Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Dieter Antritter was born in Pforzheim, Germany on October 6, 1929. After the end of World War II he started first to learn guitar, then later he switched to soprano saxophone. A move to Stuttgart, Germany gave him the opportunity to connect with the local jazz-scene.

On holiday in Paris, France in 1949, he unsuccessfully attempted to meet Sidney Bechet. However, Dieter eventually met Charles Delaunay, who opened him to the possibility of jamming with contemporary jazz greats living in Paris that time. Improving his playing, he built up a network with a few well-known jazz musicians.

Returning to Stuttgart in 1952 he founded the Latin Jazz Band. He used his concerts as a platform for guest musicians from his Paris connection to perform. From this band the Quartier Latin Jazz Band emerged, which existed until at least 2009. During those years this band accompanied numerous guest soloists such as Michel Attenoux, Peanuts Holland, Mezz Mezzrow, Benny Waters and Nelson “Cadillac” Williams.

In 1960, this led to several recordings for Deutscher Schallplattenclub, all recorded in Stuttgart venues. Antritter was one of the world’s longest-serving bandleaders, who led his band for 63 years, from 1952 until his death in 2015.

Bandleader, soprano and alto saxophonist Dieter Antritter died on August 5, 2015 in Königsbach-Stein, Germany.

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