Ricky Ford to give jazz concert with his former students in Istanbul's Nardis Jazz Club

Born in 1954 in Boston, Massachusetts, Ricky Ford began his musical journey with drums and continued with saxophone after being inspired by Rahsaan Roland Kirk at the age of 15.

He was convinced to enroll to New England Conservatory by Ran Blake who admired him after listening to him at a club in Boston. He joined the Duke Ellington Orchestras under the baton of Mercer Ellington in 1974 and replaced George Adams in Charles Mingus's band two years later.

Following his debut album in 1977, he decided to work as a band leader and record music with Jimmy Cobb and James Spaulding, one of the former members of Ellington. His teacher at the New England Conservatory Jaki Byard accompanied him in his latest recordings.

Ford, who is a powerful and authoritarian tenor saxophonist, is known for his unique style in many fields of modern jazz. Ford also taught saxophone, composition, improvisation and ensemble lessons at the Music Department of Istanbul Bilgi University from 2001 to 2006.

He is currently living in Paris, France and continues his musical works. During the concert at Nardis Jazz Club, he will share the stage with his former students.

When: May 20

Where: Nardis Jazz Club