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Lenny Pickett | |
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![]() Pickett in 2008 | |
Background information | |
Born | Las Cruces, New Mexico, U.S. | April 10, 1954
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Years active | 1972–present |
Member of |
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Formerly of | Tower of Power |
Lenny Pickett (born April 10, 1954) is an American saxophonist and musical director of the Saturday Night Live band. [1] From 1973 to 1981, he was a member of the band Tower of Power. Pickett has worked extensively as a session musician for a wide range of performers and genres. [2] [1]
In the 1970s and early 1980s, Pickett led the horn section for Tower of Power, an innovative and funk band from the East San Francisco Bay area. He was also a frequent session band member that backed many musicians in multiple genres, from Elton John to musicians in the soul music, rhythm and blues, and funk music genres. [2] Tower of Power also released its own albums as a group. [3]
Pickett joined the Saturday Night Live Band in 1985 and has served as the band's musical director since G. E. Smith was fired during the cast exodus in 1995. [4] [2]
As a composer, Pickett has written for his group, the Borneo Horns, and has received a number of commissions to write works mixing classical and popular idioms for a variety of musical ensembles, including the New Century Saxophone Quartet, as well as music for theater and collaborations with dancers, poets and film-makers.[ citation needed ]
As leader
Other appearances