Gregory Agid

Biography

Gregory Agid, a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist, was born in San Antonio, Texas, lived briefly in Dallas, and grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, until age 12. His mother is from Switzerland and his father from Paris; at age seven, while visiting family in Switzerland, he discovered the clarinet at his uncle's house, receiving his first instrument that Christmas. In 2000, at age 12, his family moved to New Orleans, where he immersed himself in jazz at Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp under teachers like Alvin Batiste, Kidd Jordan, and Clyde Kerr. Despite pressures to play saxophone, Agid chose clarinet for its beautiful tone, inspired by Batiste's avant-garde and modern jazz approach.[1][3]

Agid studied classical music at Loyola University and earned a jazz studies degree from the University of New Orleans. He received a grant to study with Eddie Daniels in 2005 and has since built a prolific career, performing with GRAMMY winner Michael Buble, Delfeayo Marsalis’ Uptown Jazz Orchestra (since 2011, including South Africa tours), Ellis Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Herlin Riley, and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra. Leading his Gregory Agid Quartet, he released albums like Mystery Blues, Words Are Not Enough (featuring Harold Battiste's 'Nevermore'), and Jamz. His style blends traditional jazz excellence with modern innovation, establishing him as the preeminent jazz clarinetist of his generation.[1][5]

Beyond performing, Agid is a dedicated educator, teaching at the University of New Orleans, Tulane, and privately. With drummer Darrian Douglas, he co-founded the Second Line Arts Collective, a non-profit offering jazz summer camps for ages 14-21, focusing on music and business skills, continuing Alvin Batiste's mentorship legacy. Based in New Orleans, his strong social media presence positions him as a clarinet community leader.[1]

Fun Facts

• Discovered clarinet at age seven in his Swiss uncle's basement during a family visit, leading to his first instrument as a Christmas gift.
• Chose clarinet over saxophone despite pressures, citing its 'most beautiful sound in the world' and inspired by Alvin Batiste's modern jazz use.
• Performed a tribute to mentor Alvin Batiste at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in 2008.
• His album Words Are Not Enough features 'Nevermore,' written by Harold Battiste, highlighting calmer, relaxed jazz vibes.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alvin Batiste - Primary mentor and protégé relationship; jazz clarinet guru who encouraged modern clarinet playing (Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp teachings; tribute performance at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2008) [2000s]
• Eddie Daniels - Master clarinetist who provided intensive private instruction (Week-long study session in Santa Fe) [2005]
• Kidd Jordan - Teacher at Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp (Early jazz education) [Early 2000s]
• Clyde Kerr - Teacher at Louis Armstrong Jazz Camp (Early jazz education) [Early 2000s]

Key Collaborators

• Michael Buble - Performs clarinet and saxophone with GRAMMY-winning artist (Live performances) [Recent years]
• Delfeayo Marsalis - Regular performer with Uptown Jazz Orchestra (Weekly gigs in New Orleans; South Africa tour) [Since 2011]
• Darrian Douglas - Co-founder of Second Line Arts Collective (Jazz summer camp and non-profit programs) [Past 3 years as of source date]
• Ellis Marsalis - New Orleans jazz scene collaborator (Various performances) [Post-college]
• Branford Marsalis - New Orleans jazz scene collaborator (Various performances) [Post-college]
• Herlin Riley - New Orleans jazz scene collaborator (Various performances) [Post-college]

Artists Influenced

• Aspiring clarinetists - Leader in worldwide clarinet community via social media and teaching (N/A) [Ongoing]
• Second Line Arts Collective students - Mentors young musicians (14-21) as educator and co-founder (Jazz summer camp) [Past 3 years as of source date]

External Links

• Spotify