Growing up in a New Jersey suburb, Tony Dagradi began playing alto saxophone in fifth grade as part of his school music program. At age thirteen, he switched to tenor and began the process of discovering and studying the many facets of jazz. The aspiring young artist often traveled into Manhattan to see and hear music at various hot spots. By the time he was in high school he was transcribing solos, making gigs with several local groups, and writing arrangements for the school band and local theater companies

During these early years two teachers were especially influential; multi-reedman Joe D'addario, and pianist Tony Aless. The former gave Tony a solid foundation on sax, clarinet and flute. The latter opened up the world of harmony and encouraged the development of piano skills.

In 1970, with a scholarship from Downbeat magazine, Tony enrolled at Berklee College of Music where he studied with Andy McGhee, Herb Pomeroy, Charlie Mariano and Gary Burton. After two years he left school to work full time and practice. During this time, Tony co-led an experimental quartet called "Inner Visions" with trombonist Gary Valente. The group performed at various jazz venues in the area and featured bassist Ed Schuller and at different times D Sharpe and Anton Fig on drums.

Becoming frustrated with the music scene in the New England area, Tony chose to take a gig on the road. His travels eventually brought him to New Orleans where he found a vital and diverse music scene.

Since first arriving in New Orleans, Tony has carved out a substantial niche for himself in a city of musicians. Early on he hooked up with the late great Professor Longhair and appeared on the Rock and Roll pioneer's last three recordings. In fact, he has performed with just about every important musical figure in the Crescent City. His soulful tenor saxophone has been heard in concert and on recordings with Ellis Marsalis, Gatemouth Brown, James Black, Johnny Adams, The Meters, Al Hirt, Dr. John and Phillip Manuel to name only a few.

In 1980, Tony began a five year association with avant garde composer, Carla Bley. Working with Bley gave the saxophonist his first international exposure in a top notch working ensemble.

At about the same time, Tony's talents caught the attention of Jonathan Rose, founder of the then fledgling Gramavision Records. Rose invited Tony to join his label, which resulted in three highly diversified, and compelling recordings.

Tony's most essential musical connection is with a collective of high powered jazz artists from the Crescent City known as Astral Project. Founded by Tony, in 1978, Astral Project has established itself as the most exciting and consistently innovative contemporary jazz ensemble in the area. The group which includes John Vidacovich on drums, James Singleton on bass and Steve Masakowski on guitar, recently celebrated the release of its fifth CD, “The Legend Of Cowboy Bill”. The dynamic solos and almost telepathic communication which has developed on the bandstand over the years are clearly evident on the new disc and point to new directions for the future.

In 1999 Astral Project performed a series of festival dates with vocal acrobat and longtime collaborator Bobby McFerrin. The group continues to define the cutting edge of jazz and appears regularly at festivals throughout the nation and around the world.

Today, Tony divides his time between performing in a wide variety of settings, writing and teaching. On the national scene, Tony has appeared with Mose Allison, Nat Adderley, Eddie Harris, Cedar Walton, Stanton Moore, Bobby Previte and a host of others . His distinctive playing style can be heard on recordings with Bley, Longhair, Allison, Marsalis, Astral Project, his own CDs as a leader and a multitude of other independent projects.

Tony has been voted "Best Saxophonist" in New Orleans' Offbeat magazine readers poll. He has also been the recipient of numerous fellowships and artistic awards, including grants from the Louisiana Division of Arts, Loyola University, the National Endowment For The Arts, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, and the Contemporary Art Center of New Orleans.

Tony Dagradi is an Associate Professor at Loyola University where he maintains a large saxophone studio, teaches classes in improvisation, and directs various ensembles. He has written a series of articles for Saxophone Journal and Jazz Player magazine, which include a master class CD and a play-along CD featuring his compositions performed by Astral Project. His book “Essential Scale Studies For Improvisation,” published by Kendor Music, includes basic patterns and intervallic studies useful in developing technical skills necessary for improvisation.