Dale Fielder Music

About

Dale Fielder is an American jazz saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his commanding proficiency on soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. Born and raised in Midland, Pennsylvania, he studied ethnomusicology at the University of Pittsburgh before moving to New York City in 1980. He is known for his original compositions and choice of performing rare, obscure jazz classics as well as his varied group concepts and variety of presentations. Career Highlights • Performance and Education: Fielder studied with jazz legends such as Sonny Stitt, Lou Donaldson, Charles McPherson, and Phillip Celli. He began his professional career playing with the Joe Harris Quartet and has since performed with stars like Geri Allen and Robin Eubanks. • The Dale Fielder Quartet (DFQ): After moving to Los Angeles in the late 1980s, he formed the DFQ in 1988. The core unit—including pianist Jane Getz, bassist Bill Markus, and drummer Thomas White—has remained largely intact for over 30 years. • Composition: Fielder is recognized for his ambitious long-form works, including the 11-movement suite Ocean of Love and Mercy (1997) and the hour-long Suite: Clarity (2003). Independent Label and Business Fielder founded Clarion Jazz in 1993, an independent label that has released the majority of his 24+ albums as a leader. Notable releases include the top-ten album Dear Sir: Tribute to Wayne Shorter (1996) and the Saxophone Standards series. In 2018, Fielder released a 35-year-old project, "Scene From A Dream - The Dale Fielder/Geri Allen Session NYC 1983" . Recent Developments • Relocation: In January 2025, Fielder lost his home, possessions, and the entire physical inventory of Clarion Jazz in the Eaton wildfire in Altadena, California. • 2025/2026 Activity: As of early 2026, Fielder is based in Frisco, Texas. He is currently performing and recording with the Texas Avant-Garde ensemble, The Monks of Saturnalia, slated for a European tour in late 2026. Fielder’s latest re