Onstage company
Documented collaborators
Dick Oatts is a respected figure in modern jazz, known for his expressive alto and soprano saxophone work and his leadership role with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. As the artistic director and a longtime performer, Oatts helped shape a sound that honors the tradition of big-band jazz while pushing it forward. He performs weekly with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at the Village Vanguard in New York City, bringing two sets on Mondays at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Beyond the stage, his career spans three decades of recording, with leader and co-leader credits on labels including DMP, SteepleChase, Planet Arts, Audial, and BCM+D. The most recent studio releases include Melodic Cornerstones (2024, BCM+D) and Forward! (2024, Cellar Live). Fans know him for a warm tone, precise musical thinking, and a collaborative approach that makes every performance feel intimate, even in a big-band setting.