Larry McKenna was one of the world’s finest jazz saxophone players. Known for his gorgeous, velvety sound, the unparalleled beauty of his balladry, and his fluid, bebop-inspired improvisations. For years, Larry’s status as a jazz great was affirmed by his myriad fans and the jazz stars with whom he played and recorded including Woody Herman, Clark Terry, Buddy DeFranco, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney and Frank Sinatra.

Larry was one of the most sought-out saxophone and jazz theory teachers in Philadelphia. He taught countless students at University of the Arts, Temple University School of Music, West Chester University, Widener University, and Community College of Philadelphia. Many of his students have pursued successful careers in music. Larry’s influence, spanning decades, can be said to have established a Larry McKenna school of saxophone playing in the Philadelphia region.

In addition to being a frequent guest on recordings by other top jazz players, Larry released three CDs under his own name to widespread critical acclaim. His final album, “World on a String” (BCM&D, 2023), was born out of a collaboration between McKenna and fellow tenor saxophonist and arranger Jack Saint Clair. Supported by a community of artists, it is the first album to feature Larry McKenna and strings.

The arrangements and the original composition “Samba De Else” featured on World on a String were first performed for a sold-out audience on October 12, 2021 at Philadelphia’s World Café Live. McKenna described this evening as “a career highlight,” and immediately thereafter, the 11 musicians who made that evening happen recorded this album to document it for all time.

Music arranged by Larry McKenna has been performed on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and in the Nicholas Cage movie “Birdy,” in which Larry played and appeared. He has published many jazz-oriented arrangements for school concert bands which can be purchased from Northeastern Music Publications.