Back in the day when big bands reigned, the saxophone battle was like a sporting event. Some of the greatest in Jazz history, Johnny Griffin, Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt battled on the world stage for the championship.

Right here in Northern New Mexico we have two masters among us and they will be going into the ring together to prove it. Lead tenor man with The Count Basie Orchestra for over 25 years, Doug Lawrence has thrilled audiences worldwide with his commanding sound and elegant lyricism, while Alex Murzyn has been in the ring with Freddie Hubbard, Dizzy Gillespie and Stanley Clarke.