Introduction
Shafi Hadi (born Curtis Porter, 21 September 1929) is an American jazz tenor and alto saxophonist known for his recordings with Charles Mingus and with Hank Mobley.
Biography
Hadi was born Curtis Porter in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At age 6, he received piano lessons from his grandmother.Later, he studied musical composition at Howard University and University of Detroit.Hadi performed with rhythm and blues artists such as Paul Williams, Ruth Brown, and the Griffin Brothers.
Hadi recorded with bassist Charles Mingus between 1956 and 1958. He also recorded with tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley. Hadi improvised the soundtrack music for John Cassavetes's film Shadows, then returned to Mingus's group in 1959.He also collaborated with Mary Lou Williams on her 1977 composition "Shafi", although the extent of Hadi's contribution is unclear.
During the 1950s, Hadi was also active in painting.
Playing style
Brian Priestley describes Hadi's performance style as a "distinctive mixture of bop and blues, combined with a very individual tone."Martin Williams, writing in 1958, described Hadi's playing as being "both contemporary and a reflection of an apprenticeship in rhythm and blues bands."
Discography
As leader
- Debut Rarities, Vol. 3 (1957, Original Jazz Classics) – Shafi Hadi Sextet
As sideman
With Langston Hughes
- Weary Blues (MGM, 1958)
With Charles Mingus
- The Clown (1957 ; Atlantic Records)
- Tijuana Moods (1957; (issued 1962) RCA Records)
- East Coasting (1957; Bethlehem Records)
- A Modern Jazz Symposium of Music and Poetry (1957; Bethlehem)
- Mingus Ah Um (1959; Columbia Records)
- Tonight at Noon (1961; Atlantic)
With Hank Mobley:
- Hank Mobley (1957; Blue Note Records)