Below are some recollections from the son of saxophone great Marvin Kamm who contacted us ansd asked that his father's information be included on our site. John Kamm is himself and accomplished musician and is a part time songwriter and electric bass player. He said, "Marv would be very pleased to see his love of the saxophone, clarinet and teaching for the world to see." So, we thought we would oblige. Thanks John!

Born in Buffalo 1911 and started playing sax and clarinet around age 9. By 15, he was using a fake ID card and playing lead alto in at Shea's Theatre pit band---which backed up the big national acts at the time. Took a train from Buffalo to New York City every week (12 hour ride) to learn from the best teachers in the world.

Played in the NYC massive sax ensemble band "Allen's Symphonic Saxophone Band"--about 60 saxes and woodwinds. He worked his way up to lead alto—just a kid.

Recorded with the Davis Saxophone Octet.

DAVIS SAXOPHONE OCTET

Includes soprano sax/alto sax/tenor sax/bari sax/bass/sax with piano/banjo/drums (personnel may include Clyde Doerr)
Recorded: New York, Feb-March, 1926
1855-C Jig Walk - Cameo 906, Lincoln 2490
1856-C Whose Who are You
Recorded: New York, April, 1926
1917-C Somebody's Lonely, Cameo 923, Lincoln 2496
1918-C I'd Climb the Highest, Lincoln 2498
Mountain If I Knew I'd Find You, Recorded: New York, May, 1926
1926-A Hello Aloha How are you?, Cameo 936, Lincoln 2553
As Long as I have You, Recorded: New York, June, 1926
2008-B My Dream of the Big Parade, Cameo 965, Lincoln 2553
I Love Only You Dear, Lincoln 2549

Graduated from Eastman and shared some classes with Mitch Miller. Was offered a professorship at Eastman School of Music but turned it down to care for ailing parents.

Monday through Saturday, his students would come to his studio at his home. He would warm up by playing "Flight of the Bumblebee." One of the duets he often had his students play was "Nola."

One of Marvins students include Brian Bauer (Dr. Jazz) who toured with Leon Redbone. Another famous Los Angeles sax session player (originally from Buffalo) once said, "my only regret was that I did not study with Marvin Kamm."

Marvin Kamm wrote great technical books that have been emulated but never equalled.

Scales and Chords for the Modern Saxophonist (or any instrument); A great grounding for improve production of the saxophone tone
Marvin went so far as to have x-rays taken and medical drawings demonstrating proper embouchure.

Marvin died in 1971. His wife Jeanne Died in 1983.

Marvin is survived by two sons, both living in Buffalo area: Peter and John.