Born in Memphis and raised outside of Philadelphia, saxophonist Ted Belledin earned his Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. In 1997, Ted was accepted into the Arizona State University Graduate Program and moved to Arizona to pursue a career as a philosophy professor. He earned his Master’s degree in Philosophy in 2001 and taught at the college level for three years – all the while continuing to play music as a regular member of the world music group Azz Izz. Since then, he has become one of the busiest freelance musicians in Arizona. He is a regular member of the Shining Star Band, Dennis Rowland’s Jazz Experience, and performs regularly at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences.
In addition to playing saxophone, Ted also doubles on piano and clarinet, composes, arranges, sequences music and has a growing recording studio. He has performed with a wide variety of bands and musicians including Dennis Rowland, Papa John DeFrancesco, Jesse McGuire, Francine and Margo Reed, Sherry Roberson, Diana Lee, Mel Brown, Khani Cole, Bad Sneakers, Rachel Eckroth, Rob Moore, Mario Mendivil, Miles David Lancette, Nick Manson, Barb Catlin, World Famous Rani G, Joe DiPadova, Dom Moio, Mike Kocour, Paul Anderson, Extreme Decibel Big Band, The Sugar Thieves, Dowell Davis, Leon Santiago, Stan Sorenson and many many others.
In 2002, he recorded an album with Joe Morris and Ray Riendeau titled “Arrythmia.” The groove oriented project includes original compositions with influences ranging from jazz and funk to twelve tone composition. He has appeared on several albums including releases by Kinch, Stan Sorenson, The Trophy Husbands, Ray Riendeau, Joe Morris, Azz Izz, Adam Clark, Jodi Light and more.
Ted plays every Thursday at Kazimierz World Wine Bar in Scottsdale with Dennis Rowland and the Jazz Experience. Visit www.TedBelledin.com to see a complete schedule.
