weaving of the old with the new that catches the listener's
ear. His sound is distinctive and sought after by many jazz artists:
Tim Hagans, Louis Hayes, Adam Nussbaum, James Moody, Conrad Herwig,
David Liebman and others.
Woody's first CD, released in 2002, launched him into the recording
industry with a sense of newfound passion. With the international
release of his second CD, "Square Peg, Round Hole," on Apria Records,
the world jazz community should take notice. Woody teamed up with world
renown jazz artists Randy Brecker (trumpet), David Kikoski (piano),
Johannes Weidenmueller (bass) and Ari Hoenig (drums) to record eight of
his original compositions.
Woody has established himself as a notable musician in the area and has
performed with the Houston Symphony Exxon-Mobil Pops Series backing
artists including Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers and Tony Bennett. His
musical journey has offered him stints with the touring Broadway
production of 42nd Street as well as Tommy Tune. He has premiered new
works that break down barriers between the musical genres of classical
and jazz as a featured soloist on "Up South" for jazz ensemble and
orchestra and "Three Musicians," a work for soprano saxophone, guitar
and bass, both by noted composer, Dr. Robert Nelson. Woody is also the
manager/artistic director of one of the city's only jazz clubs,
Cézanne. In addition to maintaining a full performing schedule, his
career has led him to adjudicate many jazz festivals: University of
Houston, University of Texas, GCIC, McNeese State, Harlingen and others.
While attaining his Doctorate in Musical Arts at the University of
Houston Moores School of Music, he discovered improvisation is the most
free form of musical expression - this is his tool in striving for
purity of sound and clearly presenting musical ideas. Many forms of
music have influenced Woody, ranging from classical to jazz, to popular
music and more. Woody's educational career and vast experience have
fueled his drive to pursue purity in music. With an ear for complex
melody, he has composed some of the most interesting and memorable
melodies reinforced by colorful harmonies. He produces songs that
provide a source of inspiration upon which the improviser can create
their own variations.
Dr. Witt is a full time instructor at Houston Community College and is
an affiliate artist at the University of Houston Moores School of
Music. Woody holds a Masters degree in Jazz Studies from the
prestigious University of North Texas where he taught saxophone and
jazz methods. He was named the Outstanding Graduate Student in 1995. He
received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Moores School of
Music at the University of Houston in 2000. Woody is a Yamaha
Performing Artist.
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