Viola Fair Website   

 

A Birth of Jazz

A VF History of Music & Recording

Modern Jazz 4

Bass - Guitar - Harp - Violin

Group & Last Name Index to Full History:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

 

Tracks are listed in chronological order by year, then alphabetically.

Listings do not reflect proper order by month or day: later oft precedes earlier.

Find on Page = F3. Not on this page? See history tree below.

     

Alphabetical

Laurindo Almeida    Art Ensemble Chicago    Dorothy Ashby    Svend Asmussen

 
George Barnes    Billy Bauer    Max Bennett    George Benson    Luiz Bonfá    Ray Brown    Vinnie Burke    Kenny Burrell    Charlie Byrd
 
Franco Cerri    Paul Chambers    Joe Cinderella    Curtis Counce    Bob Cranshaw    Bill Crow
 
Richard Davis    Bill DeArango    George Duvivier
 
Herb Ellis
 
Tal Farlow    Addison Farmer    Malachi Favors
 
Barry Galbraith    Hank Garland   Jimmy Garrison    Eddie Gómez    Stephane Grappelli    Grant Green    Henry Grimes    Lloyd Tiny Grimes
 
Charlie Haden    Jim Hall    Percy Heath    Milt Hinton
 
Sam Jones
 
Barney Kessel
 
Scott LaFaro    Liberation Music Orchestra    Lighthouse All Stars    Mundell Lowe
 
Wendell Marshall    Grady Martin    Lou Mecca    Charles Mingus    Red Mitchell    Monk Montgomery    Wes Montgomery    Oscar Moore    Tony Mottola
Calvin Newborn    Ulrik Neumann
 
Joe Pass    Gary Peacock    Les Paul    Oscar Pettiford
 
Jimmy Raney    Ernest Ranglin    Django Reinhardt    Alvino Rey    Howard Roberts    Howard Rumsey    Curly Russell
 
Sal Salvador    Johnny Smith    Slam Stewart    Gabor Szabo
 
Masayuki Takayanagi    Toots Thielemans
 
George Van Eps    Leroy Vinnegar
 
Wilbur Ware    Doug Watkins    Chuck Wayne
 
Attila Zoller

 

Chronological

Featured on this page loosely in order of first recording if not record release (as possible).

Names are alphabetical, not chronological, per year:

 

1927

George Van Eps

   
1928

Django Reinhardt

   
1929 Stephane Grappelli
   
1930 George Van Eps
   
1931 Milt Hinton
   
1934 Svend Asmussen
   
1936 Ulrik Neumann    Les Paul
   
1937 Alvino Rey    Wilbur Ware
   
1938 Laurindo Almeida    George Barnes    Oscar Moore    Howard Rumsey    Slam Stewart
   
1939 Tony Mottola    Oscar Pettiford
   
1940 Oscar Moore
   
1941 Billy Bauer    George Duvivier    Barry Galbraith
   
1943 Herb Ellis    Lloyd Tiny Grimes    Curly Russell
   
1944 Barney Kessel   Jimmy Raney
   
1945 Franco Cerri    Curtis Counce    Bill DeArango    Addison Farmer    Charles Mingus    Chuck Wayne
   
1946 Luiz Bonfá    Ray Brown    Mundell Lowe    Toots Thielemans
   
1947 Wendell Marshall    Joe Pass
   
1948 Percy Heath   Wes Montgomery   Johnny Smith
   
1949 Tal Farlow   Hank Garland   Red Mitchell    Calvin Newborn
   
1950 Grady Martin
   
1951 Max Bennett    Kenny Burrell    Sam Jones    Sal Salvador
   
1952 Lighthouse All Stars     Howard Roberts
   
1953 Vinnie Burke    Bill Crow    Malachi Favors    Monk Montgomery
   
1954 George Benson    Joe Cinderella    Richard Davis    Lou Mecca    Masayuki Takayanagi    Leroy Vinnegar
   
1955 Paul Chambers    Jim Hall    Doug Watkins
1956 Scott LaFaro    Gabor Szabo
   
1957 Dorothy Ashby    Charlie Byrd    Henry Grimes    Gary Peacock
   
1958 Bob Cranshaw    Jimmy Garrison    Charlie Haden    Ernest Ranglin
   
1959 Eddie Gómez    Grant Green
   
1969 Art Ensemble Chicago    Liberation Music Orchestra

 

  Caveats in the employment of this page: 1. It descends in chronological order by the year the artist or band is first found on a commercial record issue (ideally) by year only, alphabetical thereat. One musician above another doesn't necessarily translate to earlier issue unless the year changed. 2. Though release dates are the aim with links to YouTube, some are recording dates and may not be everywhere clearly distinguished. 3. Reissues are used to represent originals without much discussion.
 
  One might think of the history of jazz a little like the ka-boom of string-theory cosmology (or one such version): in the beginning was the big bounce of small bands (Ka . . . call Buddy Bolden the elusive string), next the inflation of full swing orchestras (Boom . . . Hi!-de-ho!), then the jazz universe as we know it, of solo stars in small clusters of all variety. This page concerns the birth of modern jazz via various string instruments, intended to index bands and musicians releasing their first recordings before 1960. Swing musicians not noted for playing in big bands are also on this page. Latin guitarists will be found in Early Modern Latin Jazz. Sessions data this page per Lord's Disco. A good sources for lyrics for this period in jazz is Lyrics Playground. Ditto songwriting credits at Cafe Songbook, Jazz Standards, Songfacts and Second Hand Songs.

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Django Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt

Source: Relative Esoterica

Guitarist Django Reinhardt was a swing (era) musician born in Belgium in 1910. Burn injuries via candle early in his career had left Reinhardt with two paralyzed fingers such that he could strum chords with four fingers but could play melody with only two. Though a swing musician spanning that era, Reinhardt's was a move apart from his contemporaries in the States, his swing having a strong gypsy and Romani flavor. Nor was he a big band musician. Though he toured with Duke Ellington in 1946 he felt a little out of place. Nor was song so much the thing with Reinhardt as was instrumental virtuosity. So we place him in a seminal location here at the roots of modern jazz much characterized by global influence from without the United States and the breakaway from big bands toward smaller ensembles more affording emphasis on the skills of individuals. Thanks to such as Reinhardt & Grappelli jazz would become an increasingly higher bar for young musicians to hurdle. Just when Reinhardt first appeared on disc at a record shop is a good trick to determine, which we've not. JazzTechs notes his first recording about 1926 with a singer possibly named Chabel, that unlikely to have been issued. And that's that. Tom Lord's sessionography differs from Paul Vernon's. Both are employed by other sources, so to both I refer. Lord begins with a date of 15 March 1928 for Django at banjo with Jean Vaissade (Vissade) at accordion which Vernon gives a date of 20 June for the same matrices which are BT4115-1 for 'Ma Reguliere' and BT4116-1 per 'Griserie'. Lord points to later issues by Pathe, 'Griserie' not issued until 1971 on the compilation, 'Djangologie 1' per Pathe CO54-16001. Vernon points to 'Ma Reguliere' issued on Gramophone K-5469, and 'Griserie' on Gramophone K-5454 which 45 Worlds has issued in 1928 backed by 'Parisette' of the same session for which Lord hasn't traced release data. Probably because it's not real relevant to jazz, Lord doesn't list where Hikaru Hasegawa's sessionography begins, possibly as early as May of '28 (circa June '28 in Vernon) with Reinhardt performing banjo with Maurice Alexander at accordion for 'Parisette' issued on Henry 848 on an unidentified date. Unless the Henry was issued before the Gramophone, 'Griserie' w 'Parisette' looks like Reinhardt's first appearance on record. Reinhardt also recorded in 1928 with accordion player, V. Marceau. It was the orchestra of accordion player, Louis Vola, in 1931. Reinhardt recorded with Jean Sablon, among others, in 1933. ('Parce Que Je Vous Aime', below, also features vocalist Eliane De Creus.) More sessions with Sablon ensued into 1934 until a name session by Reinhardt in August for 'Tiger Rag', 'After You've Gone' and 'Confessin'' with Joseph Reinhardt (guitar) and Juan Fernandez (bass). In 1934 Reinhardt founded the Quintette du Hot Club de France with Stephane Grappelli. On December 28 they recorded such as 'Dinah' and 'Tiger Rag' with Reinhardt's Quintette du Hot Club de France. Reinhardt would also support Grappelli's Hot Four on several occasions. Lord's disco has Grappelli and Reinhardt last stringing titles together in Rome in early 1949 for such as 'What a Difference a Day Made' and 'Pigalle'. He recorded numerously thereafter until his death in Samois-sur-Seine, France, on May 16, 1953. Django was the father of guitarist, Babik Reinhardt [1944 -2001/ 1, 2, 3]. References for Django encyclopedic: 1, 2, 3, 4; musical: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Reinhardt, jazz and Nazi Europe: 1, 2, 3. Brief list of compositions w and without Grappelli. Sessionographies: DAHR, RHJ, Lord (leading 94 of 241). Discographies: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compilations: 'Djangologie'; 'Integrale' 1, 2, 3; 'The Hot Jazz'. Reinhardt in visual media. Gear. Further reading: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Who enjoy the contemporary gypsy sound in the Reinhardt tradition see the Hot Club of San Francisco with vocalist Isabelle Fontaine at Brookhill77, thunderstick5775, sleepovershows or WilliamsburgSwings. As Reinhardt and Grappelli are most famous for their collaborations together, several of the Reinhardt samples below feature Grappelli as well. Reinhardt also plays on several of tracks under Grappelli. Per below, all tracks for 1928 are with Jean Vaissade.

Django Reinhardt   1928

 Abaude Charmeuse

      Composition: Jean Vaissade

 Deception D'Amour

      Composition: Pourville/Fernando Silvestri

 Griserie

      Composition:

      Auguste Bosc/Georges Millandy/Pierre Varenne

 Môme a la Gratiche

      Composition: M. Puig

 L'Ondee

      Composition: Jean Vaissade/Fernando Silvestri

Django Reinhardt   1933

 Parce Que Je Vous Aime

    'Because I Love You'

      With Jean Sablon

      Music: Pascal Bastia

      Lyrics: Jean Bastia

 Si J'Aime Suzy

      With Jean Sablon

      Composition: Pascal Bastia

Django Reinhardt   1935

 Anything Goes

      Composition: Cole Porter   1934

 It Don't Mean a Thing

      Music: Duke Ellington   1931

      Lyrics: Irving Mills

 I've Found a New Baby

      Jack Palmer/Spencer Williams   1926

 Sheik of Araby

     Music: Ted Snyder   1921

     Lyrics: Harry Smith/Francis Wheeler

 St. Louis Blues

      Composition: W. C. Handy   1914

Django Reinhardt   1936

 Georgia on My Mind

      Composition: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell   1930

 Magic Strings

      Composition: M. Van Hoorebeke

Django Reinhardt   1937

  In a Sentimental Mood

      Composition:

      Duke Ellington/Manny Kurtz/Irving Mills

 Steven's Blues

      Composition: Grappelli/Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt   1939

 The Man I Love

      Composition: George & Ira Gershwin

Django Reinhardt   1940

  Nuages

      Acoustic guitar

     Composition: Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt   1953

 Nuages

      Electric guitar

     Composition: Reinhardt

Django Reinhardt   1950

 Honeysuckle Rose

     Music: Fats Waller   1929

     Lyrics: Andy Razaf

 

 
 

Stephane Grappelli was born in Paris in 1908. Though he was also a pianist (see Coleman Hawkins) he is most famous for his skill with violin. Albeit one could well categorize Reinhardt and Grappelli as swing musicians, they are placed on this page as forerunners of early modern jazz due their emphasis on individual instrumental virtuosity, a characteristic of modern jazz which big bands didn't so much afford. Another characteristic of modern jazz was its international flavor (bossa nova, etc.). Though jazz had strongly developed in Great Britain in the twenties England was more a sibling than foreign nation to the States. Grappelli and Reinhardt mark the first importation of major foreign influence to the States, that much due to Coleman Hawkins who had first toured to Europe to work with the pair in 1934, opening the door to "there's a whole globe out there" in the days of early swing. Grappelli is thought to have recorded his first tracks circa May 3 of 1929 with Gregor et Ses Gregoriens for the Edison Bell and Wolverine labels, titles like 'Sally of My Dreams' and 'L'amour ca n'a l'air de rien'. The partnership between Grappelli and Reinhardt to 1949 was something of the French version of the collaboration between guitarist Eddie Lang and violinist Joe Venuti in America that had begun some eight years earlier in 1926. As to index one is much to index the other for fifteen years, guitar in several of the samples below is by Reinhardt. Grappelli and Reinhardt first recorded together in Paris on January 15 of 1934 with the Andre Ekyan Orchestre for vocalist, Jean Sablon, such as 'Le jour ou je te vis' and 'Un sou dans la poche'. They worked with a few more ensembles together before their first date with Reinhardt's Quintette du Hot Club de France on December 28 of '34 at the Hot Club de France to put down such as 'Dinah' and 'Tiger Rag'. Grappelli's group, the Hot Four, amounted to a quintet with Reinhardt on its first recordings as such in latter 1935 for 'St. Louis Blues', 'Chinatown', 'Limehouse Blues' and 'I Got Rhythm'. Lord's disco has Grappelli and Reinhardt last stringing titles together in Rome in early 1949 for such as 'The Man I Love' and 'The Peanut Vendor'. Of Grappelli's accredited 375 sessions, more than half were his own. The year after Reinhardt's death in 1953 he recorded 'Piano a Gogo' in May of '954 with Guy Pedersen (bass) Andre Baptiste Reilles (drums). Among highlights in his latter career was a 1984 session with Indian violinist, Lakshminarayana Subramaniam, resulting in 'Conversations'. That same year he recorded 'For All Seasons' with violinist, Yehudi Menuhin, in London. Grappelli died [1, 2] in Paris after a hernia operation on December 1 of 1997. He had put down 'Spirit of Django: Years Apart' with the Martin Taylor Quintet in Scotland in March of 1996. That was followed by 'Celebrating Grappelli' in 1997 with the Spirit of Django Band and Taylor at guitar. References encyclopedic: 1, 2; musical 1, 2, 3. Brief list of compositions w and without Reinhardt. See also 'Hommage a Django Reinhardt' 1972. Sessionographies: DAHR, Lord's. Discographies: 1, 2, 3. Collaborations. Grappelli in visual media. Interviews 1970/74. Grappelli also features on several tracks under Reinhardt. Who enjoy contemporary violin in the Hot Club tradition of Reinhardt and Grappelli see the Hot Club of San Francisco, featuring violinists Julian Smedley or Evan Price, at Steve Ramirez, jasonfarmon, mething, lifewatcher101, 1001human, MP32U or sleepovershows.

Stephane Grappelli   1935

  Believe It Beloved

      Composition: George Whiting

  China Boy

      Composition: Phil Boutelje/Dick Winfree

  Confessin'

       Music: Chris Smith   1930

       Lyrics: Al Neiburg

  I Got Rhythm

      Composition: George & Ira Gershwin

  I've Had My Moments

       Music: Walter Donaldson

       Lyrics: Gus Kahn

  Limehouse Blues

     Music: Philip Braham   1922

     Lyrics: Douglas Furber

  Moon Glow

     Composition: Will Hudson

Stephane Grappelli   1937

  The Sheik of Araby

      Music: Ted Snyder   1921

      Lyrics: Harry Smith/Francis Wheeler

  Sugar

        Composition:

      Edna Alexander/Maceo Pinkard/Sidney Mitchell

Stephane Grappelli   1939

  J'attendrai Swing

     French version of Italian 'Tornerai':

       Music: Dino Olivieri   1936

       Lyrics: Nino Rastelli

Stephane Grappelli   1949

  All the Things You Are

      Music: Jerome Kern   1939

       Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

Stephane Grappelli   1956

  Someone to Watch Over Me

      Composition: George & Ira Gershwin   1926

Stephane Grappelli   1973

  Autumn Leaves

      With Oscar Peterson

      Music: Joseph Kosma   1945

       Lyrics French: Jacques Prévert

       Lyrics English: Johnny Mercer

Stephane Grappelli   1990

  Blue Moon

      Live performance

      Music: Richard Rodgers

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

Stephane Grappelli   1991

  How High the Moon

      Live performance

       Music: Morgan Lewis   1940

      Lyrics: Nancy Hamilton

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Stephane Grappelli

Stephane Grappelli

Source: NoNaMe

 

Born in 1913, seven-string guitarist George Van Eps was the son of banjoist, Fred Van Eps. He is thought to have first recorded banjo in 1927, at age fourteen, which is easier to quote from multiple sources than to determine anything more about such. (An obit by Jim Washburn comments that such was with banjo-playing brothers, Fred and Bob. George did have three musicians for brothers: pianist Bobby, trumpeter Freddy and tenor saxophonist Johnny. His mother played piano as well. It's yet possible that recording was with his father, Fred.) Howsoever, the first Van Eps recording that saw a record shop was in the orchestra of Smith Ballew on October 14, 1930, playing guitar on 'You Were Only Passing Time' and 'You're Simply Delish' (Columbia 2320). Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti and Bobby Van Eps (piano) were also in on that. A few more sessions were held with Ballew and both Dorsey brothers in his band to February 3, 1931, for 'I Hate Myself' (Harmony 1252-H). A session with Eddie Scat Davis in October 1932 yielded 'Sugar'. He had begun working with Freddy Martin in 1931 but didn't record with him until January 16, 1933, with his brother, Bobby, and vocalist, Elmer Feldkamp: 'When the Morning Rolls Around' (Oriole 2635), 'A Tree Was a Tree' (Melody 12611) and 'Why Can't This Night Go on Forever?'. With 243 sessions to Van Eps' name in Lord, we fast forward through several sessions with Martin into May, then the Tasty Bread Winners and Chick Bullock in '34, to arrive to the Benny Goodman Orchestra on August 16 that year for such as 'Take My Word'' and 'Nit Wit Serenade'. Numerous sessions with Goodman were held to July of '35, there later reunions in '47 and the early fifties. Meanwhile another important orchestra in the thirties was Ray Noble's, Van Eps joining that operation in 1935 to record 'Down By the River' in February. Van Eps worked with Noble into 1936, later from '39 into 1941. Among others Van Eps supported in the thirties were Louis Prima, Adrian Rollini ('Somebody Loves Me' '34) and Frank Trumbauer. We fast forward into the forties to one of Van Eps more frequent partners through the years, that clarinetist, Matty Matlock. Their first session together had been with Charles LaVere's Chicago Loopers on November 1 of 1944 for such as 'Lazy River' and 'Very 8'n Boogie'. Matlock and Van Eps were nigh continual partners through numerous outfits, such as Paul Weston's, for another sixteen years. Along the way Van Eps backed several of Matlock's albums from 'Sports Parade' ('54) to 'Gold Diggers in Dixieland' ('60). They recorded together to as late as 1960 to back Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby's 'Bing and Satchmo'. Lord's disco has them reuniting circa 1963 with Wild Bill Davison and His Dixie Cats toward 'Do It with Dixie' issued in Germany circa '69/'70. Two more important figures in Van Eps career were vocalist, Johnny Mercer, and bandleader, Paul Weston, Van Eps joining the latter's orchestra on September 27 of 1945 for titles with the Pied Pipers: 'If I Knew Then' and 'Personality'. Van Eps spent two years recording numerously with Mercer and Weston, often with the Pied Pipers, to December 29, 1947, for 'Down Among the Sheltering Palms' and 'Would Ya?', also with the Pied Pipers. Van Eps would see Mercer again in 1951 and '60, that last occasion in August with Bobby Darin and the Billy May Orchestra for 'Two of a Kind'. Van Eps would be back with Weston in 1949 to back Dean Martin, they to work with one another numerously to November 12 of 1953 to back trumpeter, Harry James, on "Oh Mein Papa' and 'Serenata'. Van Eps contributed to Weston's 'Mood for 12' in 1955 and 'Solo Mood' in '56. Later in August Weston conducted titles for Van Eps' first album, 'Mellow Guitar'. Van Eps' first sessions as a leader had preceded that by six years, those in trios in April and June of 1949, the first with Jack Ryan (bass) and Nick Fatool (drums) to bear 'I Wrote It for Joe' and 'Tea for Two', the latter with Fatool and Phil Stephens on bass to yield 'Once in a While' and 'Kay's Fantasy'. Van Eps waited ten years after 'Mellow Guitar' to record his next album in 1966 with Frank Flynn on vibes, 'My Guitar'. 'Seven-String Guitar' ('67) was a trio, 'Soliloquy' ('68) was a suite of solos, 'Hand-Crafted Swing' ('92) was a quartet, 'Seven and Seven' ('93) was a duo with Howard Alden, 'Legends' ('94) was an album shared with Johnny Smith performing a separate suite of solos, and 'Keepin' Time' ('94) was a quartet. Among the host of others Van Eps supported through the years were Wingy Manone, Peggy Lee, Jess Stacy, the Rampart Street Paraders, Frank Sinatra, Glen Gray's Casa Loma, the Four Freshmen, the Blue Angel Jazz Club and the Kings of Dixieland. Van Eps died on 29 Nov 1998 of pneumonia in Newport Beach, California. His last recordings are thought to have been in 1997 toward John Pisano's 'Guitar Night' issued in December 2006. References: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: DAHR w composing credits; Lord. Discos: 1, 2. Discussion: 1, 2, 3, 4. Further reading: instructional books authored by Van Eps; Jim Washburn.

George Van Eps   1935

  Get Rhythm in Your Feet

      With Benny Goodman & Helen Ward

      Composition:

      Bill Livingston/J. Russel Robinson

George Van Eps   1949

 I Wrote It for Jo

      Composition: George Van Eps

  Kay's Fantasy

      Composition: George Van Eps

George Van Eps   1956

  Have You Met Miss Jones

      Music: Richard Rodgers   1937

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

George Van Eps   1979

  I've Got a Crush on You

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

George Van Eps   1991

  Love Walked In

      With Howard Alden

      Music: George Gershwin   1930

      Lyrics: Ira Gershwin 1937

George Van Eps   1993

  Stompin' at the Savoy

      With Howard Alden

      Composition: Edgar Sampson   1934

George Van Eps   1994

  Moon Glow

      With Howard Alden

      Composition:

      Edgar DeLange/Irving Mills/Will Hudson

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: George Van Eps

George Van Eps

Source: Clean Guitar

 

Bassist Milt Hinton ("the Dean") was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1910, but was moved to Chicago with his family at age nine. He was given his first violin at age 13, but began playing local gigs on tuba. It was as a tuba player that he hired on with Tiny Parham and His Musicians, but soon switched to upright bass for which his slap bass technique would become notable. He first recorded in Chicago with Parham on November 4 of 1930: 'Doin' the Jug-Jug', 'Rock Bottom', 'Down Yonder', 'Blue Moon Blues' 'Squeeze Me' (Hinton on Tuba), 'Back to the Jungle' 'Nervous Tension' and Memphis Mamie'. November 11 witnessed 'Now That I've Found You', 'My Dreams' and 'After You've Gone', all for Victor. Come Eddie South in Hollywood in late '32 or early '33 with 'Dark Eyes', 'Body and Soul' and 'Throw a Little Salt on the Bluebird's Tail' with Eddie South. A host of titles ensued with South to November of 1934 in NYC per 'Just an Old Banjo' and 'At the Ball, That's All'. In NYC Hinton hired on with Cab Calloway in 1936, his first titles with that orchestra on May 31: 'Love Is the Reason', 'When You're Smiling', et al. Calloway's band was Hinton's potatoes for fourteen years through World War II, his last tracks with that outfit traced in Lord to 1950 in NYC: 'Give Me Twenty Nickels for a Dollar' and 'The Jungle King'. Hinton would reunite with Calloway in 1958, 1973 and 1990. Hinton's first titles as a leader had long since arrived by the time he'd left Calloway in 1950, he having formed an orchestra in New York City, recording 'Broadway Holdover', 'Bass Pandemonium', 'Everywhere' and 'Beefsteak Charlie' on July 6 of '45. He recorded his first album on January 20, 1955, titled 'East Coast Jazz/5'. Joining him were Tony Scott (clarinet), Dick Katz (piano) and Osie Johnson (drums). He had first recorded titles with all three in the summer of 1953, Johnson to support pianist/vocalist, Joe Denise, for 'Joe Denise Sings', Katz and Scott to back vocalist, Jackie Paris, with the Tony Scott Orchestra on 'My Kinda Love' and 'Opus One'. There was a session with Louis Armstrong's All Stars before joining Scott and Kantz again with drummer, Sid Bulkin, in summer of '53 for a couple titles on Scott's 'Jazz for G.I.'s' released in '54. Scott would figure fairly large in Hinton's career, he and Johnson backing Scott in December of '55 for 'Scott's Fling'. Among titles recorded in '56 were Scott's 'The Touch of Tony Scott' and 'The Complete Tony Scott'. Titles followed in '58 and '68 (: 'Swara Sulina'). They had also supported other bands together on occasion in the fifties. Being a studio musician, Hinton was one the most recorded figures in jazz. Lord's disco has him at 1230 sessions, above twenty of those as a leader. This brief account will then be something incomplete, even more so without mention of Mona Clayton who met Milt in 1939 during his Calloway period and became Mona Hinton until Milt's death 61 years later. She Hinton's assistant and Mother Superior of Calloway's touring band arranging such as bed and board. Those with whom Hinton worked over the widest range of time were pianist, Hank Jones, and bandleader, Benny Goodman. His first titles with Jones may have been in 1952 with Tyree Glenn's All Stars, Papa Jo Jones on drums for 'Sidewalks of New York' and 'How Could You Do a Thing Like That to Me?' ('Sultry Serenade'). Hinton and Jones would witness countless sessions together into the nineties in support of various operations, their last recordings together are thought to have been 'Live at the Blue Note' for Lionel Hampton in June of 1991. Some of Jones' albums to which Hinton contributed along the way were 'The Talented Touch' ('58), 'Porgy and Bess' ('59), 'Here's Love' ('63), 'This Is Ragtime Now!' ('64), 'Live in Buffalo 1976' and 'The Trio' ('77), the latter with Bobby Rosengarden at drums. Hinton's first tracks with Goodman are thought to have been in the latter's Octet at Basin Street West in NYC in March of 1955 for such as 'Don't Be That Way' and 'Rose Room', numerous to ensue that year. Hinton joined Goodman again in 1958-59, '67, '69 and '75, that last occasion with Goodman's quintet for 'Benny-Seven Come Eleven' joined by Jones, Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar) and Grady Tate (drums). Some of Hinton's other high impact colleagues were arranger and bandleader, Manny Albam, Helen Merrill, Hal McKusick, Chris Connor and Dinah Washington. Hinton is thought to have worked with Albam as early as 1951, the latter arranging songs on 'My Name Is Ruth Price...I Sing'. Beginning in '55 Hinton and Albam would support numerous operations to 1962, that last occasion thought to be for Curtis Fuller's 'Cabin in the Sky'. Some of Albam's own projects to which Hinton contributed were 'The Jazz Workshop' ('56), two volumes of 'The Jazz Greats of Our Time' ('57), 'The Blues Is Everybody's Business' ('57), 'Sophisticated Lady (The Songs of Duke Ellington)' ('58), 'Jazz New York' ('58), 'Steve's Songs' ('58) and 'I Had the Craziest Dream' ('61). Tracks for 'Steve's Songs' had gone down on 21 and 29 July of '58. At about that same time Hinton was working w Cannonball Adderley, Art Farmer and Barry Galbraith toward John Benson Brooks' 'Alabama Concert', between which sessions the iconic jazz photograph by Art Kane was shot on 18 Aug of '58 called 'A Great Day in Harlem' [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6] for publishing in 'Esquire' magazine [1994 documentary by the same title: 1, 2]. Two days after that photograph was snapped arrived the first session for Adderley's 'Jump for Joy'. Hinton himself was a well-known photographer and photo collector with thousands of images of the jazz scene from the thirties to the nineties in his and Mona's archive. Backing up a little, Hinton had been with the Clifford Brown Sextet with Osie Johnson to support Merrill on December 22 of 1954 for such as 'Don't Explain' and 'Born to Be Blue'. Continuing with Merrill into 1955, Hinton would join her again in 1957 and '59, that last occasion on June 11 in NYC for such as 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' and 'My Heart Would Know'. Hinton and McKusick had been with Al Cohn's Charlie's Tavern Ensemble in October of '54 for titles toward 'East Coast - West Coast Scene' (with tunes by Shorty Rogers on side B). They supported other bands together numerously to as late as 1963 for Sammy Spear's 'A Little Traveling Music'. A few of McKusick's albums in which Hinton participated were 'East Coast Jazz Vol 8' ('55), 'In a Twentieth-Century Drawing Room' ('55) and 'The Jazz Workshop' ('56). The next year they backed Charlene Bartley on 'The Weekend of a Private Secretary'. Hinton's initial titles with vocalist, Chris Connor, had been with Osie Johnson on February 8 of '56 for such as 'You Make Me Feel So Young' and 'Anything Goes'. Titles ensued into '57, 1959-60 and, finally, March 11 of 1962 for 'No Strings'. Hinton was with the Quincy Jones Orchestra on November 4 of 1956 to support Dinah Washington's 'I'll Drown in My Tears' and 'You Let My Love Grow Cold'. 'The Swingin' Miss D' ensued in December. Titles followed in February of 1959. Marty Manning was Washington's arranger for titles on October 15 of 1963 like 'That Sunday' and 'They Said You'd Come Back Running'. Among the galaxy of others for whom Hinton recorded, of those unmentioned some of the more impacting Hinton's career were Buck Clayton, Teddy Wilson, Jimmy Rushing, Urbie Green, Bobby Hackett, Erskine Hawkins, Ralph Sutton and Milt Jackson. In addition to leading his own ensembles and working as a studio musician Hinton played in the television bands of Jackie Gleason and Dick Cavett. He was made an NEA Jazz Master in 1993. Hinton died in Queens in 19 December 2000 [obits: 1, 2, 3]. He had issued the album, 'Laughing at Life', in 1994. In 1999 he had participated in pianist, Jay D'Amico's, 'Ponte Novello'. Hinton had also participated in titles by banjo player, Cynthia Sayer, at some indeterminable time shortly before his death. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Sessions: DAHR, Lord. Discos: 1, 2, 3. Photographic chronology. IMDb. Analysis/ criticism: Jeffrey Kipperman. Interviews: William Taylor 1992 (pdf); Dan Del Fiorentino 1994; w Mona Hinton 1995. Further reading: Gene Lees: 1, 2, 3; NPR. Bibliography of photography by Hinton: 'Bass Line' (Temple U Press 1988), 'OverTime' (Pomegranate 1992), 'Playing the Changes' (Vanderbilt U Press 2008). See also Hinton's biography, solography, discography and photography at Milt Hinton (frames). Collections: 1, 2. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Milt Hinton   1945

 Everywhere

   Composition: Dave Rivera

Milt Hinton   1950

 Calloway Boogie

   Filmed live with Cab Calloway

   Composition:

   Calloway/Allen Leroy Gibson

Milt Hinton   1976

 How High the Moon

    Music: Morgan Lewis   1940

    Lyrics: Nancy Hamilton

    For the Broadway revue 'Two for the Show'

 Softly as in a Morning Sunrise

     Piano: Hank Jones

     Music: Sigmund Romberg   1928

     Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

     For the operetta 'The New Moon'

Milt Hinton   1990

 I'm Just a Lucky So and So

      Saxophone: Jay McShann

     Music: Duke Ellington   1945

     Lyrics: Mack David

Milt Hinton   1991

 Three Little Words

      Filmed live

     Music: Harry Ruby

     Lyrics: Bert Kalmar

Milt Hinton   1992

 Old Man Time

   Composition: Cliff Friend/Jack Reynolds

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Milt Hinton

Milt Hinton

Photo: Marc Marnie

Source: Alan Ainsworth

 

  Though Svend Asmussen wasn't known well in the United States he joins such as Joe Venuti, Stephane Grappelli and Stuff Smith as one of the finest swing jazz violinists of the 20th century. His virtuosity, however, was individualistic in smaller formations than the big band, thus his place on this page rather than Swing Jazz. Born in 1916 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Asmussen took up his instrument at age seven. He went pro as a trick fiddler in 1933. Performing in Copenhagen would put him contact with American musicians visiting Europe such as Fats Waller and the Mills Brothers. His recording career on 78s began in 1934, releasing 'Jeg har min Chance i Maj' and 'Damen fra Villavejen' on His Master's Voice (X 4330 per August 21 session). Numerous issues were made in 1935 by HMV as well. 'Fiddler Magazine' notes a collection of 15 CDs containing recordings from 1935 to 1955 on the now nonexistent Swan and Thora labels. Nothing more about that is known. Be as may, Asmussen recordings from 1935 to 1940 have been issued on 'Musical Miracle Vol 1' per 1994 by Phontastic. Recordings from 1941 to 1950 were issued in 1995 on 'Phenomenal Fiddler Vol 2', also Phontastic. Recordings from 1937 to 1944 have been collected on 'Danish Jazz Vol 6' (Storyville). Asmussen also performed in swing bands on cruise ships, which is how he met Josephine Baker in 1938. Three tunes of his were used in the 1939 film, 'En Lille Tilfaeldighed'. World War II, however, put a jail cell across his upwardly mobile path when he was arrested by the Gestapo as a so-called prominent citizen in 1943 and detained in Berlin. His release was somehow managed before the War ended and he began to tour Europe upon the end of the War itself (May 1945). In the late fifties Asmussen formed the Swe-Danes, a trio with guitarist, Ulrik Neumann, and  singer, Alice Babs. That ensemble's first session is thought to have been held in Stockholm, Sweden, on April 27 of 1959 for 'Side By Side'. The Swe-Danes toured the United States as well. Neumann and Asmusssen went back to 1936 for an unissued recording "Honeysuckle Rose' in Copenhagen, Denmark. Neumann backed Asmussen numerously through the years. In October of 1959 they recorded a suite of duets in Hollywood to get issued as 'Danish Imports' in 1961. Asmussen and Babs would issue 'Äntligen!' as late as 1972. Asmussen had made another rare appearance in the States in 1967 at the Monterey Jazz Festival following the release of 'Violin Summit' the previous year with Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith and Jean-Luc Ponty. Asmussen and Grappelli had first recorded together in Paris in February of 1963 upon a tour to Europe by Duke Ellington, those titles to find issue in 1976 on 'Duke Ellington's Jazz Violin Session'. The next year ('64) Asmussen and Grappelli co-led 'Two of a Kind'. On January 24 of 1988 Asmussen supported Grappelli with pianist, Martial Solal, on 'Olympia 1988'. As for Smith, he and Asmussen would co-lead 'Hot Violins' in 1966 in Copenhagen. May 18 of 1972 found Asmussen performing on Swedish television with conductor, Eric Ericson, titles to get issued on 'Kammarkoren & Eric Ericson Moter Sven Asmussen'. Another such performance on June 5 of '73 witnessed 'Kammarkören & Eric Ericson Möter Svend Asmussen Igen'. November of 1972 had seen Asmussen and Toots Thielemans co-leading 'Toots & Svend'. November of 1986 found them at Fat Tuesdays' in NYC with the David Grisman Quintet to record 'Svingin' with Svend'. The seventies found Asmussen working closely with clarinetist, Putte Wickman. They issued 'Musik I Kyrkan' in 1975 and 'Spelar För Er' in 1977. Asmussen is the father of guitar player, Claus Asmussen. In 1999 Asmussen laid tracks for 'Still Fiddling', released in 2002. 'Makin' Whoopee...and Music!' appeared in 2009. Asmussen was one of few musicians yet alive who could speak of jazz of personal experience in the days before World War II and during that conflict before he died at age 100 on 7 Feb 2017 [obit]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: Aagaard; Lord. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compilations: 'The Incomparable Fiddler: 100 years' 1937-96 on Storyville 108 8618 (2016): 1, 2, 3. Reviews. Transcriptions. Asmussen in visual media: IMDb; Lowe. Further reading: Anthony Barnett, Richard Brooks, Matt Glaser, Rich Kienzle, Cristina Schreil. Collections: 1, 2.

Svend Asmussen   1934

  Jeg har min Chance i Maj

      Guitar: Niels Foss

      Composition:

      Sven Kristensen/Bernhard Christensen

Svend Asmussen   1935

  My Blue Heaven

      Music: Walter Donaldson   1924

      Lyrics: George A. Whiting

  Sangen om Larsen

      Composition:

      Hermann Koppel/Bernhard Christensen

Svend Asmussen   1937

  Det er min stille Bøn

      Music: Kai Normann Andersen

      Lyrics: Mogens Dam

  Jazz Potpourri 1

  Jazz Potpourri 2

Svend Asmussen   1938

  Søde Drømme (Good-Night Angel)

      Vocal: Peter Sørensen

      Composition: Wrubel/John Leflang

  Sweet Sue

      Guitar: Oscar Aleman

      Music: Victor Young 1928

      Lyrics: Will J. Harris

Svend Asmussen   1940

  Honeysuckle Rose

      Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaf

Svend Asmussen   1947

  Five Minutes More

      Music: Jule Styne   1946

      Lyrics: Sammy Cahn

Svend Asmussen   1949

  Musikalisk tågresa

      ('Musical Train Ride')

      Film: 'Lattjo med Boccaccio från'

      Guitar: Ulrik Neumann

Svend Asmussen   1962

From 'European Encounter'

Recorded 2 & 3 July 1962

Piano: John Lewis

Bass: Jimmy Woode

Drums: Sture Kallin

  Lonely Woman

      Composition: Ornette Coleman

  New York

      Composition: John Lewis

Svend Asmussen   1963

  Don't Get Around Much Anymore

      Piano: Duke Ellington

      Music: Duke Ellington   1940

      Lyrics: Bob Russell

Svend Asmussen   1981

  Live in Copenhagen

      With String Swing

Svend Asmussen   1983

From 'String Swing'

  Dark Eyes

      Composition:

      Russian romance: See 1, 2, 3

      Arrangement: Asmussen

  Viper's Dream

      Composition: Tommy Red Tompkins

Svend Asmussen   1986

  It Don't Mean a Thing

      Filmed in Copenhagen

      Music: Duke Ellington   1931

      Lyrics: Irving Mills

Svend Asmussen   1994

  Live in Aalborghallen

      Guitar: Jacob Fischer

      Bass: Jesper Lundgaard

      Drums: Aage Tanggaard

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Svend Asmussen

Svend Asmussen

Source: Wall Street Journal

  Ulrik Neumann   See Ulrik Neumann.



 
 

Guitarist Les Paul (Lester William Polsfuss) was born in 1915 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He began getting called "Red" as a teenager due to his red hair. Paul dropped out of high school in October of 1932 and left Waukesha to play professionally as Rhubarb Red at KMOX radio in St. Louis, Missouri [*]. Paul first shows up in Lord per radio transcriptions in February, April and May of 1935 in New York City to back vocalist, Kay Thompson, with Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians on 'Oh Suzanna, Dust Off the Old Piana', 'It Must Have Been a Devil in the Moon' and 'What's the Reason I'm Not Pleasing You'. Those saw later issue in 2003 on 'Kay Thompson: The Queen of Swing Vocal & Her Rhythm Singers 1933 to 1937' (Baldwin Street Music BJH 313). May 12 of 1936 saw Paul backing Georgia White on 'I'll Keep Sitting on It (If I Can't Sell It)' (Decca 7192) [45Worlds]. Lord has Paul recording as Rhubarb Red and His Rubes on 20 May of '36 in Chicago: 'Just Because', 'Answer to Just Because', 'Deep Elem Blues No. 2' and 'Deep Elem Blues' are given issue numbers MW 8012 and MW 8013 though are said to be unreleased until 1997 on 'The Trio's Complete Decca Recordings 1936-47' on MCA MCAD2-11708. Paul formed the Les Paul Trio in 1937 w Jim Atkins (guitar) and Ernie Darius Newton (bass) [Discogs]. ODP and Praguefrank's have the same recording 'Where Is Love'/'Swanee River' in Oct '39 toward unknown issue on Okeh 6027. Come radio broadcasts from 1939 to 1941 to see issue on 'The Legendary Fred Waring Broadcasts: Historic Live Performances (1939-1941)' by on Cambria CAMCD-1146 in 2004. Sometime in the early forties Paul again transcribed as Rhubarb Red & his Rubes, those broadcasts released on an unknown date in Germany on 'Les Paul's Country Roots' (Bronco Buster CD 9023). Sometime during the early forties the Les Paul Trio had come to consist of Cal Gooden (rhythm) and Clint Nordquist (bass). It was that configuration with which transcriptions were made w pianist, Art Tatum, sometime in 1944, titles like 'Ja-Da' and 'Somebody Loves Me' eventually released in 2008 on 'Art Tatum' 1934-56 (Storyville 108 8603). Paul and partners transcribed numerously in 1944 including for AFRS and McGregor. Titles per the 'California Melodies' radio program have been issued by Collectors Choice. Lord's disco has Paul with Jazz at the Philharmonic on three dates from July 2 of 1944 to May 24 of '47, that last at Carnegie Hall with Roy Eldridge for 'Perdido' (unissued), 'What Is This Thing Called Love?' (unissued) and 'Blues'. Paul's titles w the JATP have been variously issued on Mercury, Clef and Verve. Come a string of transcriptions w his trio (Gooden and Nordquist) for World in January and February of 1945, titles like 'Undecided' and 'Out of Nowhere' getting released in 2010 on 'After You've Gone' (Audiophile ACD-042). Lord has Milt Raskin or Buddy Cole at piano on those. Praguefrank's has Paul privately recording 'Hip-Billy Boogie' and 'What Is This Thing Called Love' circa March 3, 1945, not issued until April of '48 on Capitol 15070 [45Worlds]. Come a session on 12 July w his trio backing Bing Crosby on 'It's Been a Long Long Time'/'Whose Dream Are You' issued in Sep on Decca 18708. He issued 'Rumors Are Flying' w the Andrews Sisters on Decca 23656 in 1946. Paul was famous for his musical partnership with his wife, guitarist, Mary Ford. Their first meeting in 1945 had led to their first performance together in '46, touring in '47. Come recording and marriage in '49, the 'Les Paul Show' in 1950 (NBC Radio) and a number of high charting titles w Ford like 'Tennessee Waltz' ('50), 'How High the Moon' ('51), 'Tiger Rag' ('52) and 'Vaya Con Dios' ('53). Paul collaborated w Ford until their divorce in Dec 1964. Greater detail w references for Paul and Ford at *. Paul's release of 'What is This Thing Called Love?' in '48 had claimed the #11 tier on Billboard that May. Other strong solo titles during his period w Ford were 'Nola' ('50), 'Little Rock Getaway' ('50), 'Whispering' ('51), 'Meet Mister Callaghan' ('52) and 'Lady of Spain' ('52). Other notable issues were 'Lover'/'Brazil' released in 1951 on Capitol 1600 (shellac 78) and F1600 (vinyl 45). Paul's fame as a guitar player was eventually overshadowed by his collaboration w Orville Gibson on the design of the Gibson Les Paul solid body electric guitar first marketed in 1952. Paul had an innovative lean, from assembling a neck brace as a boy so he could play guitar and harmonica at once, to the invention of multi-track recording, overdubbing and, the little black box attached to his guitars called the paulverizer (on a few tracks below). Among results from his early experiments in audio engineering were the bass and percussion on recordings w Ford which were actually Paul's guitar [*]. After his period w Ford, Paul relaxed his pace. He released 'Les Paul Now' in 1968. A couple albums w Chet Atkins followed in 'the seventies: 'Chester and Lester' ('76) and 'Guitar Monsters' ('78). Often performing at the Iridium Jazz Club in NYC in his latter years, Paul issued 'Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played' in 2006, that consisting of dubbed parts played by various such as Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Buddy Guy and Steve Miller. Paul died on 12 August 2009 of pneumonia in White Plains, New York [1, 2]. He had given his final performance at the Iridium on his 90th birthday (June 15). References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Discographies: 1, 2, 3, 4. Paul in visual media. Interviews: 1993, 1994. The Les Paul Foundation. Further reading: Paul as inventor: 1, 2, 3; audio engineering and: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; the paulverizer: 1, 2; Gibson Les Paul electric guitar: *; Books: 'The Early Years of the Les Paul Legacy 1915-1963' by Lawrence (Hal Jeonard 2008); Articles: Cellini, Driscoll, Gress, Maxwell, Tianen. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. References for Paul and Mary Ford: *.

Les Paul   1936

  I'll Keep Sitting On It (If I Can't Sell It)

      With Georgia White

      Music: Alex Hill

      Lyrics: Andy Razaf

Les Paul   1944

  Begin the Beguine

      Composition: Cole Porter

  Dark Eyes

      Composition: Florian Hermann

  Dream Dust

      Composition:

      Eddie Seiler/Guy Wood/Sol Marcus

Les Paul   1950

  Nola

      Composition: Felix Arndt/James Burns

  Jealous

      With Mary Ford

      Composition:

      Dick Finch/Jack Little/Tommie Malie

Les Paul   1955

  Caravan

      Composition:

      Juan Tizol/Duke Ellington   1936

Les Paul   1988

  Over the Rainbow

      Live performance

      Music: Harold Arlen   1939

      Lyrics: Yip Harburg

Les Paul   2009

  Live in New York

      Final performances

      Filmed live in May and June

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Mary Ford with Les Paul

Mary Ford & Les Paul

Source: Gibson

Birth of Modern Jazz: Alvino Rey

Alvino Rey

Source: Big Band Library

Born Alvin McBurney in 1908 in Oakland, California, steel guitarist Alvino Rey began his professional career in 1927 with the Ev Jones band. Rey is said to have invented the steel guitar at age fifteen (1923), a 1927 version of which he started playing in 1928 upon joining the Phil Spitalny Orchestra. The next year he changed his name to better align with Latin jazz. ("Rey" is "king" in Spanish.) In 1934 Rey joined the Horace Heidt Orchestra. The following year he issued his prototype to the Gibson Guitar Corporation, resulting in Gibson's first commercially successful electric guitar, the ES-150. Rey's earliest determinable recordings occurred in 1937 with Heidt, also the year he married Luise King of the King Sisters. In 1939 Rey formed his first orchestra. He also invented the singing guitar, later known as the Sonovox, in 1939 (see 'My Buddy' listed below). Rey's band celebrated the grand opening of Disneyland's first season on July 18, 1955, which festivity he performed each year into the latter eighties. In the latter fifties Rey began issuing comical recordings for Warner Brothers as Ira Ironstrings. In 1965 Rey became musical director for the King Sisters, as well as for the 'King Family Show' for its run of five seasons. He formally joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1969. 1980 saw the recording of 'Dance With Me'. Rey gave his last public performance in 1994, retiring with his wife, Luise, in Salt Lake City, where he died on 24 Feb 2004 [obits: 1, 2]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Sessions: DAHR (w composers), Lord (leading 23 of 30). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. IA. NAMM interview 1994. Further reading: Donald Clarke, Anne Miller, Marc Myers, Zeroto180. All tracks below through year 1939 are with the Horace Heidt Orchestra.

Alvino Rey   1937

  Hot Lips

      With the King Sisters

      Composition:

      Henry Busse/Henry Lange/Lou Davis

  I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen

      Vocal: Larry Cotton

      Composition:

      Thomas Westendorf   1875

  It's the Natural Thing to Do

      With the King Sisters

      Composition: Arthur Johnston

  Lovely One

      Vocal: Larry Cotton

      Music: Manning Sherwin

      Lyrics: Frank Loesser

  Rosalie

      Vocal: Lysbeth Hughes

      Composition: Cole Porter

  There's a Gold Mine in the Sky

      Vocal: Larry Cotton

      Composition: Charles & Nick Kenny

  Vieni Vieni

      Vocal: Lysbeth Hughes

      Composition: Rudy Vallee/Vincent Scotto

Alvino Rey   1938

  This Can't Be Love

      Vocal: Larry Cotton

      Music: Richard Rodgers   1938

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

  When They Played the Polka

      Vocal: Charles Goodman

      Composition: Lou Holzer/Fabian Andre

Alvino Rey   1940

  My Buddy

      With Luise King

      Composition: Alvino Rey

Alvino Rey   1941

  I Said No!

      Vocal: Yvonne King

      Composition: Jule Styne/Frank Loesser

  Idaho

      Vocal: Yvonne King

      Composition: Jesse Stone

Alvino Rey   1944

  St. Louis Blues

      Rey's speaking steel guitar

      Composition: WC Handy   1914

      Film: 'Jam Session'

Alvino Rey   1946

  Cement Mixer

      Vocal: Rocky Coluccio

      ('Pu-Ti Put-Ti')

      Composition: WC Handy   1914

      Lee Ricks/Slim Gaillard

      Arrangement: Andy Gibson

Alvino Rey   1947

  Bloop Bleep

      Vocal: Rocky Coluccio

      Composition: Frank Loesser

Alvino Rey   1959

  Hindustan

      'Lawrence Welk Show'

      Composition: Frank Loesser

  Rock Gently

      Composition: Warren Barker

  Sentimental Journey

      'Lawrence Welk Show'

      Music: Les Brown/Ben Homer   1944

      Lyrics: Bud Green

Alvino Rey   1961

  Steel Guitar Rag

      Composition: Leon McAuliffe

Alvino Rey   1965

  Medley

      'King Family Show' with the King Sisters

 

 
Birth of Modern Jazz: Wilbur Ware

Wilbur Ware

Photo: Francis Wolff

Source: Washington Post

Born in 1923 in Chicago, double bassist Wilbur Ware is thought to have made his recording debut in 1939 with Big Bill Broonzy in Chicago. Those tracks for Vocalion and Columbia were 'Let Me Dig It', 'W.P.A. Rag', 'I'm Going Back to Arkansas.' and 'Rider Rider Blues'. Ware isn't thought to have entered the recording studio again until latter 1949 for the Rondo label with Johnny Perry in Chicago, those tracks: 'Tails and Limas', 'Doggin' Me Blues', 'J.P. Boogie' and 'Got Good News for Ya, Baby'. Sessions in 1955 are obscure in date. At some time he privately recorded 'Can This Be Love?' with Sun Ra at piano at Sun Ra's apartment in Chicago. That saw release in 2001 on 'Standards'. He also put down 'Piano Interlude' and 'Can This Be Love?' with Sun Ra for Saturn. Those saw issue on 'Deep Purple' in 1973. Come titles for Music Minus One some time that year as well, issued on an unknown date on 'Jazz Rhythm Records - Music Minus One Guitar Vol 3'. 1955 also saw sessions with drummer, Jimmy Chapin, tracks eventually released in 1977 on 'Profile of a Jazz Drummer'. Titles in 1956 with Clifford Brown and Johnny Griffin are of unknown dates as well. The one with Brown was a private session bearing 'Diggin' Diz' eventually released on CD by Philology on an unknown date. That with Griffin resulted in the album, 'Johnny Griffin' (aka 'JG Tenor') issued in 1958. One finally arrives to a session with a date per Art Blakey on June 25, 1956 for 'Lil'T' and 'The New Message'. Those would see issue on Blakey's 'Drum Suite' in 1957. Among Ware's musical associates the combination of saxophonist, John Coltrane, with pianist, Thelonious Monk, was among the significant. Their first date together was a trio on April 16, 1957, putting down two takes of 'Monk's Mood'. The three would get together again in June in a septet with Art Blakey for two takes of 'Crepuscule with Nellie'. The same septet recorded 'Monk's Music' the next day. An unknown date in '57 saw them in a quartet with Shadow Wilson on drums for 'Nutty', Ruby My Dear' and 'Trinkle Tinkle'. It was October 16 of '57 in NYC that Ware's single name album, 'The Chicago Sound', went down w a gang of John Jenkins (alto sax), Johnny Griffin (tenor sax), Junior Mance (piano) and Wilbur Campbell (drums). Come another significant trio on 3 Nov 1957 w saxophonist, Sonny Rollins, and drummer, Elvin Jones, toward 'A Night at the Village Vanguard' [*]. During the sixties Ware spent an undetermined period of time in jail in association with narcotics. 1968 found him recording titles with Don Cherry, Clifford Jordan and Ed Blackwell that would get issued on 'Super Bass' in 2012. Lord's disco shows last recordings in 1976 for Jordan's 'Remembering Me-Me'. Among others Ware supported were Rita Reys ('56), Zoot Sims ('56) and Sonny Rollins ('57). Ware died in Philadelphia on September 9, 1979, of emphysema. References: 1, 2. Synopsis. Sessions: Fitzgerald: main (w composers), multiple versions, personnel; J-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 3 of 68). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Further reading: Bill Crow; 'At Once Old-Timey and Avant-Garde' by Karl Seigfried (U of Texas 2002 pdf). See also the Wilbur Ware Institute.

Wilbur Ware   1938

 Let Me Dig It

     With Big Bill Broonzy

     Composition: McCoy

Wilbur Ware   1954

 Monk's Mood

     Piano: Thelonious Monk

     Composition: Monk

Wilbur Ware   1956

 Checkmate

     Alto sax: Ernie Henry

     Composition: Henry

     Henry LP 'Presenting Ernie Henry'

Wilbur Ware   1957

From 'The Chicago Sound'

 Be-Ware

     Composition: John Jenkins

 Latin Quarters

     Composition: John Jenkins

 Mamma-Daddy

     Composition: Ware

 The Man I Love

     Composition: Gershwin Brothers

Wilbur Ware   1957

 Beauteous

     Tenor sax: JR Montrose

     Composition: Paul Chambers

     Henry LP: 'J.R. Monterose'

Wilbur Ware   1958

 I Could Write a Book

     Kenny Drew Trio

     LP: 'Pal Joey'

     Piano: Kenny Drew

     Drums: Philly Joe Jones

     LP: 'Pal Joey'

     Recorded 15 Oct 1957

     All compositions:

     Rodgers-Hart

 Softly as in a Morning Sunrise

    Music: Sigmund Romberg   1928

    Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

    For the operetta 'The New Moon'

    Sonny Rollins LP:

    'A Night at the Village Vanguard'

     Recorded 3 Nov 1957

     Tenor sax: Sonny Rollins

Wilbur Ware   1961

 Dhyana

     Tenor Sax: Tina Brooks

     Composition: Brooks

     Recorded 2 March 1961

     Issued 2002 on 'The Waiting Game'

 

 
  Classical guitarist Laurindo Almeida began his professional career as a radio artist and nightclub performer in São Paulo, Brazil while a teenager. Born in Santos, São Paulo, in 1917, at age 19 (1936) he worked his way to Europe by playing guitar in a cruise ship orchestra. While in Paris, Almeida was able to witness Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli play at the Hot Club, thereupon a major influence. Almeida is thought to have made his first recordings in May of 1938 for Odeon, 'Inspiracao', with Gaston Bueno Lobo playing Hawaiian guitar. The flip side is a solo by Almeida titled, 'Saudade Que Passa', a waltz composed by himself. Those recordings were released in October of 1938. In 1947 Almeida immigrated to the United States and found employment as a film studio musician, working on the soundtrack to 'A Song Is Born'. He afterward joined the Stan Kenton Band as a featured guitarist in time for titles on September 27 like 'Elegy for Alto' and 'Soothe Me'. Almeida kept with Kenton into 1948 and would record with him numerously into 1965 through both volumes of 'New Horizons'. Almeida's first album, 'Laurindo Almeida Quartet Featuring Bud Shank', was released in 1955 with saxophonist Bud Shank. In 1961 that got issued as 'Brazilliance'. Almeida had first recorded with Shank when the latter joined Kenton's orchestra on January 30, 1950, for 'Salute' at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles. He and Shank would run similar paths into the eighties, both supporting other bands (like Kenton's) and each other. in 1959 they issued 'Holiday in Brazil'', that to get reissued in 1962 as 'Brazilliance Vol 2'. The two would find reasons to record together numerously into the eighties, their last session thought to have been with Ray Brown's L.A. Four in San Francisco in June of 1982 for 'Executive Suite' with Jeff Hamilton on drums. Brown's L.A. Four had originally employed Shelly Manne on drums in 1974 for 'The L.A. Four Scores' recorded at the Concord Music Festival on July 27. The L.A. Four recorded once or twice a year together, including tours to Europe, throughout the seventies into the early eighties. As for the remainder of Almeida's some 140 sessions, well above 100 of them were in support of other musicians which can't see a lot of discussion here. Another orchestra with which he recorded on multiple occasions was Ray Anthony's in 1957. From 1960 to 1964 Almeida won 5 Grammy Awards, four in classical and one in jazz. He played Carnegie Hall in 1988. Almeida performed and recorded up to the time of his death on July 26, 1995, of leukemia in Los Angeles [obit]. He had supported Danny Welton that year on 'The Naked Sea'. His final recordings that year were three titles to appear on the album by various, 'A Tribute to Carl Jefferson', in 1996. (Carl Jefferson had been the founder of the Concord Jazz Festival in 1969 and Concord Records in 1972.) Almeida had put his name to more than a thousand compositions, including some 800 scores for film and television. More Almeida in 1966 under Sammy Davis Jr.. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 25 of 138 sessions). IMDb. Internet Archive. Reviews. Interviews: Les Tomkins 1979. Sheet Music: D Á H; 'The Complete Laurindo Almeida Anthology of Original Guitar Duets' (Mel Bay Publications 2003), et al. Collections: LOC. Further reading: Jazz Flashes (w Bud Shank), Andrew Scott, Vintage Music.

Laurindo Almeida   1938

 Saudade Que Passa

     Composition: Almeida

Laurindo Almeida   1954

From 'Laurinda Almeida Quartet'

Pacific Jazz LP-7

Recorded 22 April 1954

Saxophone: Bud Shank

Drums: Roy Harte

Saxophone: Bud Shank

 Inquietacao

     Recorded 22 April 1954

     Composition: Ary Barroso

 Noctambulism

      Recorded (April?) 1953

 Stairway to the Stars

      Recorded 22 April 1954

      Composition:

      Matty Malneck

      Mitchell Parish

      Frank Signorelli

Note: Recording dates and issues per JDP (Jazz Discography Project) and Lord. Issue date for 'Laurinda Almeida Quartet' per Friktech. Above titles also issued on 'Laurinda Almeida Quartet Vol 2' (Pacific Jazz LP-13) in 1954 [Discogs], 'Brazilliance' (World Records T 90078) in 1955, and 'Brazilliance Vol 1' (CD World Records/Jazz Heritage Society 5162596) in 2001.

Laurindo Almeida   1958

  Duets with Spanish Guitar

     Album

    Capitol 8406

     Mezzo-soprano: Salli Terri

     Flute: Martin Ruderman

Laurindo Almeida   1959

 Pavane Op 50

     Composition: Gabriel Fauré 1887

    LP: 'For My True Love'

    Capitol 8461

     Flute: Martin Ruderman  

    Mezzo soprano: Salli Terri

  'Round Midnight

    Saxophone: Bud Shank

    Composition: Thelonious Monk

     Albums [Discogs]:

     'Latin Contrasts'   1959

     World Pacific WP-12814

     'Brazilliance Vol 2'   1962

     World Pacific WP-1419

     'Brazilliance Vol 3'   1962

     World Pacific WP-1425

Laurindo Almeida   1962

 Lazy River Bossa Nova

    Composition:

     Hoagy Carmichael/Sidney Arodin

 Petite Fleur

    Composition:

     Fernand Bonifay/Sidney Bechet

  Ramblin' Rose

    Composition:

     Joe Sherman/Noel Sherman

Laurindo Almeida   1964

 Sarah's Samba

    Composition: Almeida

    LP: 'Guitar from Ipanema'

    Capitol 2197

Laurindo Almeida   1967

 Cause I Love Her

    Composition: J. Rickley Dumm/Lex King

    LP: 'A Man and a Woman'

    Capitol 2701

Laurindo Almeida   1990

 Just the Way You Are

    Composition: Billy Joel

Laurindo Almeida   1992

 Leverkusener Jazztage

    Filmed Concert

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Laurindo Almeida

Laurindo Almeida

Source: Shapiro Bernstein

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: George Barnes

George Barnes

Photo: Jon Sievert

Source: Guitarrista

 

Born in South Chicago Heights in 1921, George Barnes [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] was among the first to employ the electric guitar. (Others were Alvino Rey, Charlie Christian and T-Bone Walker.) Be as may, Barnes first recorded with blues musician Big Bill Broonzy in Chicago on March 1, 1938 ('It's a Low Down Dirty Shame' and 'Sweetheart Land'). It's said that those were the first commercial recordings of electric guitar, though there are other candidates, such as country western musician, Milton Brown, thought to have employed electric guitar on Decca recordings as of January 1935. Bob Dunn was his guitarist at the time. (The first electric guitar was produced in 1931 by George Beauchamp. The first marketed electric guitar was the Gibson ES-150 with a price tag of $150 in 1936.) Barnes second session is thought to have been with Louis Powell's Jazz Wizards on March 23 for 'Sissy' and 'Mushnouth Blues' issued by Vocalion. Sessions with Merline Johnson (the Yas Yas Girl) followed in spring of 1938 for such as 'Love Shows Weakness' and 'Running Down My Man'. 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' was Barnes' first record release in his own name in 1940 with 'I Can't Believe That You're In Love With Me' flip side. Lord's discography has Barnes at 212 sessions, 31 of those his own. This account of his recording career is therefore necessarily truncated. One important figure with whom Barnes recorded on multiple occasions was cornetist/trumpeter, Jimmy McPartland, with whom he recorded three unissued titles on September 9 of 1949: 'Silence Please', 'I Never Thought I'd Sing the Blues' and 'Keepin' Out of Mischief Now'. They would see one another for issued titles on April 7 of '53: 'Ostrich Walk' and 'Louisiana'. May 14 saw 'I'm Coming, Virgina' and 'Riverboat Shuffle' among others. They would visit again in '55 and '59, that latter occasion resulting in McPartland's 'That Happy Dixieland Jazz'. More significant to his career was Barnes' association with arranger/conductor, Sy Oliver, first working with him in support of vocalist, Don Cherry, on titles like 'Beautiful Madness' and 'Chapel of the Roses' on January 25, 1951. Oliver employed Barnes on numerous occasions throughout the fifties. October 18, 1962, witnessed the recording of Oliver's 'Easy Walker'. That 1951 date with Oliver and Cherry also saw Barnes' first titles with trumpeter, Charlie Shavers. Their paths would interweave often in support of other operations to as late as Shavers' 'Excitement Unlimited' in 1963. Clarinetist, Artie Shaw, was also in that session with Cherry and Oliver above, Barnes to record with Shaw's orchestra the next year. Trumpeter, Yank Lawson, was another important figure in the fifties, they putting down such as 'Beale Street Blues' and 'Gulf Coast Blues' in November of '52. Lawson and Barnes recorded numerously together, supporting other bands when Barnes wasn't backing Lawson, to July 13 of 1959, that with Sy Oliver and Jean Goldkette for such as 'My Pretty Girl' and 'Dinah'. Barnes drew a royal flush on February 23, 1954, when he and Lawson were joined by trumpeter, Louis Armstrong, for titles to 'Louis' Hot 5s and 7s'. Barnes would see multiple sessions with Armstrong in January of 1957, Armstrong's 'A Musical Autobiography' among the results. Come 'Louis and The Good Book' in 1958. Latter 1954 saw multiple sessions with bandleader, Ray Anthony. Barnes began appearing on projects by pianist and 'Tonight Show' host, Steve Allen, in 1955: 'Jazz Tonight'. 'Allen's All Stars' arrived in 1958. Barnes could well be placed in Big Band Swing but that he kept pace with the times as well. Though not an R&B musician per se, he couldn't but observ the development from swing to R&B in the forties and fifties and performed with a few such musicians. One example was Big Joe Turner, Barnes first recording with Turner's All Stars on February 4, 1956, for such as 'Corrine Corrina' and 'Rock a While'. January 22 of 1958 found Barnes in the orchestra of Howard Bigg's to support Turner on such as 'Sweet Sue, Just You' and 'Blues in the Night'. Starting in 1956 Barnes would participate in all six volumes of Enoch Light's 'The Roaring 20's' with the Charleston City All Stars. Come veteran trumpeter, Wingy Manone, in January of 1957 for tracks to 'Trumpet on the Wing'. Clarinetist, Stan Rubin's, 'Dixieland Goes Broadway' followed in July. Six months later it was more R&B with Little Willie John on January 4 of '58 for 'Talk to Me', 'Don't Be Ashamed' and 'Spasms'. 'Let's Rock While the Rockin's Good' and 'You're a Sweetheart' followed on June 11. Come December 9 for 'No Regrets' and 'Made For Me'. Barnes had meanwhile recorded a number of titles in September with Della Reese from 'Good Morning Blues' to 'Stormy Monday'. Highlighting the sixties was cornetist, Bobby Hackett's, 'Jazz Impressions of Oliver' in 1963. Highlighting the seventies were numerous sessions with trumpeter, Ruby Braff. Their first on June 29 of 1973 was a concert at Carnegie Hall with their Quartet consisting of Wayne Wright (guitar) and John Giuffrida (bass) for titles like 'Ooh That Kiss' and 'With Time to Love'. They supported Tony Bennett that year as well for 'Rodgers and Hart Songs' and 'More Great Rodgers and Hart'. Their last session was at Carnegie Hall again on June 29 of 1975 with their Quartet consisting of Vinnie Currao (guitar) and Michael Moore (bass) for such as 'Them There Eyes' and 'I'm Old Fashioned'. Among Barnes' numerous albums were 'Guitars Galore' (1961), 'Gems' (1975), 'Live at The Concord Summer Festival' with Joe Venuti in 1976, 'Blues Going Up' (1977) and 'Plays So Good' released posthumously in 1978. Barnes died on September 5, 1977, in Concord, California. His last titles are thought to have been on July 7 that year at the Willows Theater in Concord, CA, for what would see issue as 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore'. A few more of Barnes' earliest recordings at age 16 under Jazz Gillum in Blues 4. Sessionographies: DAHR, Lord's. Discographies: 1, 2, 3. Mottola in visual media. See also The George Barnes Legacy and Guitar Cave. Per 1940 below, music for 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' had been written in 1918 for the Broadway musical, 'The Passing Show of 1918'. Lyrics were by Jaan Kenbrovin, a collective pseudonym for James Kendis, James Brockman and Nat Vincent.

George Barnes   1938

 It's a Low Down Dirty Shame

    With Big Bill Broonzy

    Composition: Broonzy/Ollie Shepard

 New Sail On, Little Girl

    With Big Bill Broonzy and Jazz Gillum

    Composition: Jazz Gillum

 Sweetheart Land

    With Big Bill Broonzy

  Sweet Sweet Woman

     With Big Bill Broonzy and Jazz Gillum

George Barnes   1940

 I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles

      Composition: See above

George Barnes   1961

 Singin' in the Rain

      Music: Nacio Herb Brown   1929

      Lyrics: Arthur Freed

      Album: 'Guitars Galore'

George Barnes   1971

 Honeysuckle Rose

     Duet with guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli

     Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaf

George Barnes   1978

 Theme from the Flintstones

      Album: 'Don't Get Around Much Anymore'

      Composition:

      Larry Goldberg/Lynn Bryson/Peggy Shows

 

 
 

Born in 1917 just north of the border from Mexico in Brawley, California, bassist Howard Rumsey is thought to have made his debut recording in May or June of 1938 in Hollywood with the Vido Musso Orchestra for 'Jig-a-Jive' (Davis & Schwegler 162). (That was released that year with 'I've Been a Fool' by Betty Van flip side per Davis & Schwegler 163.)Rumsey became a member of Stan Kenton's first band in 1941, recording for the Mutual Broadcasting System at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, CA, on July 25 to yield 'Artistry in Rhythm' (theme) and 'Reed Rapture'. Future sessions with Kenton for radio, studio and transcription ensued into 1942. He next supported Dave Coleman, Freddie Slack, Charlie Barnet and Wingy Manone ('49). It was 1949 when Rumsey was looking for a gig in Hermosa Beach, California, and happened upon the Lighthouse Club (Lighthouse Cafe: 1, 2, 3, 4). His first recorded session with his Lighthouse All Stars was circa December of '51, that featuring Jimmy Giuffre on parts 1 and 2 of 'Big Boy' and 'More Big Boy'. Rumsey's Lighthouse All Stars made the Lighthouse Club a hot spot in West Coast jazz into the early sixties. Ensembles other than the All Stars performed at the Lighthouse as well, such as those of Chet Baker, Miles Davis and Max Roach. The All Stars appeared on the 'Stars of Jazz' television series on 3 Sep of '56 w June Christy. Christy joined the All Stars on 'Stars of Jazz' again on 3 March of '58. The group (minus Christy) had laid out 'Music for Lighthousekeeping' in December of '56 [1, 2,]. Some 75 musicians passed through Rumsey's band to what Lord's disco lists as their last session on May 19 of 1958 for the 'Stars of Jazz' television program yielding 'All the Thing You Are', 'The Nearness of You' and 'Viva Zapata'. They had released the LP, 'Jazz Rolls Royce', that year. A few of the frequent members of the All Stars were Shorty Rogers, Milt Bernhart, Bob Cooper and Frank Rosolino. Frequent drummers were Shelly Manne and Stan Levey. Bud Shank, Jimmy Giuffre and Conte Candoli were also a strong presence. From 1972 to 1986 Rumsey partly owned and operated Concerts by the Sea, a jazz club in Redondo Beach, California. He had largely stopped performing by that time. Rumsey died on July 15, 2015. References for Rumsey: All Music; Wikipedia. Sessions: DAHR; Lord (leading 42 of 70). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Interviews: Rex Butters 2007; Marc Myers 2009; NAMM 2009. Further reading: Donald Clarke; Ken Poston. References for the Lighthouse All Stars: All Music; Jazz Research: 1, 2, 3, 4. Discos: 1, 2, 3. Internet Archive. Further reading: Marc Myers. Per below, 1941 is the recording rather than release year, those not issued before much later compilations.

Howard Rumsey   1941

 Arkansas Traveler

     With Stan Kenton

     Composition:

     Colonel Sanford Faulkner c 1850:

     1, 2, 3

 Congo Clambake

     With Stan Kenton

     Composition: Ralph Yaw

Howard Rumsey   1952

 Out of Somewhere

     Lighthouse All-Stars 2nd group

     Composition: Jimmy Giuffre

Howard Rumsey   1953

 Four Others

     Lighthouse All-Stars 2nd group

     Composition: Jimmy Giuffre

 Sunset Eyes

     Lighthouse All-Stars 2nd group

     Composition: Teddy Edwards

 Witch Doctor

     Lighthouse All-Stars 3rd group with Max Roach

     Composition: Bob Cooper

 At Last

     Lighthouse All-Stars 3rd group

     With Max Roach & Chet Baker

     Composition: Harry Warren/Mack Gordon

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Howard Rumsey

Howard Rumsey

Source: Bass Instincts

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Slam Stewart

Slam Stewart

Source: Salitote

Born in 1914 in Englewood, New Jersey, Slam Stewart [1, 2] was originally a violinist, switching to bass at age twenty, also starting to sing. He is thought to have first recorded in NYC with guitarist, Slim Gaillard, on January 19, 1938, as the other half of the duo, Slim and Slam: The Flat Foot Floogie', 'Chinatown', 'That's What You Call Romance' and 'Lady Be Good'. Three of those eventually got released by Legacy in 1996 on 'The Groove Juice Special'. 'Flat Foot Floogie' went down again on 17 February for issue on Vocalion 4021. Slim & Slam was a duo in name but usually incorporated other musicians such as Sam Allen (piano) and Pompey Guts Dobson (drums) on their first tracks. Other popular issues in 1938 included 'Jump Session' and 'Tutti Frutti'. IMDb has 'Flat Foot Floogie' used in the soundtrack of the 1940 film, 'it All Came True'. They performed 'Binjee Binjee Scootta' in the 1942 release of the film, 'Almost Married'. It was 'Sharp as a Tack' in 'Star Spangled Rhythm' premiering in December. Slim and Slam remained an enterprise also performing as Slim Gaillard and His Flat Foot Floogie Boys from 1939 into the forties. Stewart and Gaillard remained a team recording numerously to April 2 of 1942 as the Flat Floogie Boys: 'Palm Springs Jump', 'Ra-da-da-da', etc.. On January 3 of 1943 Stewart joined pianist, Fats Waller, in Hollywood on the soundtrack to 'Stormy Weather' before his first session with the Art Tatum Trio on March 22. That was for an AFRS 'Jubilee' broadcast (#17) with Tiny Grimes at guitar yielding such as 'Tiny's Exercise', 'Melody in F', etc.. That Trio was good for several sessions to June 21, 1944, in New York City for such as 'Soft Winds', 'Topsy', et al. On July 8 Tatum and Stewart performed a couple duets for NBC Radio that would get included on 'Live 1944-52 Vol 9' in 2005. Slam's next trio with Tatum was with Everett Barksdale on guitar in 1951 for VOA transcriptions in NYC yielding 'Tenderly', 'The Man I Love', etc.. That Trio recorded on multiple occasions to as late as March 25 of 1956 for NBC Radio, bearing 'Sweet Lorraine' and 'September Song'. We need step back to July 28, 1944, for one of the more important figures in Stewarts early career, that being tenor saxophonist, Don Byas, whose tracks on that date went toward 'Savoy Jam Party' in 1976. Stewart stayed with Byas for more than a year into latter '45, they last recording on November 1: 'Humoresque', 'Slamboree', etc.. By that time Stewart had held his first session as a leader on January 30 of '45 with a quartet consisting of Erroll Garner (piano), Mike Bryan (guitar) and Harold Doc West (drums) for 'Play Fiddle Play', 'Dark Eyes', Laff, Slam, Laff' and 'Jumpin' at the Deuces'. Garner would become a fairly important figure in Stewart's early career, both backing each other and other ensembles. Their first session had been with Garner's All Stars on December 26 of '44 for such as 'Gaslight', 'Red Cross', etc.. Garner was also in the Slam Stewart Trio with West on September 7 of '45 for 'Sherry Lynn Flip', 'Three Blind Micesky', etc.. Stewart's second session as a leader had been on May 28 with a quintet including vibraphonist, Red Norvo, for such as 'Honeysuckle Rose', 'Mood to Be Stewed', et al. Stewart preferred smaller ensembles from duos to trios and quartets. Among his duos was Slam & Bam in 1946 with Bam Brown on piano for 'Candy'. Another was 'Dialogue' in 1978 with guitarist, Bucky Pizzarelli (1926-2020). 1981 saw 'Shut Yo' Mouth!' released w bassist, Major Holley. We need step back to February 4 of '45 for another major figure in Stewart's early career, that Benny Goodman, first contributing to Goodman's Sextet on that date for such as 'After You've Gone', 'Slipped Disc', etc.. Numerous recordings went down that year to September 24 for such as 'Liza', 'China Boy' and 'My Daddy Rocks Me'. Reunions nigh thirty years later occurred in NYC and Germany in 1973, another in '75 in NYC and, finally, a PBS telecast from the Marriott Marquis Hotel in NYC on October 7, 1985, for Goodman's 'Let's Dance - A Musical Tribute'. Among others with whom Stewart recorded were Rose Murphy, the Newport Jazz Festival All Stars and Helen Ward. Stewart taught bass at Binghampton University and Yale. He died on December 10, 1987. He had recorded 'European Tour' in May in Bern, Switzerland, and 'The Cats Are Swingin'' on November 25. More Slam Stewart under Slim Gaillard in Modern Jazz Song. Discographies: 1, 2, 3. Compilations: Stewart: 'The Chronological Classics 1945-46'; Slim & Slam: 'Complete Columbia Master Takes' by Definitive 2001; 'Slim & Slam 1938 1939' by Giants of Jazz 1996. Sheet music. 1978 interview w Leroy Elliott. Archive. All tracks for 1938 below are the duo, Slim and Slam.

Slam Stewart   1938

  Flat Foot Floogie

      Composition:

      Slim Gaillard/Slam Stewart/Bud Green

  Look-a-There

      Composition: Slim Gaillard/Slam Stewart

  That's What You Call Romance

      Composition: Slim Gaillard/Slam Stewart

  Tutti Frutti

      Composition: Slim Gaillard/Slam Stewart

Slam Stewart   1941

  Hellzapoppin'

      Composition: Don Raye/Gene DePaul

      Filmed live with Slim Gaillard

Slam Stewart   1945

  Honeysuckle Rose

      Slam Stewart Quintet

      Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaf

  I Got Rhythm

      Tenor sax: Don Byas

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

  Indiana

      'Back Home Again in Indiana'

      Tenor sax: Don Byas

      Composition: Jack Hanley/Ballard MacDonald

  Slammin' the Gate

      Slam Stewart Quintet

      Composition: Leonard Feather

Slam Stewart   1973

  Oh, Lady Be Good

      With Benny Goodman

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

Slam Stewart   1977

  Slam Mule

      Bass duet with Major Holley

      LP: 'Two Big Mice'

      Composition: Slam Stewart

Slam Stewart   1981

  Close Your Eyes

      Bass duet with Major Holley

      Piano: Dick Hyman

      Drums: Oliver Jackson

      LP: 'Shut Yo' Mouth!'

Slam Stewart   1986

  Flat Foot Floogie

      Live performance

      Composition:

      Slim Gaillard/Slam Stewart/Bud Green

 

 
  Born in 1918 in Kearny, New Jersey, session guitarist, Tony Mottola [1, 2, 3], made his recording debut in 1939 with the George Hall Orchestra backing Dolly Dawn on 'Shine' (Vocalion 5160) [1, 2]. He began working in the CBS radio studio orchestra in 1941, playing as an accompanist to musicians such as Frank Sinatra comprising most of his early career. He recorded several duets in 1941 w guitarist, Carl Kress, issued on 'Fun on the Frets' (Yazoo L-1061) in 1988 [date by eBay vendor]. Lord's disco picks up Mottola as a leader with a certain date on October 18 of 1946: 'Guilty', 'Coquette' and 'Trigger Fantasy'. He also backed vocalist, Rosemary Calvin, that year on 'Mama, Do I Gotta?' and 'You Don't Learn That in School' during a session with the instrumental, 'Tony's Touch'. Mottola is credited with the first soundtrack for a television show, 'Danger', premiering in 1950 with Yul Brynner. MGM released a soundtrack LP for that show in 1951 (E-111). Among the host whom Mottola supported were Cliff Edwards, Pearl Bailey, Sarah Vaughan, Will Bradley, Benny Goodman, Urbie Green and Dick Hyman. Mottola's first album, 'Let's Put Out the Lights', was issued in 1956. His album, 'Mr. Big', was released in 1959, also containing 'Danger'. His issue of 'This Guy's in Love with You' reached the #22 tier on the Adult Contemporary in 1962 [Music VF]. He backed Sinatra in the seventies and eighties. He participated in Irv Cottler's 'I've Got You Under My Skins' in '82 or '83. Mottola began heading U.S. operations for Sony Music in 1988 (Sony having swallowed Columbia/CBS Records the prior year). In 1990 he became CEO, which position he kept until 2003. Mottola died on 9 August 2004 in Denville, New Jersey, having appeared on thousands of sessions and releasing more than 50 albums. Sessions at DAHR. Discographies: 1, 2, 3. Compilations: 'Guitar Jamboree' 1982. Mottola in visual media.

Tony Mottola   1951

 Danger Theme

     With the Ray Charles Singers

      Composition: Mottola

Tony Mottola   1959

 Mr. Big

     Album

Tony Mottola   1960

 Arrivederci Roma

      Composition:

      Pietro Garinei/Renato Rascel/Sandro Giovannini

 Roman Guitar

     Album

Tony Mottola   1964

 The Poor People of Paris

      Composition: Jack Lawrence/Marguerite Monnot

Tony Mottola   1966

 The Shadow of Your Smile

      With Perry Como

      Music: Johnny Mandel

      Lyrics: Paul Francis Webster

      For the film 'The Sandpiper'   1965

Tony Mottola   1967

 Lush and Lovely

      Composition: Mottola

      Album: 'Lush, Latin & Lovely'

 Samba De Orfeu

      Composition: Mottola

      Album: 'A Latin Love-In'

 So Nice

      Composition:

      Marcos Valle/Norman Gimbel/Paulo Sérgio Valle

      Album: 'A Latin Love-In'

 What Now My Love

     Composition:

     Carl Sigman/Gilbert Bécaud/Pierre Delanoë

     Album: 'A Latin Love-In'

 Yesterday

     Composition: Lennon-McCartney   1965

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Tony Mottola

Tony Mottola

Source: Space Age Pop Music

Birth of Modern Jazz: Oscar Pettiford

Oscar Pettiford

Source: African American Registry

Double bassist and cello player Oscar Pettiford was born in 1922 Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He knew and played with Milt Hinton, double bassist alike, as a teenager. Pettiford began working professionally while living in Minneapolis, MN, he there making his debut recordings at the Harlem Breakfast Club on September 24, 1939, with the Jerry Jerome Quartet consisting of Jerome on tenor sax, Charlie Christian on guitar and Frankie Hines on piano: 'I Got Rhythm #1', 'I Got Rhythm #2', 'Stardust', and 'Tea For Two'. At that point Pettiford wasn't certain if he wished to pursue music, backing off until he decided to go to New York where he fell in with in with the band of Charlie Barnet in 1942. His next sessions were private jams in February of 1943 in Chicago with saxophonist, Charlie Parker, in Room 305 of the Savoy Hotel. One on the 15th included Dizzy Gillespie for 'Sweet Georgia Brown'. One with no date was with trumpeter, Benny Harris, for 'I've Found a New Baby', 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love', etc.. Pettiford's next commercial recordings were in NYC on December 4, 1943, with Leonard Feather's Esquire All Stars in support of saxophonist, Coleman Hawkins. Titles included 'Esquire Bounce' and 'Esquire Blues'. Hawkins, Feather and the Esquire All American All Stars would be of major importance to Pettiford's career for years to come. Pettiford's next three sessions that December of '43 were with Hawkins' orchestra, yielding such as 'Voodle', 'Lover Come Back to Me' and 'The Man I Love'. Pettiford recorded numerously with Hawkins to March 2 of 1945, both in his orchestra and with the Esquire All American All Stars. Their last date was with Hawkins' orchestra in Los Angeles resulting in such as 'Hollywood Stampede' and 'I'm Through with Love'. They reunited on September 23, 1955, as members of the JATP All Stars accompanied by the Stan Kenton Orchestra for a CBS telecast of 'Music 55'. Later visits occurred in '57, '58 and, finally, April 2, 1960, at Grugahalle in Essen toward Hawkins's 'Hawk in Germany'. Hawkins attended nigh all of the numerous Esquire All Stars sessions that Pettiford did, except Pettiford's last on January 16, 1946, that a giant enterprise at the Ritz Theater in NYC titled 'Esquire Third Annual Jazz Concert' with the King Cole Trio and both the orchestras of Duke Ellington and Woody Herman. As for Feather, the Esquire All Stars went on without him. Pettiford's next sessions with him after their first with the All Stars in '43 was on November 20, 1944, in Feather's Hiptet to support Helen Humes on 'If I Could But I Can't', 'Keep Your Mind on Me', etc.. Pettiford filled spot in Feather's orchestras on occasion to as late as December 7 of 1958 for pianist, Dick Hyman's 'Oh, Captain!'. We need return to February 26, 1944, to regard the first that Pettiford recorded in a trio, that pianist, Earl Hines' with guitarist, Al Casey, for such as 'My Fate Is in Your Hands' and 'Honeysuckle Rose'. Pettiford recorded again with Hines that year and in '47. His next trio was with Milt Page and an unknown guitarist in December of 1944 to harvest 'It's Only a Paper Moon' and 'Soda Pop'. It was next his own Trio in October of 1945 with Clyde Hart (piano) and Chuck Wayne (guitar) for an AFRS 'Jubilee' radio broadcast (#151)to bear 'Tea for Two'. Among other trios was one with pianist, Bud Powell, and drummer, Roy Haynes, at the Birdland in NYC on February 7, 1953, to yield such as 'Lullaby of Birdland' (George Shearing/George David Weiss) and 'Tea for Two' (Vincent Youmans/Irving Caesar). Pettiford joined drummer, Art Blakey in the Thelonious Monk Trio on March 17, 1956 for 'Liza' and 'You Are Too Beautiful', et al. On August 2, 1956 it was the Charlie Smith Trio with pianist, Hank Jones, for such as 'Blues for Sal' and 'Body and Soul'. Those got issued that year on an LP shared with the Aaron Sachs Sextet: 'Jazzville Vol 3'. In October of 1957 it was his own Trio again with Eddie Costa (piano) and Ed Thigpen (drums) for 'Taking a Chance on Love'. We need return to July 27, 1944, for Pettiford's first session as a leader, that for solos accompanied by Clyde Hart at piano netting 'Dedicated to JB' and 'Don't Blame Me'. Pettiford led his first orchestra on January 9, 1945, for 'Something for You', 'Worried Life Blues' and 'Empty Bed Blues'. On November 17, 1945, arrived the most significant figure in Pettiford's career, that being pianist, Duke Ellington. Working with Ellington didn't pay a lot, but to be able to say that one did were words of gold. That ABC Broadcast from Radio City Studio 6B in NYC yielded such as 'Walkin' with My Honey' and 'Jack the Bear'. Ellington was Pettiford's main living for another thirteen years to 1958 with countless sessions held, what is thought the last on April 24 that year for 'Hand Me Down Love', 'Duke's Place' and 'Lullaby of Birdland'. Pettiford moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1958, where he died young, age 36, on September 8, 1960, of causes apparently undisclosed if not undetermined. He had recorded 'My Little Cello' in July that year. Amidst the host of others whose tunes Pettiford had learned were Ben Webster, Boyd Raeburn, Frank Wess, Mat Mathews, Tom Talbert, Lucky Thompson, Chris Connor, Nat Pierce, Phineas Newborn Jr. and Lee Konitz. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Sessions: DAHR (w composers); J-DISC (w comps by Pettiford); Lord (leading 52 of 420). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compilations: 'Sessions 1958-60' by Delta 1988; 'Germany 1958/1959' by Jazzhaus 2013 (also released as 'Baden-Baden 1958/1959'): 1, 2. Further reading: Erik Friedlander; Marc Myers (reviews); Mark Saltman (analysis): 1, 2; Michael Steinman. Other profiles: 1, 2.

Oscar Pettiford   1939

  Tea for Two

      With the Jerry Jerome Quartet

      Music: Vincent Youmans   1924

      Lyrics: Irving Caesar

Oscar Pettiford   1943

  The Man I Love

      With Coleman Hawkins

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

Oscar Pettiford   1959

  All the Things You Are

      Sax: Hans Koller

      Guitar: Attila Zoller

      Drums: Jimmy Pratt

      Composition: Jerome Kern

  Blues in the Closet

      Sax: Hans Koller

      Guitar: Attila Zoller

      Drums: Jimmy Pratt

      Composition: Pettiford

  The Gentle Art of Love

      Sax: Hans Koller

      Guitar: Attila Zoller

      Drums: Jimmy Pratt

      Composition: Pettiford

  Laverne Walk

        Tenor Sax: Stan Getz

      Composition: Pettiford

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Oscar Moore

Oscar Moore

Source: Discogs

Born in 1916 in Austin, TX, to get raised in Los Angeles, guitarist Oscar Moore [1, 2] became an original member of the Nat King Cole Swingsters in 1937 with bassist, Wesley Prince. He would remain w Cole's Trio for a decade. Prince would be replaced by Johnny Miller in 1941. Lord's disco traces radio transcriptions by that group to as early as October of '38 in Los Angeles for such as 'Mutiny in the Nursery' (Standard X-76) and 'By the River Sainte Marie' (Standard Y-132). Other titles included such as 'F.D.R. Jones', 'Don't Blame Me' and 'Lullaby in Rhythm'. Featuring Cole at both piano and vocals, those saw later issue in 1991 on the Cole compilation, 'The Complete Early Transcriptions of the King Cole Trio: 1938-1941', by Vintage Jazz Classics. That also contains transcriptions made w Cole's Swingsters in January of '39 including such as featuring Bonnie Lake on 'Harlem Swing' and 'I Lost Control of Myself. Numerous transcriptions by Cole's Trio followed to April 18 of 1940 when the trio was assisted by drummer, Lee Young, to lay out the trio's first commercial issues: 'I Like to Riff'/'On the Sunny Side of the Street' (Ammor 108) and 'By the River Sainte Marie'/'Black Spider Stomp' (Ammor 109). Moore also worked with such as Lionel Hampton ('40), Charlie Parker ('46) and Lester Young ('46) during his time w Cole. He left Cole to play with his guitarist brother, Johnny, in the Three Blazers until the mid fifties, first recording with that band in 1945: 'Fugue in C Major' and 'Melancholy Madeline'. Pianists, Charles Brown and Floyd Dixon, both served time in that ensemble. With the exception of a Cole tribute album recorded in April of 1965 ('We'll Remember You, Nat'), Moore had left the music industry to become a bricklayer in the latter fifties. Lord's sessionography traces dates to as late as two sessions in Hollywood on May 27, 1957, the first with vocalist Inez Jones (: 'Too Marvelous for Words', et al), the second with bassist, Leroy Vinnegar (: 'I Can't Get Started', et al). Moore died on October 8, 1981. Moore is the guitarist on tracks between '37 and '47 in Nat King Cole Piano and Nat King Cole Song. Catalogs: 1, 2. Moore and Fender guitar.

Oscar Moore   1938

  Jingle Bells

       ('One Horse Open Sleigh')

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Radio transcription

       Composition: James Lord Pierpont   1857

  Three Blind Mice

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Radio transcription

       Composition: Anonymous

       English nursery rhyme   See Wikipedia

Oscar Moore   1940

  I Like to Riff

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Composition: Nat King Cole

  Sunny Side of the Street

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Music: Jimmy McHugh

       Lyrics: Dorothy Fields

       Rights possibly sold by Fats Waller

Oscar Moore   1944

  Body and Soul

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Composition:

       Johnny Green/Edward Heyman

       Robert Sour/Frank Eyton

Oscar Moore   1946

  It's Better to Be by Yourself

       Film with the Nat King Cole Trio

       Composition:

       Bob Levinson/Howard Leeds/Nat King Cole

 To a Wild Rose

       With the Nat King Cole Trio

       Composition: Edward MacDowell

Oscar Moore   1954

  Buddy, Can You Spare a Dime?

       Oscar Moore Quartet   Piano: Carl Perkins

       Composition: Jay Gorney/Yip Harburg

  Jesse James

       Oscar Moore Quartet   With Kitty White

       Composition: Freed/Livingston

  Roulette

       Oscar Moore Quartet   Piano: Carl Perkins

       Composition: Oscar Moore

  Samson and Delilah Theme

       Oscar Moore Quartet   Piano: Carl Perkins

       Composition: Victor Young

Oscar Moore   1955

  Oscar's Blues

       Oscar Moore Quartet   Piano: Carl Perkins

       Composition: Oscar Moore

Oscar Moore   1966

  That's All

       Oscar Moore Trio

       LP: 'We'll Remember You, Nat'

       'Afterglow/ is a 1980 reissue [Discogs]

       Oscar Moore Quartet   Piano: Carl Perkins

       Music: Bob Haymes   1952

       (Lyrics: Alan Brandt)

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Billy Bauer

Billy Bauer

Source: Jazz Wax

Billy Bauer was a guitarist with an ear for such as bebop and cool jazz. Born in 1915 in New York City, by Bauer's account he began messing with electric guitar in 1935 at age twenty. He had earlier played ukulele, banjo and acoustic. His first professional performances were acoustic with pianist, Harry Raab, in 1936 at the Nash Tavern in South Bronx. In 1937 they performed at the Seabright Yacht Club in New Jersey and the Naughty Naught Cafe in Manhattan. In June of 1940 Bauer joined the Jerry Wald Orchestra. He first recorded on August 27, 1941, as a member of the Carl Hoff Orchestra: 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' and When Johnny Comes Marching Home'. (Thanks to 'Billy Bauer: A Life in the Bebop Guitar Business' by Steven Beck for above information.) He left tracks with Wald's orchestra on June 25, 1942, for such as 'Strictly Instrumental' and 'Trains in the Night'. Another session in 1943 yielded such as 'Alice Blue Gown' and 'C Jam Blues'. 1944 would be a big year for Bauer, he joining the orchestra of Woody Herman in time for transcriptions by World on April 5 to include such as 'Perfido' and 'Blue Lullaby'. Bauer would become a member of Herman's First Herd, remaining with him into 1946, joining him again from 1955 to '59 and reuniting on November 20, 1976, with Herman's New Thundering Herd for issue as 'The 40th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Concert'. It was with Herman in NYC that Bauer' first recorded with one of his more important musical comrades in the person of bassist, Chubby Jackson. That was April 5, 1944, for such as 'Perdido' and 'Blue Lullaby'. Bauer next joined Jackson's Sextet in Chicago on July 1 for 'I Gotcha Covered', 'Popsie', etc.. Bauer and Jackson would clear much the same path into 1947, recording numerously together with Herman, backing other ensembles and collaborating on Jackson's projects. Bauer last appeared with Jackson for live recordings at the Pied Piper in NYC on August 24, 1947, yielding four parts of 'A Nght in the Village', et al. They reunited on July 30, 1958, for Herman's 'The Herd Rides Again...in Stereo'. Another reunion would occur per above in 1976 for Herman's 'The 40th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Concert'. Another important musical associate arrived with Herman above on April 5, 1944, in pianist/arranger, Ralph Burns. Bauer and Burns worked with Herman until Burns vacated after Herman's Woodchoppers in 1946. They would work together again in 1951 with the Metronome All Stars and variously on several other occasions to May of 1956, Bauer joining Burns' orchestra to support vocalist, Beverly Kenney, on 'Come Swing With Me'. They would reunite in 1976 per above with Herman's New Thundering Herd. Present in Jackson's Sextet above on July 1 of 1944 was another to contribute significantly to Bauers' career in the person of tenor saxophonist, Flip Phillips. Bauer and Phillips left a common wake into the early fifties with Herman, other bands and supporting Phillips's projects. Their first occasion per the latter is thought to have been with Phillips' Fliptet in NYC on October 2, 1944, for such as 'Pappilloma' and '1-2-3-4 Jump'. Their last occasion of that long stretch together is thought have been on August 7 of 1951 with the Chico O'Farrill Orchestra for 'Dance One', 'Bright One', etc.. They would reunite once again, per above, in 1976 with Herman's New Thundering Herd, a final time per below in 1995. Another with whom Bauer worked significantly was blind pianist Lennie Tristano, they joining one another in 1946 in a trio with Chubby Jackson for 'My Ideal'. Bauer first joined Tristano's Trio on October 8 of '46 with bassist, Clyde Lombardi, for 'Out on a Limb', 'I Can't Get Started', et al. Bauer kept tight with Tristano to the Metronome All Stars in 1950 for 'Double Date' and 'No Figs' with Dizzy Gillespie. (Bauer is thought to have first recorded with Gillespie per Barry Ulanov's All Star Modern Jazz Musicians in September of 1947 for a couple 'Bands For Bonds' radio broadcasts yielding such as 'Ko-Ko', 'Fine and Dandy' and 'Tiger Rag'.) Having referred to the Metronome All Stars (MAS) a couple times, it's apt to comment that Bauer was a favorite with that organization of revolving musicians. His first appearance with the MAS was on January 15 of 1946 for 'Look Out' and 'Metronome All Out'. His sixth and last appearance was July 9 of 1953 for two parts each of 'How High the Moon' and 'St. Louis Blues', those with Billy Eckstine. The year after Bauer's first recording with the MAS came vocal giant, Dinah Washington, that with the Chubby Jackson Orchestra in NYC in spring of '47 for 'Stairway to the Stars' and 'I Wanna Be Loved'. 'Mean and Evil Blues' and 'You Satisfy' went unissued. Bauer also backed Sarah Vaughan that year on 'Everything I Have Is Yours' with the Barry Ulanov Orchestra. Bauer was an all-star musician by the time he joined Benny Goodman's Septet on May 24 of 1948 for an NBC radio broadcast from the Click Restaurant in Philadelphia, PA, putting out 'Stompin' at the Savoy', 'Limehouse Blues', etc.. Bauer stuck with Goodman through numerous recordings that year and later in 1958. They would reunite a last time in September of 1961 for sessions with CBS, then NBC, for such as 'Big John's Special' and 'My Reverie'. Bauer wouldn't depart the forties without recording with another who would figure heavily in his career, that alto saxophonist, Lee Konitz, the occasion for Lennie Tristano on January 11 of 1949 for ''Progression', 'Tautology', etc.. Also present were Arnold Fishkin (bass) and Shelly Manne (drums). Bauer and Konitz would stick with Tristano to 1950, they also recording with the MAS that year per Gillespie above. Bauer and Konitz then recorded as a duo on April 7 of 1950 on 'Rebecca', that with others titles per a quartet and quintet. Bauer supported Konitz numerously for the next eight years to the latter's 'An Image' on February 6 of 1958. Another significant figure arrived in cornetist, Bobby Hackett, on May 11, 1953, for 'Soft Lights and Bobby Hackett'. 1957 would find him recording toward Hackett and Jack Teagarden's 'Jazz Ultimate'. 1959 found Bauer participating in Hackett's 'Hawaii Swings'. In the meantime Bauer had recorded his debut album in April of 1955: 'Let's Have a Session'. 'Plectrist' [1, 2, 3], Bauer's single studio LP, ensued on January 26 and March 12 of 1956, issued by Norgran that year, by Verve the next in '57. Bauer's support on that were Andrew Ackers (piano), Milt Hinton (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). Bauer recorded throughout the sixties into 1969, among final titles in winter that year with trumpeter, Clark Terry, on 'What Is This Thing Called Love' and 'Blues For Fontana'. Woody Herman's 'The 40th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Concert' in 1976 with the New Thundering Herd was one of the few occasions that Bauer recorded in the last 35 years of his life as he concentrated on private teaching. Lord's disco has him one last time in March of 1995 with Flip Phillips at the Hilton in Dearfield Beach, FL, for 'Sweet and Lovely' and 'Perdido'. He published his autobiography, 'Sideman' [1, 2], in 1997. Bauer died on June 16 of 2005 in New York City. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Synopsis. Sessions: DAHR (w composers); Lord (leading 7 of 258). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Transcriptions & instruction by Bauer *. Further reading: 'A Life in the Bebop Guitar Business' by Steven Beck (Rutgers 2014).

Billy Bauer   1946

 I Can't Get Started

     Piano: Lennie Tristano

     Composition:  Vernon Duke/Ira Gershwin

  Swingin' for 'Popsie'

     Flip Phillips Hiptet

     Composition:  Joe (Flip) Phillips

  Why Shouldn't I?

      Flip Phillips Hiptet

     Composition:  Cole Porter

Billy Bauer   1947  

 Groovin' High

      Sax: Allen Eager

     Composition:  Dizzy Gillespie

Billy Bauer   1949

 Rebecca

      Sax: Lee Konitz

     Composition:  Konitz

  Cross Current

      Lennie Tristano Sextet

     Composition:  Tristano

Billy Bauer   1956

 It's a Blue World

     Composition:  George Forrest/Robert Wright

      Album: 'The Plectrist'

 

 
 

George Duvivier, double-bassist, was born in New York City in 1929. Early work places him with Lucky Millinder and Cab Calloway in the forties after a time in the Army. He is thought to have first recorded with the Lucky Millinder Orchestra on November 6 of 1941: 'Hey Huss' and 'Let Me Off Upton' (with vocalist, Trevor Bacon), et al. Duvivier stuck with Millinder for a couple years, their last tracks for V-Disc on November 23 of 1943 gone unissued: 'Macon Flyer', 'Apollo Jump' and 'Shipyard Social Function'. Lord's disco has Duvivier on a remarkable 822 sessions, the high majority of which will see no light here. We jump ahead a few years from Millinder to another orchestra director, Sy Oliver, with whom Duvivier recorded on multiple occasions, beginning on January 9, 1947, for such as 'Hey Daddy-O!' and 'Slow Burn'. His last session on December 20 that year yielded such as 'Scotty' and 'Sad Story Blues'. Sessions in 1949 included Billie Holiday on August 29: 'Keeps on Rainin' and 'Them There Eyes'. Sessions in 1950 included Louis Armstrong on June 26: 'La Vie en Rose', 'C'est Si Bon', et al. A session on January 4 of 1952 for vocalist, Jeri Southern, reaped such as 'Give Me Time' and 'I Thought of You Last Night'. A session on February 13, 1953, for vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald, wrought 'Careless', 'Blue Lou' and 'I Wonder What Kind of Man'. April 5 of 1956 saw vocalist, Connie Boswell's, 'Lullaby in Rhythm', 'Honey', etc.. Duvivier backed Oliver to 1960, including a couple of obscure albums: 'Just a Minute' and 'Annie Laurie' ('Dance Music for People Who Don't Dance Anymore' per Riverside). We need return to 1947 for Duvivier's first titles with one of the more important trumpet players of his career, that Joe Wilder in May that year in the orchestra of Jimmie Lunceford for such as 'Open the Door Richard' and 'One O'Clock Jump'. Duvivier and Wilder worked frequently together supporting other bands, when not a Wilder project, into the seventies. They joined one another in May and June of 1955 to support Lena Horne per the Lennie Hayton Orchestra for 'It's Love', 'Let Me Love You' and 'It's All Right With Me'. 1956 found Duvivier backing Wilder's 'Of Thee I Sing', a suite of Gershwin titles with Hank Jones (piano), Mundell Lowe (guitar) and Max Roach (drums). They backed vocalist, Peter Dean's, 'Four Or Five Times' in 1974, to reunite in 1980 for Helen Humes' 'Helen'. Wilder was present at what is thought to have been Duvivier's final session on March 5 of '85 in Manhattan for Benny Carter's 'The Cosmic Eye Suite'. We need back up to 1949 for Duvivier's first session with guitarist, Mundell Lowe, that in the Mary Lou Williams Orchestra on March 18 for such as 'Tisherome' and 'Knowledge'. Lowe would be one of Duvivier's more important associates for decades to come, often backing other bands together when not working on Lowe's projects. Early 1956 found them with pianist, Billy Taylor, recording tracks for what would get released in 2007 as Taylor's 'Meets the Jazz Greats (Know Your Jazz)'. Saxophonist, Al Cohn, and drummer, Percy Brice, were also part of that project. Lowe and Duvivier's next session, thought in April, was a trio with Jack Greenberg on reeds for 'This Could Lead to Love', 'Wonderful One', et al. 1961 saw Lowe's album, 'Satan in High Heels'. Their last recordings together are thought to have been in Tokyo in April of 1978 with pianist, Nat Pierce, for such as 'Blues for Terry' and 'Blues for Buddy'. They would reunite in Los Angeles in April of '84 for Barry Manilow's '2:00 AM - Paradise Cafe'. We return to 1949 for Duvivier's first session with one the more important saxophonists to grace his career, that Eddie Lockjaw Davis on April 19 to support vocalist, Jesse Stone, on 'Cole Slaw', 'Do It Now' and 'Easy Walkin''. On June 17 of 1949 they backed vocalist, Fats Thomas, on 'Oo-Bob-Aloo-Bo' and 'I Give You My Love'. December of 1957 found them recording 'Count Basie Presents the Eddie Davis Trio + Joe Newman'. Other albums by Davis on which Duvivier appeared were his three volumes of 'The Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis Cookbook' from '58 to '60, 'Very Saxy' ('59), 'Jaws in Orbit' ('59), 'Bacalao' ('60) and 'The Fox and the Hounds' ('67). Their last recordings together may have been in January of 1970 in the Count Basie Orchestra for 'Chicago', 'Have You Met Miss Jones?', et al. We return to August of 1952 for Duvivier's first session with pianist, Hank Jones, that in the Leroy Kirkland Orchestra to support Ella Fitzgerald on 'Trying', 'The Greatest There Is', etc.. Duvivier and Jones interweaved numerously throughout Duvivier's career in support of various bands. January of 1977 found them in the Hank Jones Trio with Ben Riley on drums for 'Bop Redux'. Another trio in Paris with drummer, Oliver Jackson, on July 28 of 1977 saw Jones' 'I Remember You'. July 17 of '78 saw them in France again with drummer, Alan Dawson, recording Jones' 'Compassion' in Brignoles. Another trio in April of 1979 in Tokyo with drummer, Shelly Manne, came to Jones' 'Easy to Love'. Jones' 'Live in Japan' followed the next month in Kagoshima. Back in Tokyo several days later that May they supported vocalist, Junko Mine, on 'Once in the Evening'. Come Jones' 'Bluesette' in London on June 22 of 1979 with drummer, Alan Dawson. Another trip to Tokyo in October 1980 found them backing Mine again. Their last recording together is thought to have been Duvivier's final, that in NYC on March 5 of 1985 to back Benny Carter's 'The Cosmic Eye Suite'. Another important pianist was Bud Powell, for which first session we return to August 14 of 1953 per Powell's Trio with drummer, Art Taylor: 'Autumn in New York' and 'Reets and I', et al. Numerous trios with Powell occurred to January 30 of 1958, again with drummer, Art Taylor, for such as 'Big Foot' and 'Barbados'. Another significant figure was Benny Goodman, commencing on November 8 of 1954 with a Goodman quintet and sextet for 'Air Mail Special', 'Ain't Misbehavin', 'Get Happy' and 'Slipped Disc', with guitarist, Steve Jordan, on the latter two. Duvivier recorded numerously with Goodman off and on in the fifties and sixties. Their last date together may have been for the 'Timex All Star Swing Festival' television special on October 23 of 1972 in NYC for 'Avalon', 'I'm a Ding Dong Daddy' and 'Moonglow'. Another significant bandleader was Count Basie. Duvivier had first worked with Basie upon the latter arranging the soundtrack to 'The Benny Goodman Story' in August of 1955. Come December of '57, per above with Eddie Lockjaw Davis for 'Count Basie Presents the Eddie Davis Trio + Joe Newman'. Duvivier stuck with Basie through numerous sessions to 1960 ('String Along with Basie'). 1966 found Duvivier contributing to 'Basie Swingin', Voices Singin' with Davis and the Alan Copeland Singers. January of 1970 witnessed titles like ' 'Chicago' and 'Have You Met Miss Jones?', again with Davis. We back up to 22 May of 1956 in Paris for what Lord lists as Duvivier's only session as a leader, putting down such as ''Rue Dauphine' and 'Nautilus' w Martial Solal (piano), Michel Hausser (vibes) and Charles Saudrais (drums). Recorded for Coronet, Lord shows no releases and none are found. It was with Basie that Duvivier first recorded with another keyboardist significant in his career, that organist, Shirley Scott, their first titles thought to have occurred on December of 1957 per above for 'Count Basie Presents the Eddie Davis Trio + Joe Newman'. Duvivier and Scott drove much the same bumper car into the latter sixties, often supporting Davis when not working on Scott's projects. In March of 1958 Duvivier participated in 'Eddie Davis Trio Featuring Shirley Scott'. Other among Scott's projects were 'Scottie Plays The Duke' on April 24 of '59, and 'Soul Sister' in 1960. 1960 also saw 'Like Cozy', per a trio with drummer, Arthur Edgehill. August 19 of 1966 witnessed 'Soul-Duo' with Clark Terry on flugelhorn and Mickey Roker on drums. 'Girl Talk' was recorded January 12, 1967. Another important pianist, John Lewis, had come knocking on May 8, 1959, with Connie Kay on drums for 'My Heart Stood Still' and 'Now's the Time', et al. Duvivier supported Lewis numerously to late 1960, later reuniting in France in '77 and '78. That last occasion in Brignoles on July 19 resulted in Lewis' 'Mirjana'. Another important saxophonist was Oliver Nelson, the latter's 'Screamin' the Blues' recorded on May 27, 1960, with Eric Dolphy. Another Nelson LP with Dolphy was 'Straight Ahead' recorded on March 1 of 1961. Nelson began arranging and conducting his own orchestra in 1952, Duvivier to fill a spot in that in August of '62 in support of Johnny Hodges' 'Eleventh Hour'. The first album by Nelson and his orchestra on which Duvivier appeared was 'Full Nelson', recorded October 19, 1962. Nelson kept Duvivier quite busy to 1967, both backing other organizations and recording Nelson LPs. Their last recordings of that long stretch were with Nelson's Jazz Interactions Orchestra for 'Jazzhattan Suite' in November of 1967. They would see one another again in May of 1970 to support 'Louis Armstrong and His Friends'. Backing up to 1960, a vocalist important to Duvivier's career came knocking on June 21, that Etta James for 'Don't Go to Strangers'. Duvivier would also appear on 'So Warm' (1961), 'Lonely and Blue' (1962), 'Save Your Love for Me' (1980) and 'Love Me with All Your Heart' (1983). Another important organist requires mention, returning to 1962 for titles with Jimmy Smith backed by the Oliver Nelson Orchestra: 'In a Mellow Mood' and 'Step Right Up'. Duvivier backed Smith heavily into 1964, again on December 17 of 1965 for 'Got My Mojo Working', 'C Jam Blues', etc.. Highlighting some of the other recordings to which Duvivier contributed were albums by violinist, Andre Hodeir ('American Jazzmen Play Hodeir's Essais' 1957), Oscar Brown Jr. ('Sin and Soul' 1960), Jeanne Lee ('The Newest Sound Around' 1961), Aretha Franklin ('Unforgettable: A Tribute to Dinah Washington' 1964) and Toots Thielemans ('Contrasts' 1966). Among the host of others with whom Duvivier recorded were Bob Scobey, Frank Wess, Pearl Bailey, Louie Bellson, Lionel Hampton, Bob Brookmeyer, Dinah Washington, Quincy Jones, Kai Winding, Illinois Jacquet, Sonny Stitt, Stanley Turrentine and Joe Farrell. Per above, Duvivier's final recordings are thought to have been for Benny Carter's 'The Cosminc Eye Suite' on March 5 of 1985. He died of cancer at home in Manhattan on July 11 that year. References: 1, 2. Sessions: DAHR, J-Disc, Lord (leading 1 of 841). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. IA. Discussion. Biblio: 'Bassically Speaking: An Oral History of George Duvivier' by Edward Berger & David Chevan (Scarecrow Press 1993).

George Duvivier   1943

  Autumn in New York

      Piano: Bud Powell

      Drums: Art Taylor

      Composition: Vernon Duke   1934

George Duvivier   1955

  Conception

      Piano: Bud Powell

      Drums: Art Taylor

      Composition: George Shearing

George Duvivier   1957

  She

      Piano: Bud Powell

      Drums: Art Taylor

      Composition: George Shearing

George Duvivier   1959

  C Jam Blues

      Filmed live

      Tenor sax: Ben Webster

      Composition:

      Duke Ellington   1942

  I Say Hello

      Piano: Roland Hanna

      Guitar: Kenny Burrell

      Drums: Roy Burnes

      Hanna LP: 'Destry Rides Again'

      All comps by Harold Rome

George Duvivier   1960

  After Midnight

      Clarinet: Bob Wilber

      Composition: Wilber

George Duvivier   1984

  Blues for Harry Carney

      Filmed live

      Guitar: Johnny Smith

      Drus: Alan Dawson

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: George Duvivier

George Duvivier

Source: Jazz Lead Sheets

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Barry Galbraith

Barry Galbraith

Source: Jazz Wax

Barry Galbraith was born in 1919 in Pittsburgh, PA. He began his professional career upon ending up in New York City in time for his first session in the Claude Thornhill Orchestra on August 25, 1941, for such as 'Kim' and 'Concerto for Two'. While with Thornhill he also laid tracks with an orchestra run by Teddy Powell in support of vocalist, Ruth Gaylor, on November 11: 'I Used to Love You', 'Honey', et al. Thornhill's operation was Galbraith's engine that could into the fifties, numerous sessions held to December 17 of '47 for such as 'Yardbird Suite' and 'Let's Call It a Day'. Which they did until April of 1953 for such as 'Adios' and 'Rose of the Rio Grande', Gerry Mulligan arranging the latter. Galbraith joined Thornhill again on February 26 of 1958 for 'Claude on a Hill'. 'Dance to the Sound of Claude Thornhill and His Orchestra' saw recording on February 3 of 1959 for December issue by Decca. Other than working with Thornhill, Galbraith was a studio musician with sessions well exceeding 600. We'll pull the reins on this account of such, then, by commenting on only a couple of the more important figures in his career, those trombone player, Urbie Green, and bandleader, Manny Albam. Galbraith may have first recorded with Albam for Charlie Ventura on December 28 of 1949, Albam on baritone sax for such as 'Take the 'A' Train' and 'Prelude to a Kiss'. Beginning with Galbraith's next session with Albam the latter would be working as an arranger for Don Elliott's 'Mellophone' in early 1955. It was next the Manny Albam Orchestra supporting Milt Hinton on February 1 for such as 'Prelude to a Kiss' and 'Fump'. On Galbraith's numerous future sessions with Albam the latter would be working as an arranger and/or conductor both in mixture with other enterprises and his own projects. Albam albums on which Galbraith appeared were 'Sophisticated Lady (The Songs of Duke Ellington)' in 1958, 'I Had the Craziest Dream' in 1961 and 'Brass On Fire' in 1966. Lord's disco shows them last working on titles together in summer of 1967 for Jimmy McGriff's 'A Bag Full of Blues', Albam arranging. As for Green, the next year after wrapping up with Thornhil in '53, Galbraith joined Green in the Aaron Sachs Quintette in November of '54 to record the album by the same name. The next year they would begin another 13 years of continually interweaving sessions in support of other enterprises as well as each other, the career of the one much reflecting that of the other. On January 16, 1958, Green backed Galbraith's 'Guitar & the Wind' [1, 2]. Galbraith supported Green on 'The Message' and 'Best of the New Broadway Show Hits!' in 1959. Galbraith appeared on both volumes of Green's 'Persuasive Trombone' issued in '60 and '62, become available on CD in 2007 as 'The Complete Persuasive Trombone'. Galbraith backed 'The Urbie Green 6-Tet' in 1963 before what may have been their last recordings together, Green's '21 Trombones' in 1968. Among the hundreds of albums to which Galbraith contributed were such as Paul Quinichette's 'Moods' and Joe Puma's 'Joe Puma' in 1954. He also contributed to Puma's 'Like Tweet' in 1961. Jackie Paris' 'Paris in Swingtime' went down in November of '55. Other Paris titles in which Galbraith participated were 'The Jackie Paris Sound' in 1957, 'Jackie Paris Sings the Lyrics of Ira Gershwin' in 1960 and 'The Song Is Paris' in 1962. Lurlean Hunter's 'Night Life' arrived in 1956, followed by Tommy Shepard's 'Shepard's Flock' the same year. Come Cannonball Adderley's 'Jump For Joy' in 1958 and Helen Merrill's 'You've Got a Date with the Blues' in '59. Galbraith had earlier held numerous sessions with Merrill in 1954-56. Ted McNabb's 'Big Band Swing' went down in November of '59, Johnny Griffin's 'White Gardenia' in 1961, Jack Teagarden's 'Think Well of Me' in 1962. Amidst the galaxy of those on whose titles Galbraith appeared were the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra, Stan Kenton, Dinah Washington, Tex Beneke, Joe Newman, Coleman Hawkins, Lee Wiley, Wild Bill Davison, Billie Holiday, Joe Saye, Boyd Raeburn, Sam "The Man" Taylor, Kenny Burrell and Jimmy Smith. Galbraith died in Bennington, Vermont, on January 13, 1983. He had issued 'Guitar Improve' the year before with guitarist, Mark Slifstein, and Milt Hinton on bass. References: 1, 2. Sessions: DAHR (205 w composing credits), J-Disc, Lord (leading 4 of 616). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. Books by Galbraith: JGL (instruction): 1, 2, 3, 4; 'Jazz Guitar Study Series'; other.

Barry Galbraith   1955

 Blue Gardenia

    With Dinah Washington

      Composition:

      Lester Lee/Bob Russell   1953

      For the film 'The Blue Gardenia'

  You're Crying

      Composition: Quincy Jones

    Paul Quinichette album: 'Moods'

Barry Galbraith   1956

 He Was Too Good to Me

      Music: Richard Rodgers   1930

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

 Warmeland

      ('Dear Old Stockholm')

     Piano: John Lewis

      Composition: See Wikipedia

      LP: 'The John Lewis Piano'

Barry Galbraith   1958

 Love Is for the Very Young

      Composition: David Raskin

       LP: 'Guitar and the Wind'

Barry Galbraith   1962

  Barry's Tune

      Gil Evans Orchestra

      Composition: John Carisi

      Evans LP 'Into the Hot'

      All arrangements: Evans

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Herb Ellis

Herb Ellis

Photo: Vernon Hyde

Source: Wikipedia

Like novelist, Henry Miller, who wrote because he was too poor to pursue anything else, so it was with guitar and Herb Ellis. Born in 1921 in Farmersville, Texas, then raised in Dallas, Ellis was unable to finish college when not long later he was hired by Glen Gray. He may have first recorded with Gray in October 1943 with the Casa Loma Orchestra for Decca in support of vocalist, Eugenie Baird: 'My Heart Tells Me' and 'My Shining Hour', with the instrumentals, 'Birmingham Special' and 'Just an Old Manuscript'. Ellis stuck with the Casa Loma for a couple years, his final titles with that outfit thought to have been on May 3 of 1945 for 'Counting the Days' and 'While You're Away' with vocalist, Skip Nelson, and 'Gotta Be This or That' with vocalist, Fats Daniels. While with the Casa Loma Ellis attended several sessions with the V-Disc All Stars in December of 1944, yielding a string of titles from 'Jack-Armstrong Blues' to 'I'm Confessin' with jazz greats, Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden. On March 12 of 1945 Ellis joined the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra for a broadcast of 'Saturday Night' on the 'Spotlight Bands' radio program. A V-Disc session on the 15th yielded 'Brotherly Jump' and 'More Than You Know' before Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey separated to run each their own orchestras. Ellis went with Jimmy's band to record 'Dream' and 'There I've Said It Again' on March 28 with vocalist, Teddy Walters, after which he would exchange the Casa Loma for Jimmy's operation. Ellis' first recorded solos were with Jimmy, the earliest known being 'J.D.'s Boogie Woogie' in 1945. Others followed in 1946 such as 'Perdido', 'J.D.'s Jump', 'Super Chief' and 'Sunset Strip'. Ellis stayed with Jimmy to January 8 of 1947 for such as 'Heartaches' and 'No Greater Love' with vocalist, Bob Carroll, and 'Pots and Pans' with 'A Sunday Kind of Love' with vocalist, Dee Parker. In 1946 Ellis had formed the trio, the Soft Winds, with pianist, Lou Carter, and bassist, Johnny Frigo, both whom he had met while with Jimmy. Tom Lord and Scott Yanow have the Soft Winds recording from 1947 to 1949, along w a reunion half a century later in November of 1995 aboard the SS Norway in the Caribbean with Frigo on violin and Keter Betts on bass. Titles from both periods are available on the CD, 'Then and Now: 1946 · 1996' released in 1997 on Chiaroscuro 342. Three of Ellis' more important musical associates entered his space in 1953, those in the persons of Norman Granz, Oscar Peterson and Ella Fitzgerald. Granz was the founder, impresario and producer of Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP). He had founded Clef Records in 1946, formed Norgran Records in 1953 and would establish Verve Records in 1956. Ellis' initial JATP session was at the Bushnell Memorial Auditorium in Hartford, CT, in May, 1953, for such as 'Cotton Tail' and 'Air Mail Special'. Ellis would hold 18 dates with the JATP to May 1, 1958, in Paris for the soundtrack to 'Les Tricheurs'. His first sessions with the JATP in '53 included Peterson on piano, from which point onward they were constant partners into the sixties supporting other operations, such as the JATP, and each other. The first Oscar Peterson Trio with Ray Brown on bass was a JATP affair at Carnegie Hall on September 19 of 1953 for such as 'Lollobrigida' and 'Pompton Turnpike'. Peterson and Brown backed Ellis' on the latter's debut album, 'Ellis in Wonderland', on December 28 of 1955. Brown, another important figure in Ellis career, mostly in association with Peterson, supported Ellis on his second album, 'Nothing But the Blues', on October 11 of 1957. Also in on that were Roy Eldridge, Stan Getz and Stan Levey. Ellis and Peterson recorded countless titles together, their last sessions with the Oscar Peterson Trio, yet with Brown, held on December 27 of 1972 toward Peterson's two volumes of 'History of an Artist'. Guitarists, Irving Ashby and Barney Kessel, also participated in that. March of 1990 saw a reunion with drummer, Bobby Durham, for 'Live at the Blue Note', 'Encore at the Blue Note', 'Saturday Night at the Blue Note' and 'Last Call at the Blue Note'. June 11 of 1991 saw them recording 'In the Key of Oscar' at the Bermuda Onion in Toronto, Ontario, with drummer, Jeff Hamilton. 'Side by Side' ensued in Astoria, New York, in April of 1994 with violinist, Itzhak Perlman, and drummer, Grady Tate. 'A Tribute to Oscar Peterson' followed on October 1, 1996, at Town Hall in NYC with drummer, Lewis Nash. Brown was in on that, though Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen as well. As for Ella Fitzgerald, Ellis' first titles with her in 1953 were a JATP affair in November in Tokyo, also with Brown and JC Heard on drums. Titles from their first session with Raymond Tunia on piano were such as 'On the Sunny Side of the Street' and 'Body and Soul'. Peterson was at piano for a second session. During that tour Ellis, Brown and Heard also backed pianist, Toshiko Akiyoshi, on her debut album, 'Toshiko's Piano'. From that date onward Ellis might as well have moved in with Fitzgerald, numerous sessions ensuing into the early sixties, largely in association with JATP, Louis Armstrong or Peterson. Ellis' last recordings with Fitzgerald are thought to have been in 1970 for several sessions stretching from January 4 to December 22, that last date yielding 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' and 'Things Ain't What They Used to Be'. Those dates per Lord's disco are contradicted, however, by Wikipedia, wanting session dates of May 26–30 of 1969 for the 1970 issue of the album, produced by Norman Granz, 'Things Ain't What They Used to Be (And You Better Believe It)'. Discogs has that recorded on an unknown date in 1970, copyrighted and released in 1971. Howsoever, that was released on Frank Sinatra's label, Reprise Records. Other unmentioned notable figures arriving in the fifties were such as Lester Young, Dizzy Gillespie, Blossom Dearie and Coleman Hawkins. During the sixties it were Peggy Lee, the Dukes of Dixieland and Lou Rawls. During the eighties Ellis worked with pianist, Monty Alexander, on multiple occasions for several years from 1980 to '87. In 1999 he and blues guitarist, Duke Robillard, recorded 'Conversations in Swing Guitar' and 'More Conversations in Swing Guitar'. The new millennium found him supporting Ray Brown in February of 2000 on a couple tracks to 'Some of My Best Friends Are...Guitarists'. Ellis died of Alzheimer's disease at his home in Los Angeles on March 28, 2010 [obits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. References: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: DAHR (60 1944-1968), Lord (leading 47 of 449 1943-2000). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. IA. Further reading: Gene Lees; Marc Myers (Ellis w Oscar Peterson). Other profiles: *.

Herb Ellis   1946

With Jimmy Dorsey:

  Sunset Strip

      Composition:

      Jimmy Dorsey/Sonny Burke

  Super Chief

      Composition:

      Jimmy Dorsey/Ellis/Louis Carter

      Arrangement: Louis Carter

Herb Ellis   1955

  Ellis in Wonderland

     Album

Herb Ellis   1958

  Soft Winds

     Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie

      Composition: Benny Goodman

      LP: 'Nothing but the Blues'

Herb Ellis   1969

From 'Hello Herbie'

Oscar Peterson LP

Piano: Oscar Peterson

Bass: Sam Jones

Drums: Bob Durham

   Blues for H. G.

     Composition: Oscar Peterson

  Naptown Blues

      Composition: Wes Montgomery

  Seven Come Eleven

      Composition:

      Charlie Christian

      Benny Goodman

      Fletcher Henderson

Herb Ellis   1979

  Tangerine

      Filmed live w Barney Kessel

      Music: Victor Schertzinger   1941

      Lyrics: Johnny Mercer

Herb Ellis   1986

  Medley

     Live performance with Dave Maslow

  Sweet Georgia Brown

      Live performance with Dave Maslow

      Music:

      Ben Bernie/Maceo Pinkard   1925

      Lyrics: Kenneth Casey

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Lloyd Tiny Grimes

Tiny Grimes

Source: Jazz Wax

Guitarist Lloyd Tiny Grimes was born in 1916 in Newport News, Virginia. He is thought to have played drums professionally before switching to electric guitar in 1938. He joined the Cats and a Fiddle in time for titles in NYC on January 20, 1941, such as 'I'll Always Love You Just the Same' (Bluebird 8639) and 'I Am Singing' (Bluebird 8685), et al. A couple sessions with that group followed in October. On March 22 of 1943, he was in Los Angeles as one of the Art Tatum Trio with Slam Stewart on bass for AFRS 'Jubilee' broadcasts in March and June. Numerous sessions with that trio were held, including transcriptions for World, to June 21 of 1944 in NYC for such as 'Boogie' and 'Soft Winds' (Folkways FP33). On September 13 Grimes held his first session as a leader, recording 'Tiny's Tempo' and 'Red Cross', et al, toward issue on Savoy MG 12001. The sorts of circles Grimes helped to populate were those of Ike Quebec, Billie Holiday and Earl Hines, etc.. Among albums released by Grimes were 'Blues Groove', co-led in February of 1958 with Coleman Hawkins, and 'One Is Never Too Old to Swing' in 1977 with trumpeter, Roy Eldridge. Grimes died of meningitis on March 4, 1989. More of Tiny Grimes with bassist Slam Stewart, under Art Tatum. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. IMDb. Internet Archive. Compilations: 'The Complete Tony Grimes' 1944-1954 Vol 1-5 by Blue Moon 2004: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; Chronological Classics in 3 volumes: #5048 '1944-1949', #5106 '1949-1951' and #5146 '1951-1954'. Reviews.

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1943

  Tiny's Exercise

      With the Art Tatum Trio

      Composition: Grimes

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1944

  Tiny's Tempo

      Saxophone: Charlie Parker

      Piano: Clyde Hart

      Composition: Hart

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1947

  Profoundly Blue

      Composition: Meade Lux Lewis

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1950

  Frankie & Johnny Boogie

      Composition: Grimes [45Cat]

  St. Louis Blues

      Composition: W.C. Handy   1914

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1951

  Hawaiian Boogie

      Composition: Grimes

Lloyd Tiny Grimes   1972

  Watermelon Man

      Composition: Herbie Hancock   1962

 

 
 

Guitarist Barney Kessel first recorded with the Chico Marx Orchestra in Decmber of 1942. (Marx, of the comedy group, the Marx Brothers, was a pianist.) Those titles weren't issued until 1992 on a CD shared with titles by Desi Arnaz per 'Big Bands of Hollywood'. His next session was in December of '43 for 'Bring Enough Clothes for Three Days' with Timmie Rogers and his Excelsior Hep Cats, that issued in May of '45. Come Jack McVea in April of '44 for an AFRS 'Jubilee' radio broadcast including 'St. Louis Blues' with Helen Humes, issues unknown until the 1980 LP, 'Jack McVea & His Combo: Open The Door, Richard 1944-1947'. Lord's disco has Kessel's first session as a leader, 'Tea For Two', included on that. Kessel's first appearance on record shop shelves was per 'Sam's Got Him' with the King Guion Orchestra for vocalist, Johnny Mercer, that recorded on June 21 of '44, released in August. Kessel's next session was for V-Disc, also issued in '44, that with the band of Charlie Barnet in July for titles like 'Redskin Rumba' and 'Pompton Turnpike'. He was also featured in the jazz film, 'Jammin' the Blues', released in 1944 (below). With Kessel attending about 530 sessions, more than seventy of those his own as a leader, we jump ahead a touch to Kessel's first major band, that of Artie Shaw, joining the latter's orchestra in time for such as 'Accentuate the Positive' and 'Let's Take the Long Way Home' in November of 1944 with vocalist, Imogene Lynn. Kessel remained with Shaw to April 28 of 1946 to record 'The Pied Piper'. Later that year he joined the Benny Goodman Orchestra in time record such as 'Under the Double Eagle' and 'Rattle and Roll' in October for an AFRS 'Magic Carpet' broadcast (#514). Lord's disco has Kessel with Goodman to January of '47 for broadcasts of 'The Benny Goodman Show' from Hollywood for such as 'Lonely Moments' and 'I'll Always Be in Love with You', the latter a quintet. Reunions with the Benny Goodman Quintet were held in September of '58, the last for the 'Music of Benny Goodman' television special for Johnny Green: 'Poor Butterfly', 'Avalon' and 'It's All Right With Me'. Those were released much later in 1976 on an LP titled 'Orchestras & Groups' (Rarities 30). Among notable vocalists to early come Kessel's way was Mel Tormé who had sang 'Abraham' during Kessel's first recording session per above with Chico Marx. Multiple sessions  with Tormé followed in '44, '49, '57, '64 and, finally, February 1 of 1968 for 'A Day in the Life of Bonnie and Clyde'. Among Kessel's more important musical associates was arranger and bandleader, Billy May. They first recorded together when May played trumpet for Johnny Mercer per above in June of 1944. 'Conversation While Dancing' followed on September 11 that year. They would see one another again in 1946-47 with May arranging for Charlie Barnet. Kessel joined May's orchestra in time for titles on October 26, 1950, like 'Mambo con Catalina' and 'Fat Man Mambo', et al. Kessel worked with May on multiple occasions to 1958, either in May's orchestra or with May arranging for others such as Bing Crosby in August of '58, yielding 'It Happened in Monterey', 'Love Won't Let You Get Away', etc.. After titles with Mercer above in 1944 Kessel recorded his first issued tracks as leader of the All Stars on June 7, 1945: "Atom Buster', 'What Is This Thing Called Love', 'Slick Chick' and 'The Man I Love'. Kessel was well-known for his work with major vocalists, one being Anita O'Day whom he first supported on December 23 of 1946 as a member of Benny Goodman's orchestra: 'The Christmas Song'. Kessel backed O'Day on occasion, though numerously, with various orchestras to as late as 1961, that last session to yield 'Remember', 'Some Other Spring', et al. Another important associate was pianist, Oscar Peterson, they recording their first trio with bassist, Ray Brown, on November 25, 1951, in Los Angeles, coming to such as 'Turtle Neck' and 'Pooper'. Peterson's trios, quartets on occasion, would also make Brown one of the more important of Kessel's associates, the three of them recording numerously to December 7 of 1953 for such as 'Without a Song', 'Sometimes I'm Happy', et al. The three got together again in '57, later in 1972 for both volumes of Peterson's 'History of an Artist'. Another major vocalist was Billie Holiday, Kessel supporting her for a Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) concert at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on October 7, 1946, for a rendition of 'Trav'lin' Light'. Kessel would see Holiday again in 1952 in her orchestra for 'East of the Sun', 'Blue Moon', etc.. They thereafter recorded numerously together to January 9 of 1957 for 'They Can't Take That Away From Me', 'Embraceable You', et al. Another big name vocalist came Kessel's way via the person of Ella Fitzgerald, that with Peterson, Brown, et al, at the Theatre de Beaulieu in Lausanne, Switzerland, for a JATP concert on March 14, 1953, yielding such as 'It's Only a Paper Moon', 'Someone to Watch Over Me', etc.. Kessel backed Fitzgerald numerously in 1956 and '58, later in October of 1964 for 'Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Johnny Mercer Song Book'. Kessel had meanwhile recorded in '52 or '53 what would get issued on 'Swing Guitars' in 1955 on an album shared with Tal Farlow and Oscar Moore. His first album, 'Easy Like', was taped in latter 1953, 'Barney Kessel Plays Standards' in '54 and 'To Swing Or Not To Swing' in 1955. Important in Kessel's latter career was guitarist, Herb Ellis, who had joined Kessel and guitarist, Mike Deasy, in the band of Mel Tormé per above for 'A Day in the Life of Bonnie and Clyde' in '68. Ellis participated in Peterson's 'The History of an Artist' per above in 1972 before joining Kessel and guitarist, Charlie Byrd, in their first trios at the Concord Jazz Festival in California on July 28, 1974, those included on 'Great Guitars'. Several of the projects on which Ellis and Kessel worked together were Byrd's, including their their last in Washington, D.C. in August of 1982 for 'At Charlie's Georgetown'. Others of the horde with whom Kessel recorded through the years were Howard McGhee, Bing Crosby, Billy Eckstine, Ray Anthony and Buddy DeFranco. Kessel died on May 6, 2004. His last album is thought to have been recorded in March of '88: 'Red Hot and Blues'. A stroke in 1992 had ended his professional career [obits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 72 of 535 sessions). Audio archives: Internet Archive, Muskogee 1982 (podcast). Interviews: Les Tomkins 1969-88, NAMM 1999. Further reading: Cynthia Benedetto (alt), Spectropop, Matt Warnock (instruction). Bibliography: 'Barney Kessel: A Jazz Legend' by Maurice Summerfield (Ashley Mark Publishing 2008). Other profiles: 1, 2.

Barney Kessel   1944

  Jammin' the Blues

      Short film   Tenor sax: Lester Young

      1: 'Midnight Symphony'

      Composition: Lester Young

      2: 'On the Sunny Side of the Street'

      Music: Jimmy McHugh

      Lyrics: Dorothy Fields

      3: 'Jammin' the Blues'

      Composition: Lester Young

      Scripts & Grooves

Barney Kessel   1955

  That's All

      Recorded 1953

      Piano: Claude Williamson

      Bass: Red Mitchell

      Composition: Alan Brandt/Bob Haymes

  A Foggy Day

      Recorded 1954

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

  Jeepers Creepers

      Recorded 1954

      Composition: Harry Warren/Johnny Mercer

  You Stepped Out of a Dream

      Recorded 1954

      Music: Nacio Herb Brown   1940

      Lyrics: Gus Kahn

Barney Kessel   1958

  Angel Eyes

      Bass: Ray Brown

      Drums: Shelly Manne

      Composition: Earl Brent/Matt Dennis

Barney Kessel   1959

  Jersey Bounce

      Music:

      Tiny Bradshaw

      Eddie Johnson

      Bobby Plater

      Lyrics: Robert Wright (Buddy Feyne)

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Barney Kessel

Barney Kessel

Source: Jazz Labels

Birth of Modern Jazz: Jimmy Raney

Jimmy Raney

Source: Cover Jazz

 

Born in 1927 in Louisville, Kentucky, Jimmy Raney (father of guitarist, Doug Raney, and pianist, Jon Raney) first recorded professionally on May 24 of 1944, having traveled to NYC for a couple months to work with the Jerry Wald Orchestra. That was the tune, 'Two Heavens', with Al Haig at piano. He made another trip in 1945 to join a few sessions with Wald in February and March. In 1946 he decided Chicago was the place to be, there joining the Max Miller Quartet at Elmer's. Raney drew a royal flush when he joined Woody Herman's Second Herd in California in time for his first session on February 2, 1948, for soundtrack titles, 'Caledonia' and 'Northwest Passage'. Raney stuck with Herman's orchestra to August 8, 1948, ending up in New Jersey for an AFRS 'One Night Stand' radio broadcast (#1769) bearing 'Fan It', 'No Time', etc.. Present during Raney's first session with Herman in '48 had been tenor saxophonist, Stan Getz. Come October that year Raney joined Getz' Quintet in NYC to put down such as 'Pardon My Bop' with 'As I Live and I Bop', et al. Getz was Raney's main train to 1953, recording numerously to April that year for 'Jimmy Raney Plays'. Come Al Haig again in April of 1948 with the Buddy Stewart Quintet in NYC to put down such as 'You Wear Love So Well' and 'If Love Is Trouble'. Haig would be a strong presence in Raney's career for the next few years, both backing other bands, like Getz', and working on Haig's projects, the first of which was a quartet in late summer of '48 to support 'Bopelbaby' sung by Dave Lambert. Sessions were frequent with Haig to October 28 of 1951 in the Stan Getz Quintet at the Storyville Club in Boston, MA, for 'Budo', 'The Song Is You', etc. A reunion in 1974 resulted in their joint LP, 'Special Brew'. Another, 'Strings Attached', followed in '75. We need step back to April 23, 1953, for Raney's first session as a leader, that to be issued as 'Jimmy Raney Plays'. Another strong presence in Raney's career followed a couple years later, that valve trombonist, Bob Brookmeyer, on June 30, 1955, for 'The Dual Role of Bob Brookmeyer'. The next year on May 14 Brookmeyer backed Raney on 'Jimmy Raney in Three Attitudes'. It was 'Jimmy Raney Featuring Bob Brookmeyer' on July 23. Come December of '57 it was Brookmeyer's 'The Street Swingers' with Jim Hall (guitar), Bill Crow (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). Brookmeyer's 'Trombone Jazz Samba' went down in August of '62, 'Samba Para Dos' on February 7 of '63. In the meantime Brookmeyer and Raney backed other enterprises together, such as Mary Ann McCall's 'Detour to the Moon'. Raney's career had been good for a minimum of 200 sessions, 37 his own as a leader. Among the host of others whom Raney supported were Buddy DeFranco, Artie Shaw, John Carisi and Cal Tjader. Raney had issued numerous albums leading smaller ensembles from duos to a sextet. Among the latter was 'Strings & Swings' released in 1972, recorded in '57. Come 'Two Jims and a Zoot' in May of '64 w a gang of Zoot Sims (tenor sax), Jim Hall (guitar), Steve Swallow (bass) and Osie Johnson (drums). Raney issued 'Solo' in 1978. 'Stolen Moments' went down on 19 April 1979 with his guitarist son, Doug Raney [b '56/d '16: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Two days later they recorded 'Duets for issue in 1980. Jimmy's last album is thought to have been 'But Beautiful' recorded December 5 of 1990 with George Mraz (bass) and Lewis Nash (drums). He had contributed to Tramaine Hawkins' 'To a Higher Place' issued in 1994 before his death on 9 May 1995 in Louisville [obit]. Raney is survived by his second son, pianist, Jon Raney [1, 2], born in 1961. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Synopses: 1, 2. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 37 of 201 sessions). Compilations: 'Complete Recordings 1954-1956' by Fresh Sound 2001: 1, 2. Compositions. Transcriptions. Select recordings (Jon Raney). Workshops 1993 (see Teachings). Discussion. Further reading: Zachary Streeter.

Jimmy Raney   1948

 Talk a Little Bop

     Sittin' In With 509

     Vocal: Terry Swope

     Piano: Al Haig

     Bass: Don Russo

     Drums: Charlie Perry

     Composition: Robert Ellen

Jimmy Raney   1949

 Sugar Hill Bop

     Seeco 10002

     Piano: Al Haig

     Composition: Leon Wexler

     See 'Billboard'

Jimmy Raney   1952

 Thou Swell

     Recorded 28 Oct 1951

     Live at the Storyville Club

     Boston, MA

     Royal Roost EP312

     Tenor sax: Stan Getz

     Piano: Al Haig

     Bass: Teddy Kotick

     Drums: Tiny Kahn

     Music: Richard Rodgers   1927

     Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

Jimmy Raney   1952

 Parker 51

     Sax: Stan Getz

     Composition: Raney

     Recorded 1952

     Issues unidentified

Note: 'The issue of 'Parker 51' above is left unidentified w personnel as documented. Getz and Raney had first recorded 'Parker 51' at the Storyville Club on 28 Oct 1951. They recorded it 'again at the Birdland on 15 April 1952 w Horace Silver (piano), Charles Mingus (bass) and Connie Kay (drums) toward issue on Alto AL704 and Fresh Sound FSRCD149 [Lord]. Jazz Discography Project (JDP) prefers 5 April w Gene Ramey at bass. Fresh Sound prefers April 5 w Mingus. Discogs prefers 15 April w either Mingus or Nelson Boyd ['Birdland Sessions 1952']. Getz and Raney recorded 'Parker 51' again at Carnegie Hall on 14 Nov 1952 with Bill Crow at bass and Frank Isola on drums toward issue on Fresh Sound FSCD1003. JDP and Lord have them recording it at the Birdland again on 18 Nov of '52 w the same ensemble toward Natasha Imports 4005. All to say that I myself can find no instance of Boyd and Phil Brown backing Getz and Raney together on 'Parker 51'. Otherwise, JDP explains the subtitling of 'Cherokee' in Lord w 'Parker 51' as a labeling error, the tune based on Charlie Parker's 'Ko Ko' of 1945 which was itself based on Ray Noble's 'Cherokee' of 1938.

Jimmy Raney   1953

From 'Jimmy Raney Plays'

Recorded 23 April 1953

(Other issues below may substitute)

Tenor sax: Sven Coolson (Stan Getz)

Piano: Hall Overton

Bass: (Keith) Red Mitchell

Drums: Frank Isola

  Motion

     Composition: Raney

  'Round Midnight

     Composition: Thelonious Monk

  Signal

     Composition: Raney

Jimmy Raney   1956

 No Male for Me

     Valve trombone: Bob Brookmeyer

     Composition: Brookmeyer

     LP: 'Jimmy Raney featuring Bob Brookmeyer'

Jimmy Raney   1975

 Just Friends

     Recorded 21 July 1972   NYC

     Composition: John Klenner/Sam Lewis

     LP: 'Momentum'

Note: RateYourMusic has MPS ULS-1619-P issued in 1975. Discogs 1978.

Jimmy Raney   1987

 Out of Nowhere

     Live performance

     Composition: John Green

 

 
Birth of Modern Bill DeArango

Franco Cerri

Source: Umbria 24

Born in 1926 in Milan, Italy, Franco Cerri began his vocation with guitar rather late, he seventeen and working as a mason when his father gave him one. He studied under Italian guitarist, Michael Ortuso. He swiftly got hired into orchestras (Gorni Kramer's his first) and moved on to radio while it was yet World War II. Not even Italians can escape my eye for Latin talent, though with Cerri they tried. Because his early discography is murder I must write this posthumously. Cerri seems to have begun his recording career in 1945. Lord's disco would appear to have him recording in 1945 with the orchestra of Bruno Martelli: 'Learn to Croon', 'Shoe Shine Boy', etc., those issued by VdP at an unknown time. Cerri continued with Martelli into 1946, meanwhile recording such as 'South Avenue Express' and 'Tuxedo Junction' with pianist, Giampiero Boneschi on June 5 of '45. Cerri would also back Boneschi on 'Stringendo' in '49. Other early recordings were made with the Quartet Galli ('48), Natalino Otto ('Donkeys Classroom' '48) and the aforementioned Kramer ('49). The Cerri website also has Cerri recording as Franco Cerri and his Orchestra in 1950, titles in Lord's listed as 'Caravan', 'Gavottin del nonni', Cherokee' and 'E l'alba' in October and November for the HMV imprint, Voce del Padrone, issues unknown. (Cerri would release an album titled 'Voce del Padrone' in 1981.) In late 1950 Cerri would record such as 'September Song' and 'Le tue mani' with the Quartetto d'Archi, Voce del Padrone issue again unknown. The Franco Cerri Quintet put down a string of titles on August 2, 1952, including 'Don't Blame Me' and 'Where or When' for the Musica label. Cerri's first confirmable release wasn't until 1958: 'Jazzin' with Franco Cerri', an EP (Fox EPF 114). He'd meanwhile spent the fifties touring with his Franco Cerri Quintet. That was after an opportunity to play for a couple of weeks in 1949 at the Astoria in Milan with Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. The fifties found Cerri entering into television in the capacity of a conductor for various jazz programs. Among Cerri's more important associates in the fifties was alto saxophonist, Flavio Ambrosetti. There first session is thought to have been on September 25, 1953, for such as 'There's a Small Hotel' and 'Tenderly'. in that quartet were Francis Burger (piano) and Gilberto Cuppini (drums). Ambrosetti and Cerri would collaborate on numerous projects in the early and latter fifties. Ambrosetti participated in Cerri's 'Franco Cerri and his European Jazz Stars' on December 19, 1959. June of 1961 saw him contributing to Cerri's 'International Jazz Meeting'. They would reunite as late as 2006 with the Bocconi Jazz Business Unit for 'Jazz & Movies'. Cerri supported touring American trumpeter, Chet Baker, on a number of occasions in 1959 and 1962. Their first occasions in September of '59 wrought 'Chet Baker in Milan'. Their last occasion in Brussels, Belgium, resulted in Baker's 'Stella By Starlight'. Another American musician Cerri hosted was saxophonist, Buddy Collette, in 1961, recording titles that would include La Scala Quartet ('Soft Touch', 'Skylark', et al). Lord's disco has Cerri recording with pianist, Enrico Intra, as early as 1964 in Milan: 'Polkadots and Moonbeams', 'Blues deui framasteni' and 'Star Dust'. Cerri would later collaborate with Intra on multiple projects from the eighties into the new millennium like 'Omaggio a Bill Evans' ('81), 'From: Milan To: Frankfurt/Main' ('85), 'Pregiata Ditta Dal' ('89), '3e Rossegna Jazz Franciacorta' ('90), 'From Milan to Brussels' ('97) and 'Double Trio' ('07). Cerri made his first journey to the United States in 1966 to perform at Lincoln Center in NYC. He filled out his career with a variety of musicians in the sixties as a session musician, the meanwhile composing. In 1982 Cerri wrote a sixty lesson guitar instruction manual with classical guitarist, Mario Gangi, handled by Fabbri Publishing and said to currently be in its fifth edition. Having issued nigh forty albums as a leader or co-leader, in addition to backing others, among latest releases in the new millennium were 'La Sera A Casa Con Te' in 2014, and 'Antonio Onorato & Franco Cerri' by Abeat Records in 2017 consisting of performances in Naples in 2005 and Udine in 2011 w Simone Serafini on bass and Luca Colussi on drums. References: 1, 2. Sessions: Lord (leading 69 of 154); SCRIBD. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Interviews: Renato Catania 2013, Darren Bromley 2015. IMDb. IA.

Franco Cerri   1948

 Donkeys Classroom

     ('La Classe Degli Asini')

     Vocal: Natalino Otto

     Composition: John Green

Franco Cerri   1958

 Blues Italiano

     Composition: C. Williamson

     Album: 'Jazzin' with Cerri'

Franco Cerri   1960

From 'Jazz in Italia: 4 Dimensions'

RCA LPM-60000

Recorded 9 April '59   Rome

 Foxology

     Composition: Cerri

From 'Franco Cerri Quartet'

Columbia SEMQ 153

Recorded 10 Nov '59   Milan

 Blues for Franco

     Composition: Cerri

 Darn That Dream

     Music: Jimmy Van Heusen   1939

     Lyrics: Eddie DeLange

 Just Friends

     Composition: John Klenner/Sam Lewis

 Stella by Starlight

     Composition: Victor Young

From 'Franco Cerri and His European Jazz Stars'

Columbia 33-QPX 8010

Recorded 19 Dec '59   Milan

 East of the Sun

     Composition: Brooks Bowman

Franco Cerri   1961

 Blues for Nicola

     Composition: Buddy Collette

     LP: 'The Polyhedric Buddy Collette'

Franco Cerri   1967

 Corcovado

     'Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars'

     Composition: Tom Jobim

     Telecast

 Pennies from Heaven

     Music: Arthur Johnston   1936

     Lyrics: Johnny Burke

     Filmed with Stephane Grappelly

Franco Cerri   1968

 Azzurro

     Telecast

     Composition: Paolo Conte

 Leggenda

     Telecast

     Composition: Cerri

Franco Cerri   1976

 A Foggy Day

     Composition: Gershwin Brothers

     LP: 'Nuages'

Franco Cerri   1977

 Scat

     Televised with Tony Scott

Franco Cerri   2001

 Look for the Silver Lining

     Filmed live

     Music: Jerome Kern   1919

     Lyrics: Buddy DeSylva

Franco Cerri   2005

 Live in San Remo

     Filmed with Nicola Arigliano

Franco Cerri   2011

 Umbria Jazz Winter 1

     Filmed live

 Umbria Jazz Winter 2

     Filmed live

Franco Cerri   2015

 Take the 'A' Train

      Filmed at the Blue Note Milano

     Music: Billy Strayhorn   1939

     Lyrics: Joya Sherrill   1944

 

 
  Curtis Counce was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1926, moving to Los Angeles in 1945. He began his career on double bass as a studio musician, thought to have seen his first sessions on September 13 of 1945 with Johnny Otis for such as 'My Baby's Business' and 'Preston Love's Mansion'. Another session on October 15 for an AFRS 'Jubilee' broadcast (#152) resulted in what would get issued in 1986 as 'Start to Jump Because It's Jubilee'. Counce would see more of Otis in the latter fifties. In 1953 Counce joined a circle of musicians including drummer, Shelly Manne, and trumpeter, Shorty Rogers. Rogers was arranger for the April taping of Manne's 'You and The Night and The Music'/'Gazelle' and 'Mallets'/'La Mucura'. Later that August they joined Teddy Charles on vibes for volumes 3 and 4 of 'New Directions' issued that year. Other tracks that month would appear on 'Collaboration West' in 1956 and 'Evolution' in 1957. Counce and Rogers also contributed titles to Jack Millman's 'Jazz Studio 4' in 1955. Counce had been in Frank Rosolino's Sextet on March 12 of 1954 for 'Stan Kenton Presents Jazz: The Frank Rosolino Sextet'. In that operation was pianist, Claude Williamson, whom Counce would join on multiple future occasions in support of various bands. June 26 of 1954 found him in Williamson's Trio with Stan Levey at drums for 'Stan Kenton Presents Jazz: The Claude Williamson Trio'. In 1955 Counce appeared on a couple albums by pianist, Pete Jolly: 'Jolly Jumps In' and 'I Get a Kick Out of You' (a 7" 45). Counce and Jolly had earlier worked with Rogers and Manne since 1954. Counce joined Stan Kenton's orchestra at the Sweets Ballroom in Oakland, CA, on January 30 of 1956 for titles like 'Artistry in Rhythm' and 'Stompin' at the Savoy'. Sessions ensued to May for 'Cuban Fire', a couple more unissued titles in 1957 with the Modern Men: 'Women Usually Do' and 'Opus in Chartreuse'. Counce backed Clifford Brown on August 11 of 1954 for 'The Boss Man'. On Oct 8 and 15 of '56 Counce recorded his debut LP, 'The Curtis Counce Group', for release the next year. The Curtis Counce Group consisted of Frank Butler (drums), Harold Land (tenor sax), Jack Sheldon (trumpet) and Carl Perkins (piano). That same group backed Anita O'Day in Nov of '56 on a segment of the 'Stars of Jazz' television show. Titles from that and another show in July of '57 saw issue on 'Sessions, Live' (Calliope CAL 3021) in 1976. Upon Perkins' death of drug overdose at age 29 in March of '58 he was replaced by Elmo Hope. (Perkins had done a lot of side work, particularly with Buddy DeFranco in the latter fifties, but had issued only one album, 'Introducing Carl Perkins', in 1957.) December of 1958 found Counce in the orchestra of Maxwell Davis recording titles like 'Loch Lomond', 'My Wild Irish Rose', 'School Days' and 'Lonesome Road' for Crown Records. Albums on which Counce appeared with Davis were 'Music by Lionel Hampton and Others' ('59), 'Persistent Percussion' ('60) and 'Compositions of Duke Ellington' ('60). Counce died unexpectedly of heart attack in Los Angeles in July of 1963, only 37 years of age, leaving a legacy of five of his own albums. His last, 'Exploring the Future', had been recorded in April of 1958. References: 1, 2. Sessions: DAHR, Lord (leading 10 of 113). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compilations: 'Complete Studio Recordings | The Master Takes' 1956-58 by Gambit 2007. IA. Further reading: Bob Gordon. Other profiles: 1, 2.

Curtis Counce   1945

 Harlem Nocturne

    With Johnny Oti

    Composition:

    Earle Hagen/Dick Rogers   1939

Curtis Counce   1953

With Shelly Manne and His Men:

 Gazelle

    Composition: Bill Russo

    Arrangement: Bill Russo

 Mallets

    Composition: Shorty Rogers

  You and the Night and the Music

    Music: Arthur Schwartz   1934

    Lyrics: Howard Dietz

Curtis Counce   1956

 Margo

    Recorded 31 Aug 1953

    Composition: Teddy Charles

       Teddy Charles LP: 'Collaboration West'

      Recorded Dec '52 & Aug '53

Curtis Counce   1957

From 'The Curtis Counce Group'

Recorded 8 & 15 Oct '56

 Landslide

    Composition: Harold Land

 From 'You Get More Bounce!'

Recorded 8 & 15 Oct '56

 How Deep Is the Ocean?

    Composition: Irving Berlin

 Stranger in Paradise

    Composition:

    Alexander Borodin

    George Forrest

    Robert Wright

 Too Close for Comfort

    Composition:

    Jerry Bock

    Larry Holofcener

    George David Weiss

Curtis Counce   1958

From 'Exploring the Future'

 Exploring the Future

    Composition: Harold Land

  Move

    Composition: Denzil Best

 So Nice

    Composition: Elmo Hope

Curtis Counce   1960

 Nica's Dream

    Composition: Horace Silver

    LP: 'Carl's Blues'

        Recorded 1957-58

Curtis Counce   1989

 A Night in Tunisia

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

     LP: 'Sonority'

        Recorded 1956-58

        Posthumous release

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Curtis Counce

Curtis Counce

Photo: William Claxton

Source: Jazz Profiles

  Born in Cleveland in 1921, Bill DeArango played in Dixieland bands while attending Ohio State University before serving in the army for a couple years. Upon release from active duty in 1944 he headed for New York City where he quickly found himself working with some of the top names in jazz (Don Byas, Ben Webster, Charlie Parker, Ike Quebec, Slam Stewart, to name a few). It is thought that DeArango first recorded with Sarah Vaughan in May of 1945. Those tracks were 'What More Can A Woman Do?', 'I'd Rather Have A Memory Than A Dream' and 'Mean to Me'. Sessions with Slam Stewart, Ike Quebec and Eddie Lockjaw Davis followed before DeArango led his initial name session for the Haven label on May 3, 1946, with Webster on tenor sax. Those included the Ellington compositions, 'The Jeep Is Jumpin'' and 'I Got It Bad', and the Webster compositions, 'Dark Corners' and 'Blues Mister Brim'. After a concert at Carnegie Hall on April 5 of 1947 with Charlie Ventura, DeArango suddenly left NYC for Cleveland to perform only locally the rest of his career, recordings in which he otherwise participated sparse (Barry Altschul in '78, Kenny Werner in '81 and '83). DeArango had recorded the album, 'De Arango', in May of 1954 with pianist, John Williams, titles also found on a 7" EP called 'The Gypsy in My Soul'. Nigh forty years later he emerged again on 'Anything Went' in 1993. His last titles are thought to have been in support of poet, Daniel Thompson, for the 1998 issue of 'Even the Broken Letters of the Heart Spell Earth'. DeArango had to enter a nursing home in 1999 where he lived with dementia until his death on December 26, 2005 [obits: 1, 2]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sessions: 1, 2, Lord (leading 21 of 21). Discos: 1, 2, 3. IA. Tribute sites: 1 (Adobe Flash), 2 (Facebook).

Bill DeArango  1945

 I'd Rather Have a Memory Than a Dream

      With Sarah Vaughan

      Composition:

      Jessyca Russell/Leonard Feather

  Jim Dawgs

      Tenor sax: Ike Quebec

      Composition: Quebec

 What More Can A Woman Do?

      With Sarah Vaughan

      Composition:

      Dave Barbour/Peggy Lee

Bill DeArango  1946

 52nd Street Theme

      With Dizzy Gillespie

      Composition: Thelonious Monk

 Anthropology

      With Dizzy Gillespie

      Composition: Charlie Parker

      Credited: Dizzy Gillespie

 Lockjaw

      With Eddie Lockjaw Davis

      Composition: Davis

Bill DeArango  1981

 Improv A 1

    Drums: Jeff Papez

 

Birth of Modern Bill DeArango

Bill DeArango

Source: Bill DeArango

Birth of Modern Jazz: Charles Mingus

Charles Mingus

Photo: Andy Freeberg

Source: Arts Fuse

Another musician at the avant-garde of modern jazz was phenomenal bassist and composer Charles Mingus who studied classical before leaving his home in Nogales, Arizona, to play with Barney Bigard and tour with Louis Armstrong (1943). Mingus' first completely dated recordings in Lord were on 12 February of 1945 in Los Angeles with Billie Holiday and Jazz at the Philharmonic: 'Body and Soul'/'Strange Fruit' (Clef MGC718). He also recorded in Los Angeles in early 1945 on an uncertain date with Russell Jacquet and his All Stars: 'Penny's Worth Of Boogie'/'Look What You've Done To Me' [see also JDP]. Lord's disco lists a title that year without a date with vocalist, Pearl Traylor, for 'Lonesome Gal'. Mingus recorded 'Deep Meditation' with the Howard McGhee Sextet in May of '45 before his first name session the next month as the Charles Mingus Sextet for the Excelsior label: 'The Texas Hop', 'Baby, Takes a Chance With Me', 'Lonesome Woman Blues' and 'Swingin' an Echo'. He spent a momentous year with Stan Kenton from latter '47 to latter '48. May 3 of 1950 brought his first session with the Red Norvo Trio including guitarist, Tal Farlow, for such as 'Swedish Pastry' and 'Cheek to Cheek'. That trio recorded numerously to April of 1951 for such as 'If I Had You' and 'I'm Yours'. In 1951 Mingus decided New York City was the place to be, his first sessions there with Miles Davis' All Stars at the Birdland on September 29 for such as 'Jumpin' with Symphony Sid' and 'Move'. A session in October yielded such as 'Conception' and 'Out of the Blue'. Mingus would see Davis again in '53 and '55, that last with a quintet for 'Nature Boy' and 'Alone Together', et al, on July 8. September 20 of 1952 had found Mingus with the Charlie Parker Quartet at the Birdland for 'Ornithology' and '52nd Street Theme'. Mingus collaborated with Parker on numerous occasions to a trio with Billy Taylor circa August of '53 for multiple takes of 'Bass-ically Speaking'. Another early trio was Bud Powell's with drummer, Roy Haynes, they recording Powell's 'Inner Fires' on April 5 of 1953. Future sessions into summer would come to employ drummers, Max Roach, then Art Taylor. In September of '53 Mingus contributed to JJ Johnson's 'Trombone Rapport' with Kai Winding. August of 1954 brought 'Reflections'. September of '54 saw 'The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson' with Winding out. On May 5 of '59 Mingus recorded 'Original Faubus Fables' (below) as an instrumental titled 'Fables of Faustus' because Columbia Records found the lyrics questionable (LP: 'Mingus Ah Hum': 1, 2). The vocal version ('Original Faubus Fables') was released the next year on the Candid label (LP: 'Mingus Presents Mingus'). Mingus had a worse problem with passion than than did Buddy Rich. Rich was known to rag on his band, using its members to vent. But Mingus dispensed with bark and simply bit, punching members of his band upon his displeasure on two known occasions in the early sixties. Mingus recognized his problem with anger and may well have cursed it, being such that only his enormous talent saved him from destruction by it. Sedation by drugs wasn't his manner, he disliking that aspect of the jazz climate, so he attempted solutions in other ways. Howsoever, he met and married Sue Graham Ungaro [1, 2, 3, 4] in 1964 and 1966, he doing so richly the latter year that he was evicted from his apartment [Wikipedia]. Charles and Sue remained together until his death thirteen years later. Mingus issued his memoir, 'Beneath the Underdog: His World as Composed by Mingus', in 1971 w Alfred A. Knopf. Feb 13 of 1973 saw a concert at the Strata Concert Gallery in Detroit that eventually saw issue in 2018 on 'Jazz in Detroit/Strata Concert Gallery/46 Selden' by BBE [criticism: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Mingus was working with Joni Mitchell on her album, 'Mingus' [*], when he died in 1979 in Cuernavaca, Mexico [obit]. He had put down 'Me, Myself an Eye' in 1978. His ashes were spread over the Ganges. In 1988 Andrew Homzy discovered Mingus' composition of 500 pages, 'Epitaph' [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6], in a trunk of manuscripts belonging to Mingus' widow, Sue, and contacted Gunther Schuller to put it on record. A shorter version of 'Epitaph' had been released in 1962 per Parts 1 and 2 on 'The Complete Town Hall Concert'. Those coming to twelve minutes, Schuller's later extended version required an hour and a half to perform. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Sessions: J-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 127 of 260). Discographies: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Compilations: 'Charles 'Baron' Mingus: West Coast 1945-49' by Uptown Records 2000: 1, 2, 3; 'The Complete Columbia & RCA Albums Collection' 1959-72 + Schuller's 1989 'Epitaph' 2012 *. Mingus in visual media. Documentaries: 'Triumph of the Underdog' by Don McGlynn 1997: 1, 2. Reviews. Mingus and composition: 1, 2, 3. Authorship: 1, 2. Further reading: articles: 'A Musician Beyond Category' by Hentoff, 'What About Mingus?' by Hentoff, 'Requiem for the Underdog' by Goldsher, 'Charles Mingus in the 1950s' by Jones; books: 'Better Git It in Your Soul: An Interpretive Biography of Charles Mingus' by Krin Gabbard (U of CA Press February 8, 2016) [*].

Charles Mingus   1945

 Baby, Takes a Chance with Me

      Composition: Mingus

  Lonesome Woman Blues

      Composition: Jack Griffin

  Swingin' an Echo

      Composition: Mingus

  Penny's Worth of Boogie

      With Russell Jacquet

      Issued on Globe 105

      Composition: Mingus

  The Texas Hop

      Composition: Mingus/Jack Griffin

Charles Mingus   1951

 This Can't Be Love

     Red Norvo Trioo

     Guitar: Tal Farlow   Vibes: Red Norvo

     Composition: Richard Rodgers

Charles Mingus   1954

 Intrusions

     Album

Charles Mingus   1956

 Jump Monk

      Composition: Mingus

      Recorded 23 Dec 1955

      LP: 'Mingus at the Bohemia'

Charles Mingus   1957

 The Clown

     Album

Charles Mingus   1959

   I Can't Get Started

      Composition: George Duke/Ira Gershwin

      Album: 'Jazz Portraits'

      Recorded 16 Jan 1959

 Mingus Ah Um

       Album

      Recorded 5/12 May 1959

Charles Mingus   1960

 My Jelly Roll Soul

     Recorded 4 Feb 1959

     Composition: Mingus

     LP: 'Blues & Roots'

Charles Mingus   1961

 Original Faubus Fables

     Recorded 1959

      Composition: Mingus

     LP: 'Mingus Presents Mingus'

     See 1, 2, 3

Charles Mingus   1962

 Monk, Bunk and Vice Versa

      ('Osmotin')

      Composition: Mingus

Charles Mingus   1963

 The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady

      Album

Charles Mingus   1964

  Charles Mingus Quintet + Max Roach

    Album recorded 23 Dec 1955

Note: Personnel on the above are George Barrow (tenor sax), Eddie Bert (trombone) and Mal Waldron (piano). Roach plays drums on 'Drums' and 'I'll Remember April'. Drummer all other titles is Willie Jones.

 Peggy's Blue Skylight

     Live performance

     Composition: Mingus

 Take the 'A' Train

     Filmed live

     Music: Billy Strayhorn   1939

     Lyrics: Joya Sherrill   1944

  Tour 1964

     Filmed in Belgium, Norway & Sweden

Charles Mingus   1972

  Live in Berlin   Part 1

  Live in Berlin   Part 2

Charles Mingus   1974

 Flowers for a Lady

     Live performance

     Composition: George Adams

     See also the studio LP 'Mingus Moves'   1973

Charles Mingus   1975

 Goodbye Pork Pie Hat

     Live performance

     Composition: Mingus

 Remember Rockefeller at Attica

     Composition: Mingus

      LP: 'Changes One'

Charles Mingus   1993

 Open letter to Duke

      Mingus Big Band   Mingus out (died '79)

      Composition: Mingus

      Album: 'Nostalgia in Times Square'

 

 
 

Born Charles Jagelka in 1923 in NYC, guitarist Chuck Wayne returned to New York Citty after two years in the military to work the 52nd Street clubs. He is thought to have first recorded as early as November 20 of 1944 with pianist, Leonard Feather's, Hiptet in support of Helen Humes' 'I Would if I Could' (Savoy 5513), 'Keep Your Mind on Me' (Savoy 5514), etc.. Feather's Hiptet also supported Lloyd Thompson's 'I Wonder' (Savoy 5512) on that date. Feather and Wayne would back other enterprises on multiple occasions into the latter forties. On November 29th, 1944, Wayne joined Joe Marsala (clarinet) and Joe Thomas (trumpet) to support Linda Keene on 'Unlucky Woman' and 'Blues in the Storm' (Black & White 1203) , et al. Sessions followed that year with Wingy Manone, Clyde Hart, Etta Jones and Barney Bigard until Wayne backed Sarah Vaughan with Dizzy Gillespie on New Year's Eve of 1944: 'Signing Off' (Continental 6024), 'No Smokes Blues' (alt take Continental 6061), et al. Wayne followed that in January the next year with Marsala and Gillespie for 'Perdido' (Phoenix LP16), 'Cherokee' (Black & White 18), et al. Wayne's next tracks with Gillespie were on February 9 of 1945 for 'Groovin' High' and 'Blue n Boogie' (Guild 1001). Other of the more important figures in Wayne's career were Woody Herman and  George Shearing. We fast forward to Wayne replacing guitarist, Billy Bauer, in Woody Herman's First Herd in 1946. His first session with Herman was May 31 that year in Chicago for an AFRS radio broadcast ('Wildroot' #34) of 'Crazy Rhythm', 'Strange Love', et al. Wayne didn't travel with Herman long (Michigan, Texas, California, back to NYC), only into early '47, but it was a tour de force of recording sessions to March of that year for 'My Desire'. As for pianist, George Shearing, Wayne joined his Quintet in time to participate in 'George Shearing Quintet' on January 31, 1949, issued in 1950 by Discovery. Wayne spent a good three years with Shearing, recording numerously for MGM to December 8 of 1951 in NYC for 'Appreciation' (MGM 11545), 'Over the Rainbow' (MGM 30625), etc.. On April 13 of 1953, Wayne held his first sessions as a leader, the first with tenor saxophonist, Brew Moore, the second with tenor saxophonist, Zoot Sims, those toward the album, 'Chuck Wayne Quintet', Discogs estimating release of that in the UK in 1956. They would later be found on 'The Jazz Guitarist' in 1992. Other of Wayne's albums and the years in which he recorded them were 'The Fourmost Guitars' (1956), 'String Fever' (1957: 1, 2), 'Tapestry' (1963: trio w Ernie Furtado on bass and Jimmy Campbell on drums), 'A Christmas Gift' (1964), 'Morning Mist' (1964: trio w Joe Williams on bass and Ronnie Bedford on drums), 'The Guitar Album' (1971: trio w Joe Williams on bass and Ronnie Bedford on Al Harewood), 'Interactions' (1973: duo with Joe Puma on guitar) and 'Skyliner' (1976). Among the highlights of Wayne's career was five appearances on the 'Art Ford's Jazz Party' television program in 1958. Wayne had also authored a few instructional books. In 1965 he and Ralph Patt published 'Guitar Arpeggio Dictionary' via H. Adler. Shortly before his death thirty years later he began his School of Chuck Wayne Guitar Studies series w the publishing of 'Scales' by Second Floor Music in 1996, co-authored by Agostino DiGiorgio. The latter also assisted w 'Chords' published posthumously (for Wayne) in 1998 by Hal Leonard. Among the many others on whose work Wayne can be found are Phil Napoleon, Miles Davis, Terry Gibbs, Music Minus One, Gil Evans and Warren Chiasson. Wayne died on July 29, 1997 [obit]. Lord's disco has last recordings with Tom Butts for 'Alberta Clipper' circa 1996. References: 1, 2. Sessions: Craftone; JDP; Lord (leading 14 of 152). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IBDB. Discussion. Other profiles: * (alt). Wayne is also the guitarist on tracks by Tony Bennett in Jazz Song. Per 1945 below, all but 'Blue n Boogie' were recorded in late 1944.

Chuck Wayne   1945

 Blue 'n Boogie

      With Dizzy Gillespie

      Composition:

      Dizzy Gillespie/Frank Paparelli

  Cherokee

      Joe Marsala Sextet

      Composition: Ray Noble   1938

  Interlude (A Night in Tunisia)

      With Dizzy Gillespie & Sarah Vaughan

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

  Signing Off

      With Dizzy Gillespie & Sarah Vaughan

      Composition:

      Leonard Feather/Jessyca Russell

  Unlucky Woman

      With Linda Keene & Joe Marsala

      Composition:

      Leonard & Carol Feather

Chuck Wayne   1950

 Cherokee

     Piano: George Shearing

      Composition: Ray Noble   1938

  Conception

     Film   Piano: George Shearing

      Composition: Shearing

  I'll Be Around

     Film   Piano: George Shearing

      Composition: Alec Wilder   1942

Chuck Wayne  1953

 Sidewalks of Cuba

      Composition:

      Ben Oakland/Irving Mills/Mitchell Parish

 Tasty Pudding

     Tenor sax: Zoot Sims

     Composition: Al Cohn

 You Brought a New Kind of Love

      Composition: 1930:

      Sammy Fain/Irving Kahal/Pierre Norman

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Chuck Wayne

Chuck Wayne

Photo: Tom Marcello

Source: Wikipedia

 

 

  Luiz Bonfa   See Luiz Bonfá.



 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Ray Brown

Ray Brown

Source: Journal of Life

Upon graduating from high school bassist Raymond Matthews Brown was born in 1926 in Pittsburgh, PA. He toured with such as Snookum Russell, until he thought it time to go to New York City, where he was hired in 1945 (age 19) by Dizzy Gillespie. Brown's first recording experience in Lord's sessionography was in Hollywood on December 17, 1945, for a radio broadcast from NBC Studios with a sextet led by Gillespie and Charlie Parker, that backed by Boyd Raeburn's orchestra for "I Waited For You', 'How High the Moon' and '52nd Street Theme' [see also J-Disc: Gillespie]. Personnel filling that sextet were Milt Jackson (vibes), Al Haig (piano) and Stan Levey (drums). His next recording followed with the same gang on the 29th for an AFRS (Armed Forces Radio Service) 'Jubilee' radio broadcast in Hollywood: 'Shaw Nuff', 'Groovin' High', 'Dizzy Atmosphere' and 'A Night in Tunisia' ('Tunisia' moot, possibly recorded at another session). Gillespie would become one of Brown's most important musical associates for another quarter century. Brown's earliest period with Gillespie was a busy two years in New York City recording titles like 'Ow!' and 'Stay On It", et al, on August 22, 1947. Lord's disco has Brown's last sessions of that period with Gillespie in Barry Ulanov's All Star Modern Jazz Musicians including Parker in September of '47 for a couple 'Bands For Bonds' broadcasts yielding such as 'Hot House' and 'On the Sunny Side of the Street'. He next joined Gillespie for a Norman Granz jam session with trumpeter, Roy Eldridge, on September 2 of 1953, bearing such as 'Jam Blues' and 'Blue Lou', those for Clef (founded by Granz in 1946). He finished that year with Gillespie on December 9, 1953, for 'Diz and Getz' with Stan Getz, the latter also to become one of the more important figures in Brown's career for a couple decades to come into the early eighties. 1954 found Brown and Gillespie supporting Ben Webster's 'New Jazz Sounds' before a few more sessions for Granz with Eldridge, including Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP), and another jam session on October 30 yielding 'Stompin' at the Savoy', Lullaby in Rhythm' and 'Funky Blues No. 2'. 1955 found Brown touring Scandinavia, Europe and the United States with Gillespie, Eldridge and Granz' JATP. Brown was also with Gillespie and  Eldridge for 'Gene Krupa Meets Buddy Rich', 'Tour De Force' and, Eldridge out, 'Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson in '55. 1956 saw another trip to Europe and sessions in Seattle with  Eldridge and the JATP. Brown also backed Gillespie on 'For Musicians Only' in '56. It was Gillespie, Eldridge and the JATP again in 1958, Brown joined Gillespie's Big Four in 1974 with Joe Pass (guitar) and Mickey Roker (drums) for such as 'Tango' and 'Hurry Home'. 1975 found him with Gillespie, Eldridge and Roker on 'Jazz Maturity ... Where It's Coming From'. Gillespie, Roker and Brown joined Count Basie in Las Vegas on February 3 of 1977 for 'The Gifted Ones'. 1977 saw a tour to the Montreux Jazz Festival with Milt Jackson resulting in 'Dizzy Gillespie Jam'. 1980 found Brown backing Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard and Clark Terry in Oscar Peterson's Big Four 'The Trumpet Summit Meets The Oscar Peterson Big 4' and 'The Alternate Blues'. Come Gillespie's 'Concert of the Century' with Jackson in Montreal, Ontario, the same year. Returning to 1945 with Gillespie and Charlie Parker, it's apt to mention that Brown backed Parker numerously to 1952, with a few JATP sessions between in 1949. As for JATP, that organization was one of the more important gears in Brown's transmission, attending about 25 dates between 1946 and 1972. His first JATP was June 3 of '46 with Buck Clayton on trumpet at Carnegie Hall for unissued titles of 'How High the Moon' and 'I've Found a New Baby'. His first issued performance was September 27, 1947, at Carnegie Hall with Howard McGhee on trumpet for 'Perdido', 'Mordido', 'Endido' and 'I Surrender Dear'. His last on June 2 of 1972 was at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, CA, with Sweets Edison and Roy Eldridge on trumpet for 'In a Mellow Mood' 'Loose Walk', et al. Brown's first session as a leader arrived on September 25, 1946, with His Be Bop Boys including Dizzy Gillespie for 'For Hecklers Only', 'Smokey Hollow Jump', 'Boppin the Blues' and 'Moody Speaks', et al. His next in November and December of 1947 at the Royal Roost in NYC were in support of vocal giant, Ella Fitzgerald, on such as 'Love That Boy' and 'Heat Wave'. Another session with Fitzgerald on 20 December of '47 for Decca resulted in 'My Baby Likes to Re-Bop', 'No Sense' and three takes of 'How High the Moon'. That was 10 days after Brown's marriage to Fitzgerald on the 10th. Adopting Ray Brown Jr. along the way in 1949, they divorced in 1953. Fitzgerald would remain, however, among the more important figures in Brown's career, recording with her numerously for more than three decades to as late as March of 1989 for 'All That Jazz'. Another figure requiring mention in any account of Brown was pianist, Oscar Peterson, with whom he first recorded at Carnegie Hall with Roy Eldridge on trumpet: 'Fine and Dandy', 'I Only Have Eyes For You' and 'Carnegie Blues'. Their next tracks were as a duo in March, 1950, for the Clef label bearing such as 'Debut' and 'They Don't Believe Me'. A like session in August yielded such as 'Easy to Love' and 'Air Mail Special'. Another duo at Carnegie Hall in September wrought 'Carnegie Blues' ('Air Mail Special'), 'Gai', etc.. Brown and Peterson were a partnership of half a century nigh to the new millennium, they appearing on numberless titles together, usually in smaller ensembles like trios when not backing other operations such as JATP. Peterson supported Brown on the latter's 'This Is Ray Brown' in February of 1958. He also filled a couple tracks on Brown's 1994 'Some of My Best Friends Are...the Piano Players'. Their last recordings together are thought to have been September 24-26, 1998, at the Blue Note in NYC with Peterson's Very Tall Band to result in the latter's 'Live at the Blue Note' and 'What's Up?'. Also in attendance were Milt Jackson on vibes and  Karriem Riggins on drums. Jackson had long been one of Brown's more important comrades since the latter's first recordings in 1945. Another figure of major importance in Brown's career was guitarist, Herb Ellis. Brown was already a big shot in the jazz domain when he first recorded with Ellis in May of 1953 for JATP at the Bushnell Memorial Auditorium in Hartford, CT, for such as 'Cotton Tail' and 'Air Mail Special'. Theirs was a partnership on strings for nigh half a century, found on numberless titles together. They supported other operations together, particularly JATP and Oscar Peterson, as well as each other. Brown first backed Ellis on December 28 of 1955 in Los Angeles for 'Ellis in Wonderland'. Ellis joined the Walter Paich Orchestra in Hollywood on November 21 of '56 to support Brown's 'Bass Hit!'. They recorded 'Bass Ball' as a trio with Stan Levey on drums for Playboy Records in Los Angeles on July 31, 1957. Ellis also joined Peterson per above in 1958 for 'This Is Ray Brown'. Other personnel were Jerome Richardson (flute) and Osie Johnson (drums). Ellis filled a couple titles on Brown's 2000 'Some of My Best Friends Are...Guitarists', thought to be their last recordings together: 'I Want to Be Happy' and 'Blues For Junior'. Brown's album, 'Some of My Best Friends Are...the Trumpet Players', was recorded during those sessions. Brown's career was a virtual history of jazz as one of the most prolific recording artists well exceeding 900 sessions, 71 of those his own projects. Much of that was due to being a favored session musician also working in television orchestras. It was also due to forming important relationships with such as Coleman Hawkins, Bud Powell, Lester Young, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Hodges, Ben Webster, Quincy Jones and Cannonball Adderley. Other significant associations and events included Max Roach, Ray Anthony, Billie Holiday, Blossom Dearie, Stuff Smith, André Previn, Willie Ruff, Carmen McRae, the Aurex Jazz Festival in Japan in September of 1981, the L.A. Four, Joe Pass, Gene Harris, Sheena Easton, the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, the Manhattan Transfer, Diana Krall, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Stanley Turrentine. Among more recent titles prior to his death was the first live music session held at a Starbucks coffee shop, that at 23rd and Jackson in Seattle on 22 and 23 of Nov 1999 toward 'Live at Starbucks' w Geoffrey Keezer (piano) and Karriem Riggins (drums). Lord's discography traces Brown to as late as March of 2002 with Monty Alexander at piano and Russell Malone on guitar for 'Ray Brown Monty Alexander Russell Malone'. Brown was blessed to die at sleep after a game of golf before a performance in Indianapolis on July 2, 2002 [obits: 1, 2]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Discos: 1 (strike Ray Brown and the Whispers), 2, 3, 4. Brown in visual media. Interviews: 1963-80 w Les Tompkins, 1996 w Ted Panken, 1999 w Willard Jenkins. Further reading: 'A Walking Sound' by Cerra. Other profiles: 1, 2. Per below, all titles 1946 and '47 are w Dizzy Gillespie.

Ray Brown   1946

  Confirmation

     Composition: Charlie Parker

 Dizzy Atmosphere

     Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

  Jivin' in Be-Bop

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie/Charlie Parker

      Film

  Ol' Man Rebop

       Composition: Leonard Feather

  One Bass Hit

     Film: 'Jivin' in Be-Bop'

       Composition:

       Ray Brown/Gil Fuller/Dizzy Gillespie

  'Round About Midnight

       Composition: Thelonious Monk

 Shaw 'Nuff

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

Ray Brown   1947

 Emanon

     Recorded 10 Nov 1946 [Lord]

     Issued on Musicraft 447

     Composition: Dizzy Gillespie/Milton Shaw

Ray Brown   1964

 C Jam Blues

      Filmed live with Oscar Peterson

      Composition: Duke Ellington   1942

Ray Brown   1970

 Jazz on Stage

      Film

Ray Brown   1976

 Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunte

      Album with the L.A. Four

Ray Brown   1977

 Montreux 1977

    Concert   Filmed live with Oscar Peterson

Ray Brown   1992

 Honeysuckle Rose

      Filmed live in France

      Piano: Gene Harris

    Trumpet: James Morrison

    Music: Fats Waller   1929

    Lyrics: Andy Razaf

 Summertime

      Filmed live in France

      Piano: Gene Harris

    Music: George Gershwin   1934

    Lyrics: Ira Gershwin/DuBose Heyward

    Aria for the opera 'Porgy & Bess'

Ray Brown   2001

 Black Orpheus

      'Orfeu Negro'

    Filmed live

      Composition: Luis Bonfa   1959

      For the film same title

 Jazzwoche Burghausen

      Filmed concert

 Lady Be Good

      Jazzwoche Burghausen

     Violin: Regina Carter  

       Composition: Gershwin Brothers   1924

       For the Broadway musical 'Oh, Lady Be Good!'

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Mundell Lowe

Mundell Lowe

Photo: Trigger Alpert

Source: Mundell Lowe

Born in 1922 in Laurel, Mississippi, guitarist Mundell Lowe is thought to have first recorded on February 28 of 1946 with Ray McKinley, that an AFRS 'One Night Stand' broadcast (#940) from the Hotel Commodore in NYC to yield such as 'Have You Got Any Gum, Chum' and 'No Baby, Nobody But You', et al. Sessions rapidly ensued with McKinley into the fifties. Lord's disco has Lowe on 365 sessions, 35 of those his own as a leader, so we leap past numerous sessions with McKinley and others such as Helen Humes, Cootie Williams and Dinah Washington to arrive to the Benny Goodman Septet on November 2 of 1948 for 'Stealin' Apples' with Fats Navarro on trumpet. Lowe joined Goodman's orchestra in 1952 and recorded with the latter's Sextet that year as well. We leap past sessions with various others in the forties to a clarinetist with whom Lowe's path interweaved fairly often during the fifties, that being Tony Scott whose first session with Lowe was in March of 1950 for a 'Cafe Society' radio broadcast with Charlie Parker on '52nd Street Theme' and Kenny Dorham on 'Lullaby in Rhythm'. They met on a couple more occasions to back other bands until Lowe participated in 'Both Sides of Tony Scott' on January 26 of 1956. 'The Touch of Tony Scott' ensued on July 2. Scott participated in Lowe's 'Porgy & Bess' in July of '58 and the first volume of 'TV Action Jazz' in '59. That same year Lowe contributed to Scott's 'Gypsy'. Among the higher impact names Lowe backed in the fifties was Sarah Vaughan, their first occasion on May 19 of 1950 in an ensemble with Miles Davis at trumpet for such as 'Mean to Me', 'Come Rain Or Shine', etc.. Lowe packed that year with Vaughan and would reunite with her on multiple occasions in '61, '71 and '84, that last in April for 'Blue' on Barry Manilow's '2:00 AM Paradise Cafe'. Another fairly important figure during the fifties was pianist, Billy Taylor, whose quintet Lowe joined on November 1, 1951, for such as 'Cuban Caper' and 'Cu-Blue', et al. They happened along a couple more times to back projects for others until Taylor participated in Lowe's 'A Grand Night For Swinging' on March 7 of '57. A session followed the next month with Lowe's quintet resulting in 'Blues Before Freud', 'Love Me or Leave Me', et al. Lowe joined Taylor's band in April of '58 for a couple segments of 'The Subject Is Jazz' television program. Lowe's major meal ticket through the fifties was the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra which he had joined in 1952 in time for a session on July 14 yielding 'Moonlight on the Ganges' and 'Camptown Races'. Lowe recorded numerously with that operation to June 15, 1961, in NYC for 'Messin' Around', 'You Can Depend on Me' and 'That Old Black Magic'. A couple of years into that outfit Lowe held his first session as a leader per a septet including guitarist, Sal Salvador, on February 12, 1954, for 'Spring Is Here' and 'There Goes Rusty'. His next couple sessions in March resulted in his first album, 'The Mundell Lowe Quintet'. His third album, 'The Mundell Lowe Quartet', went down in August and October. Another high impact name with whom Lowe recorded on multiple occasions in the fifties was Carmen McRae, their first date on October 6, 1954, for her debut LP, 'Carmen McRea'. Lowe would join McRae again in '55, '58, '61 and, finally, May 20 of 1964 for McRae's 'Bittersweet'. It was Lowe who introduced pianist, Bill Evans, to Riverside Records to record his first name LP in 1956. Recording well into the new millennium, projects have included 'Mundell's Moods' issued in 2000, and a session in latter 2008 in a trio with guitarist, Gene Bertoncini, and bassist, Bob Magnusson, for an album called '2+2=1'. Lowe had returned to his birthplace in Laurel, Mississippi, in 2009 where he lived until his death on 2 Dec 2017 [obits: 1, 2, 3]. Amidst the horde of others for whom Lowe had learned titles were Billie Holiday, Lee Wiley, Georgie Auld, Chris Connor, Ruby Braff, Helen Merrill and Ella Fitzgerald. References: 1, 2, 3. Timeline. Sessions: DAHR (w composing credits); JDP; Lord (leading 35 of 368). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. IA. Interviews: NAMM 2002; Marc Myers 2008. Further reading: George Varga. Lowe doesn't do much but contribute rhythm to tracks for '48 and '49 below.

Mundell Lowe   1948

 Stealin' Apples

     With Benny Goodman

       Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaff

Mundell Lowe   1949

  Baby Get Lost

     With Billie Holiday

       Composition: Leonard Feather

       Credited: Billy Moore Jr.

  My Man

       ('Mon Homme')

     With Billie Holiday

       Music: Maurice Yvain

       Lyrics French:

       Jacques Charles/Albert Willemetz

       Lyrics English: Channing Pollock

Mundell Lowe   1955

  I'll Never Be the Same

       Composition:

       Gus Kahn/Matty Malneck/Frank Signorelli

     Album: 'The Mundell Lowe Quartet'

       Keyboards: Dick Hyman

       Bass: Trigger Alpert

       Drums: Ed Shaughnessy

Mundell Lowe   1956

  Our Waltz

       Composition: David Rose

     Album: 'Guitar Moods'

       Bass clarinet/flute: Al Klink

       Oboe/English horn: Phil Bodner

       Bass: Trigger Alpert

       Drums: Ed Shaughnessy

Mundell Lowe   1957

  It's a Grand Night for Swinging

       Composition: Billy Taylor

       LP: 'A Grand Night for Swinging'

       Alto sax: Gene Quill

       Piano: Billy Taylor

       Drums: Ed Thigpen

       Composition: Billy Taylor

Mundell Lowe   1985

  Seven Come Eleven

      Duet with Johnny Smith

       Composition:

       Charlie Christian/Benny Goodman

Mundell Lowe   1990

  Limehouse Blues

       Music: Philip Braham   1921

       Lyrics: Douglas Furber

Note: "Limehouse" refers to the Limehouse district of London, become that city's Chinatown by the time of World War I.

Mundell Lowe   2005

  Blue Monk

      With Joe Byrd & Vince Lewis

       Composition: Thelonious Monk

Mundell Lowe   2010

  Theme from the Bad & the Beautiful

       Composition: David Raksin

 

 
  It is thought Toots Thielemans, guitarist and harmonica player born in Belgium in 1922, first recorded in March of 1943 in Brussels, those titles with the Het Trio unissued: Les Yeux Noirs', Solitude', etc.. He played guitar on those with Gilbert DeLange on drums. His next recordings are thought to have been with the Robert De Kers Orchestra in early 1946, those for Animated Cartoons which Lord's disco links to the Belgian film, 'Modern Moods'. February 8 of 1946 found Thielemans in the band of Rud Wharton for titles like 'Don't Fence Me In' and 'Amor, Amor'. Theielemans was a prolific recording career of some 470 sessions, nigh a couple hundred of those his own. We'll not attempt to squeeze that into this pill box, and mention but a very few of its more significant events. Among the first would be his debut recording on harmonica rather than guitar. Thielemans was host to not a few American jazz musicians who toured to Europe during his career. Benny Goodman was the first visiting American with whom Thielemans recorded, that on harmonica for BBC Radio in London on July 16, 1949, with the Benny Goodman Quintet for 'After You've Gone'. Thielemans would see Zoot Sims, more of Goodman and Leonard Feather as well before moving to the United States in 1951 (citizenship in '57). His last recordings in Europe had been in October in Brussels that year for 'High School Cadets March', 'Michigan' and 'Birds and Bees'. His first in the States was a trio with Dick Hyman (organ) and Harry Reser (banjo) in NYC on June 12 of 1952 for 'The Jazz Me Blues', 'Smoke Rings', et al. His next session would be one of his more important in that it was for pianist, George Shearing, who would become a major figure in Thieleman's career. That was at the Birdland on December 6 of '52 for such as 'Pick Yourself Up' and 'Tenderly', et al. Thielemans spent the next seven years in countless sessions with Shearing to October, 1959, for Shearing's 'Satin Brass'. Among highlights in the early sixties was a trip to Europe in June 1962 to perform at the Ruhr Festival in Germany with Hans Koller and Rolf Ericson, et al, that to be found on 'Jazz Workshop - Ruhr Festival 1962'. Another important figure in Thielemans career was bandleader, Quincy Jones. Thielemans contributed harmonica, guitar and whistling to Jones' 'Explores the Music of Henry Mancini' on February 5 of 1964. He was with Jones again on May 21 of 1966 to support Peggy Lee's 'Happy Feet', 'The Shining Sea' and 'Stay With Me'. Albums with Jones followed from 1969 to 1972, 'Mellow Madness' in '75, 'The Dude' in 81 and 'Live at Budokan' in '85 in Tokyo. Thielemans contributed to numerous soundtracks during his career from 'The Pawnbroker' in 1964 to 'French Kiss' in 1995. He also worked in television, such as the theme to 'Sesame Street' in 1969 ('Can You Tell Me How to Get to Sesame Street?' Joe Raposo). He appeared on Billy Eckstine's last album in 1984: 'I Am a Singer'. Thielemans was made an NEA Jazz Master in 2009, a title that brings with it a $25,000 award. He recorded as late as '90 Years' in 2011, also contributing to 'Grégoire Maret' that year. Thielemans died [1, 2] on August, 22, 2016. Among the host of others on whose recordings Thielemans can be found are Bill Ramsey, JJ Johnson, Dannie Richmond, Sylvia Vrethammar, Monica Zetterlund, Pat Metheny and Shirley Horn. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Sessionographies: 1, Lord's Disco. Discographies: 1, 2, 3. Interviews: Les Tomkins 1978, NAMM 2005, DownBeat 2006, Anthony Brown 2011 (pdf). Compilations: 'Blues Pour Filter', 2000; 'Hard to Say Goodbye', 2000; 'The Best Of', 2012. Toots Thielemans on harmonica.

Toots Thielemans  1959

  Confirmation

     Piano: Ray Bryant

     Composition: Charlie Parker

  Nuages

     Piano: Ray Bryant

     Composition: Django Reinhardt 1940

  You Are My Sunshine

     Piano: Ray Bryant

     Composition: Jimmie Davis/Charles Mitchell   1939

Toots Thielemans  1961

  Le Trottoir

      Composition: Thielemans

Toots Thielemans  1962

  Bluesette

      Composition: Thielemans

Toots Thielemans  1964

  Falling in Love with Love

      Music: Richard Rodgers   1938

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

Toots Thielemans  1967

  Hot Toddy

      Composition: Ralph Flanagan/Herb Hendler

  Talk to Me

      Composition:

      Eddie Snyder/Rudy Vallee/Stanley Kahan

  Try a Little Tenderness

      Composition:

      Harry M. Woods/Jimmy Campbell/Reginald Connelly

Toots Thielemans  1970

  Dirty Old Man

     With Mads Vinding

     Composition: Thielemans

Toots Thielemans  1998

  Mooche Sesjun

     Filmed live

     Composition:

     Duke Ellington/Irving Mills   1928

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Toots Thielemans

Toots Thielemans

Source: Enciclopedia del Jazz

Birth of Modern Jazz: Wendell Marshall

Wendell Marshall

Source: Discogs

Born in 1920 in St. Louis, Missouri, double bassist Wendell Marshall, wasn't well-known to the general public, but among musicians he was in large demand in a support role. He'd studied at Lincoln University and performed briefly with Lionel Hampton's orchestra in 1942 before serving in the military during World War II. Upon release from service he returned to St. Louis where he made a number of recordings in December of 1946 with violinist, Stuff Smith: 'Won't You Take a Lesson in Love?', 'Take a Walk', 'Night Falls Again' and 'Up Jumped the Devil'. He then headed for NYC where he eventually recorded some tracks in February of 1950 with Chubby Kemp and the Johnny Hodges Sextet, among them: 'Hello Little Boy' and 'The Greatest There Is!'. On the 21st of September he joined Hodges and trumpeter, Red Rodney, on numerous recordings with the Ellingtonians (Duke and/or Mercer Ellington). Vocalists included Chubby Kemp, Al Hibbler and Sara Forde. Duke Ellington's long-time partner, Billy Strayhorn, provided piano on a number of those tracks. Marshall continued with Ellington until 1955, meanwhile recording the first four tracks of Carmen McRae's debut album, 'Carmen McRae', in '54 ('55 release). He also contributed to a couple tracks by Gene Krupa in December of '54: 'Undecided' and 'Gene's Bass Blues'. By the time Marshall stepped outside Ellington's square he was well in business. Lord lists Marshall's only session as a leader on 26 Jan of 1955 for 'The Continental', 'Careless', 'How Blue Was My Bass' and 'Tenderly'. Those saw issue on RCA Victor EP 547-0647 and 'Basses Loaded!' (RCA Victor 1107) w an ensemble consisting of Jimmy Nottingham (trumpet), Billy Byers (trombone), Hal McKusick (sax), Danny Bank (clarinet), Barry Galbraith (guitar) and Osie Johnson (drums). Marshall directed that project but didn't perform, his position at upright bass assumed by Wyatt Ruther. Marshall recorded three albums with Milt Jackson in '56. In 1957 he joined Gigi Gryce and Herbie Mann on three albums each. His first of six with Gene Ammons, 'Twisting the Jug', was released in December of '59 if not 1960. He participated in three LPs by Coleman Hawkins in 1960. His first of eight with Willis Jackson was 'Cool "Gator"' in 1959, issued the next year. In 1966 Marshall recorded three albums with Johnny Hammond Smith. Those were only a portion of the musicians Marshall backed in the decade after he left Ellington. He seems to have never put down his instrument until 1968 when he up and became an insurance salesman back in St. Louis, permanently retiring from the exhausting music business for hard labor with better hours. Marshall died of colon cancer on 6 February 2002 in St. Louis, Missouri. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: DAHR; J-Disc; Lord (leading 1 of 381). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb.

Wendell Marshall   1951

With Duke Ellington:

 Hoppin' John

     Composition: Duke Ellington

 Jumpin' with Symphony Sid

     Composition: Lester Young

 Sultry Serenade

     Composition: Duke Ellington/Tyree Glenn

Wendell Marshall   1953

 B Sharp Blues

     Piano: Duke Ellington

     Composition: Duke Ellington

     Recorded 13 April '53   Hollywood

     Issued 1972: 'Piano Reflections'

Wendell Marshall   1955

 Get Happy

     Piano: Ray Bryant

     Music: Harold Arlen

     Lyrics: Ted Koehler

  I Married an Angel

      Music: Richard Rodgers

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

      Nat Adderley LP: 'That's Nat'

Wendell Marshall   1956

From 'Wilder 'n' Wilder'

Joe Wilder LP

Recorded 19 Jan '56   NYC

Reissued as 'Softly with Feeling'   '88

Joe Wilder Quartet

Trumpet: Joe Wilder

Piano: Hank Jones

Drums: Kenny Clarke

  Darn That Dream

     Composition: 1939

     Jimmy Van Heusen/Eddie DeLange

     For the musical 'Swingin’ the Dream'

  My Heart Stood Still

      Music: Richard Rodgers

      Lyrics: Lorenz Hart

Wendell Marshall   1957

From 'Easy Living'

Mary Ann McCall LP

Recorded Aug '56   NYC

Vocal: Mary Ann McCall

 You Can Depend on Me

     Composition: Richard Carpenter

From 'The Warm Sound'

Francis Wayne LP

Recorded 27 April '57   NYC

Vocal: Frances Wayne

 In Other Words

     Composition: Bart Howard

  My One and Only Love

     Composition: Guy Wood/Robert Mellin

Wendell Marshall   1958

  Cairo After Dark

      Composition: Gene Bianco/Norman Beatty

     Album: 'Harp, Skip & Jum...P'

       Harp: Gene Bianco

       Guitar: Mundell Lowe

       Vibraphone: Joe Venuto

       Drums: Don Lamond

Wendell Marshall   1959

  I Hadn't Anyone Till You

      Composition: Ray Noble   1938

      Coleman Hawkins LP: 'Soul'

      Recorded 7 Nov '58

      Tenor sax: Hawkins

      Piano: Ray Bryant

      Guitar: Kenny Burrell

      Drums: Osie Johnson

Wendell Marshall   1960

  Haunted House

      Composition: Lonnie Johnson

       Johnson LP: 'Blues & Ballads'

      Electric guitar/vocals: Johnson

      Acoustic guitar: Elmer Snowden

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Joe Pass

Joe Pass

Photo: Tom Marcello

Source: High Fidelity Report

By the time Joe Pass recorded 'Sounds of Synanon' on July 1 of 1962 jazz had long since developed beyond the big swing orchestra, due to such as foreign influence from abroad in the thirties (such as Reinhardt and Grappelli via Coleman Hawkins), then the bebop of Dizzy Gillespie and small-band individualists such as Nat King Cole in the forties. The fifties had brought West Coast jazz, one of its major hubs the Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, California, and the "cool" jazz of Miles Davis ('Birth of the Cool' recorded in 1949-50 though not released until 1957). String musicians such as guitarist, Larry Coryell, and bassists Jimmy Garrison and Sam Jones, were in preparation to take jazz through the sixties, a decade that would see hugely influential recordings such as 'Desafinado' per Charlie Byrd and Stan Getz, and 'Take Five' per Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. Pass, however, would be absent from some of that. Born Joseph Anthony Jacobi Passalacqua of Sicilian heritage in 1929 in New Brunswick, New Jersey, he is thought to have begun playing professionally at age 14. In 1947 he was working with Charlie Barnet and Tony Pastor, recording what are thought his first titles with the latter in June of that year, such as 'Movin' Along', 'Solid Geometry', et al. 'Movin' Along' eventually got issued on an unknown date per 'Tony Pastor and His Orchestra 1945-1949' (First Time Records 1516). All were issued variously on CD by Circle (121, 178, 179). Lord's disco shows another six sessions with Pastor to November of '47. The earliest titles with certain timely issues were 'Gonna Get a Girl' with Pastor and the Clooney Sisters backed by the instrumental, 'Your Red Wagon'. Recorded on September 29, those were Columbia 37973, advertised in the December 27, 1947, issue of 'The Billboard'. Sessions followed to November 10 when Pass participated in such as another rendition of 'In a Persian Market' in NYC. Sometime between those and the end of the year Pass held his last session with Pastor and the Clooney Sisters at the Click Club in Philadelphia: 'There'll Be Some Changes Made', 'Tales from the Vienna Woods' and 'The Click Song', etc.. The latter got issued in 1948 backed by 'You Started Something' (Columbia 38297). Later CD compilations of Pastor with and without the Clooney Sisters on which Pass contributed tracks were issued on CD by Circle Records on unknown dates: 'Tony Pastor and His Orchestra 1945-1950' (CCD 121), 'Tony Pastor and His Orchestra 1946-50' (CCD 178) and ''My Dreams Are Getting Better All the Time (CCD 179). Those are thought to have been Pass's last recordings until the sixties, he having dropped out of the jazz scene in the fifties due to heroin addiction. It was during two and a half years of rehabilitation, begun in the latter fifties, that he resumed guitar, reemerging at Pacific Jazz Studios in Los Angeles in 1962 while yet an outpatient at the Synanon Drug Center. From unknown dates early that year to dates in summer he contributed to 'Something Special' (Richard Groove Holmes PJ 51), 'Bee's Back in Town' (Bumble Bee Slim PJ 54), 'After Hours' (Richard Groove Holmes PJ 59) and 'On Time' (Les McCann PJ 56). Pass had also participated in Johnny Griffin's 'Grab This!' for Riverside before recording his first LP, 'The Sounds of Synanon' (PJ 48 '62), for Pacific Jazz on July 2. (More on 'Sounds of Synanon' at Jazz Scene USA and Morning Star.) That was followed by Gerald Wilson's 'Moment of Truth' (PJ 61) in August. Pass was well back in the groove by that time after about a decade of missing from action. His next three decades would place him among the more important jazz guitarists of the twentieth century. He began 1963 on January 30 with initial tracks toward 'Catch Me!' released that year. Lord's disco has Pass leading what would amount to about sixty albums during his career to 'My Song' in February of 1993. Solo titles among those include 'Virtuoso' in '73, 'Virtuoso in New York' in June of '75, 'What Is There to Say' in September of '90 and 'Meditation' on February 1 of 1992. Duets include 'Checkmate' w Jimmy Rowles on piano in 1981 and 'Duets' in 1991 w John Pisano on guitar. Trios include 'Eximious' in 1982 w Martin Drew (drums) and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen (bass), and 'Sentimental Moods' in 1987 w Tommy Gumina (polycorus) and Jimmie Smith (drums). In January of 1994 he co-led 'Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams'. Returning to Pass' earlier career in the sixties, such included commercials and television talk show bands. A large event arrived in 1973 upon Norman Granz, founder of Verve Records, contracting Pass to his new label, Pablo Records. Lord's disco shows his first titles with Pablo per Duke Ellington's 'Duke's Big Four' on January 8 of 1973. Titles by himself began with 'Virtuoso' on August 28, 1973. In addition to performances with Granz' Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) in Switzerland in 1975 and Tokyo in October of 1983, Pass's relationship with Granz would affect the addition of three of the more important figures in his career: pianist, Oscar Peterson, bassist, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen and vocal giant, Ella Fitzgerald. It was for Pablo that Peterson's Trio with Pass and Pedersen recorded 'The Good Life' and 'The Trio' at the London House in Chicago in May of 1973. Pass, Pedersen and Peterson were a tight team into the eighties backing various other operations when not fulfilling Peterson's numerous projects. 'The Paris Concert' was another trio performed on October 5 of 1978. Pass and Pedersen recorded duets on Pass's 'Chops' in London on November 19, 1978. 'Digital III at Montreux' and 'Northsea Nights' were duets at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in July of 1979. Those had followed a trio with Stephane Grappelli ('Live Tivoli Gardens') and Peterson's 'Skol' with Grappelli earlier that month in Copenhagen. Pedersen supported Pass's 'Eximious' in 1982, a trio with Martin Drew at drums. Their last mutual session for Peterson is thought to have been on April 30, 1985 with clarinetist, Buddy DeFranco, in the crew for 'Hark'. In October of '91 Pedersen provided rhythm on Pass's 'What's New'. They both supported guitarist, Damir Dicic's, 'Be My Guest' sometime in 1991 as well. Among Pass's sessions for Peterson was a string of duets in 1973 of undetermined issue per RCA KJL1 0196: 'Green Dolphin Street', 'I Got Plenty o' Nuttin'' and 'Wave'. Lord's disco has them last recording together for 'Benny Carter Meets Oscar Peterson' on November 14, 1986. Pass's initial session with Ella Fitzgerald is thought to have been live at the Newport Jazz Festival held at Carnegie Hall in NYC that year on July 5, 1973. Numerous recordings with Fitzgerald included tours to Europe in '74, '75, and '76 ('Hamburg Duets' 1976). They reunited from 1980 ('Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Antonio Carlos Jobim Song Book' aka 'Ella Abraça Jobim') to 1986, including tours to Japan (JATP) and Switzerland. Lord's disco shows their last session to be another suite of duets in February of 1986, this time in Hollywood for 'Easy Living', that for Pablo as well. Lord's disco shows Pass recording for Granz' label (Pablo) to as late as his suite of solos, 'Songs for Ellen', in 1992. Pass's latest recordings were in 1994, either 'Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams' or Juanita Williams' 'Introducing'. Among the numerous others he'd supported through well above a couple hundred sessions were the United States Air Force Airmen of Note, Sarah Vaughan and Zoot Sims. Pass died of liver cancer in Los Angeles on May 23, 1994 [obit]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 76 of 227 sessions). Pass in visual media. 1974 interview w Steve Barker. Instructional: Rick Beato: 1, 2, 3; Jens Larson: 1, 2, 3, 4; Joe Pass: 1, 2, 3, 4; Steve Raegele: *; Matt Warnock: 1, 2, 3. Gear: guitars: Epiphone Emperor II: 1, 2; Ibanez JP-20: 1, 2, 3, 4. Archives: David W. Niven Collection [1, 2] 1963-83; Colman Andrews for 'New York' 1979. Further reading: Jazz Profiles; Mike Joyce. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3. Per 1993 below, all edits were filmed live with Roy Clark. See also the 1994 issue of 'Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams'.

Joe Pass   1962

 Sounds of Synanon

      Album

Joe Pass   1963

 There Will Never Be Another You

      Piano: Clare Fischer

      Music: Harry Warren   1942

      Lyrics: Mack Gordon

      For the film musical 'Iceland'

Joe Pass   1964

 For Django

      Album

Joe Pass   1973

 Take Love Easy

      Album with Ella Fitzgerald

Joe Pass   1974

 Birk's Works

      Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie

      Bass: Ray Brown

      Drums: Mickey Roker

      Composition: Gillespie

  The Giants

      Album with Ray Brown & Oscar Peterson

  Portraits of Duke Ellington

      Album

Joe Pass   1975

 Live in Hannover

      With Ella Fitzgerald

  You Are the Sunshine of My Life

      Filmed live in Montreaux

      Composition: Stevie Wonder

Joe Pass   1978

 Oleo

      Bass: Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen

      Composition: Sonny Rollins   1954

Joe Pass   1979

 April in Paris

      Music: Vernon Duke   1932

      Lyrics: Yip Harburg

      For the Broadway musical 'Walk a Little Faster'

Joe Pass   1980

 Live for BBC

      Piano: Oscar Peterson

Joe Pass   1984

 Cherokee

      Filmed live in Berlin

      Composition: Ray Noble   1938

Joe Pass   1985

 Wave

      Filmed live with Oscar Peterson

      Composition: Tom Jobim

Joe Pass   1988

 When You Wish Upon a Star

      Filmed live in Vienna

      Composition:

      Leigh Harline/Ned Washington   1939

Joe Pass   1992

  JazzBaltica

      Concert filmed live

  Winter Wonderland/font>

      Music: Felix Bernard   1934

      Lyrics: Richard B. Smith

Joe Pass   1993

With Roy Clark:

 I Can't Help It

      Composition: Hank Williams

  I'll Never Get Out . . . Alive

      Composition:

      Hank Williams/Fred Rose

  Jambalaya

      Composition: Hank Williams

  Why Don't You Love Me

      Composition: Hank Williams

  You Win Again

      Composition: Hank Williams

Joe Pass   1994

 Roy Clark & Joe Pass Play Hank Williams

      Album

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Percy Heath

Percy Heath

Photo: Richard Laird

Source: All About Jazz

Born in 1923 in Wilmington, North, Carolina, bassist Percy Heath was older brother to tenor saxophonist, Jimmy Heath (b '26), and drummer, Albert Heath (b '35). After a time in the Army (drafted 1944) Percy enrolled at the Granoff School of Music in Philadelphia where he played clubs and is thought to have first recorded on December 1 of '47 with the band of Al Steele per Hi-Lite 503: 'Down' and 'D.M.F'. He is next found in Chicago in the latter week of December '47 with the Howard McGhee Sextet featuring Milt Jackson for such as 'Merry Lee' and 'Short Life'. Heath would see multiple dates with McGhee into the sixties. Their first occurred to May of '48 in Paris with McGhee's Boptet. The last was on the 18th for titles like 'Denise' and 'Nicole'. Upon returning to the States Heath joined trumpeter, Joe Morris, on a few dates, including with vocalists, Lucille Little and Stick McGhee. But with 335 sessions accredited to him, we'll not pursue a session-by-session account of Heath's career and focus on only those peers more important to his career. At the spearhead was vibraphonist, Milt Jackson, who we saw above with Howard McGhee in December of '47. After McGhee, Heath and Jackson next recorded together with the Dizzy Gillespie Sextet on December 16, 1950, that yielding 'She's Gone Again', 'Nice Work If You Can Get It', 'Thinking of You' and 'Too Much Weight'. They both bopped with Gillespie until February 29 of '52 with another sextet, putting down such as 'Dizz' Tune' and 'Love Is Here to Stay'. Along the way Heath had supported titles like 'Autumn Breeze' and 'Bluesology' for Jackson's Quartet on September 18, 1951, consisting of John Lewis (piano) and Al Jones (drums). Some mark that as the inception of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) but the name came later. Heath joined Jackson again for sessions in April of 1952. In years to come the two would back other operations together, such as Miles Davis, as well as record numerous Jackson titles. The major portion of their relationship together was membership in the MJQ. They are thought to have first recorded by that name (Modern Jazz Quartet) on December 17, 1951, per Lord's discography, Sonny Rollins one of its members on several tracks with Kenny Drew (piano) and Art Blakey (drums). It would be well here to cite Wikipedia concerning that session included on 'Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet' released in 1956. The MJQ definitely went by that name when it recorded 'MJQ' on December 22, 1952, consisting of Jackson, Heath, John Lewis (piano) and Kenny Clarke (drums). Connie Kay [1, 2, 3, 4] replaced Clarke in 1955. The quartet appeared on the television special, 'Belafonte, New York', in 1960 [IMDb]. The MJQ remained in business until 1974 when Jackson dropped out due to too much touring. They reformed in 1981 and recorded numerously to what is thought their final session on July 16, 1993, at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with tenor saxophonist, Nino Tempo. As ever since '55 the Quartet consisted of Jackson, Heath, Lewis and Kay for a rendition of 'Darn That Dream'. That would be included with prior sessions in NYC on 'MJQ & Friends: A 40th Anniversary Celebration' in 1994. Lewis and Heath had gone back to before the MJQ to Pairs, above, with Howard McGhee on May 14, 1948, for such as 'Maggie's Drawers' and 'Out of Nowhere'. They had recorded with both Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie before a Jackson quintet with Lou Donaldson on alto sax and Kenny Clarke on drums, on April 7, 1952, for such as 'Tahiti' and 'Lillie'. That was elementally the MJQ with Donaldson guesting. They recorded with Charlie Parker at Lewis' first session with the official MJQ on November 1 of 1952 for 'How High the Moon', Embraceable You' and '52nd Street Theme'. Through the decades to their last sessions with the MJQ per above in 1993 Heath and Lewis had also recorded numerously with other ensembles, one such instance being Jazz at the Philharmonic in Seattle on October 11 of '56 for such as 'Groovin' High'. An earlier session that day as the MJQ yielded such as 'D & E' with Kay again at drums. Future JATP sessions were held in '57. Heath supported Lewis' albums, '2 Degrees East / 3 Degrees West' ('56 w Chico Hamilton at drums), 'Afternoon In Paris' ('56), 'The John Lewis Piano' ('56) and 'European Windows' ('58). They are thought to have last recorded together per above with the MJQ in '93 in Montreux, Switzerland. Sonny Rollins also weighed heavily in Heath's career, their first tracks together on January 17, 1951, with the Miles Davis Sextet for such as 'Morpheus' and 'Down'. A session later that day with the Sonny Rollins Quartet wrought 'I Know' with Davis at piano and Roy Haynes on drums. Heath held numerous sessions with Rollins into the latter fifties backing other operations, like those of Davis, when not supporting Rollins' projects. In August of '58 Heath contributed to Rollins' 'At Music Inn / At Falcon's Lair', followed seven years later by 'In Europe', recorded in Berlin on October 30, 1965. As might be indicated thus far, Miles Davis was also a major figure in Heath's early career, their first session together per above with Rollins in December of '51. Heath worked with Davis nigh continuously to November 12, 1956, in Freiburg, Germany, recording 'How High the Moon' and 'Lester Leaps In' for German television station, SWF. Requisite to mention per Heath's latter career is the Heath Brothers with Albert and Jimmy. That tripartite first recorded on October 22, 1975, with Stanley Cowell at piano in Oslo, Norway, resulting in 'Marchin On'. Numerous albums ensued to May 29-31, 1998, for 'Jazz Family'. Others with whom Heath recorded on multiple occasions were Art Farmer, Cannonball Adderley and Bill Evans. Heath's last recordings are thought to have been his album, 'A Love Song', on May 1 of 2002. Beyond music, Heath loved to fish striped bass, he an expert surfcaster. Montauk Point at the tip of Long Island was his favorite spot. He died April 28, 2005, of bone cancer in Southampton, New York. References for Percy Heath: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sessions: JDP, Lord. Discographies: 1, 2. Interviews: Smithsonian Jazz 2001 (pdf) 2001, Myers 2009. Documentaries: 'Brotherly Jazz' 2005: 1, 2. Further reading: Cerra/ JazzProfiles. References for MJQ: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: JDP, Lord. Discographies: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Compilations: 'The Modern Jazz Quartet: Lost Tapes: Germany 1956-1958': 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, YouTube. MJQ in visual media. Criticism: Steven Cerra at JazzProfiles, Carla Marie Rupp at CUNY. Further reading: Eric Levin at People. Other profiles: 1, 2. References for the Heath Brothers: 1, 2. Sessions. Discographies: 1, 2, 3, Documentaries: 'Brotherly Jazz' 2005 directed by Jesse Block, produced by Danny Scher.

Percy Heath   1949

 Boogie Woogie March

     Recorded 22 Dec 1948

     Trumpet: Joe Morris

      Composition: Joe Morris

Percy Heath   1952

 The Best Things in Life Are Free

     Alto sax: Lou Donaldson

      Composition:

      Lew Brown/Buddy DeSylva/Ray Henderson

     Recorded 1952   Issue unidentified

Percy Heath   1954

 Confab in Tempo

     Tenor sax: Sonny Rollins

     Trumpet: Art Farmer

     Piano: Horace Silver

     Drums: Kenny Clarke

     Composition: Art Farmer

     Recorded 1954   Issue unidentified

 I'll Take Romance

     Tenor sax:   Sonny Rollins

     Trumpet: Art Farmer

     Piano: Horace Silver

     Drums: Kenny Clarke

     Composition:

     Ben Oakland/Oscar Hammerstein II

     Recorded 1954   Issue unidentified

 Tune-Up

     Miles Davis Quartet

     Piano: John Lewis

     Trumpet: Miles Davis

     Drums: Max Roach

     Composition: Miles Davis

     LP: 'Miles Davis Quartet'

     Recorded 1953

 Wisteria

     Tenor sax: Sonny Rollins

     Trumpet: Art Farmer

     Piano: Horace Silver

     Drums: Kenny Clarke

     Composition: Art Farmer

     Recorded 1954   Issue unidentified

Percy Heath   1955

 Stupendous Lee

     Saxophone: Gigi Gryce

     Trumpet: Art Farmer

     Piano: Horace Silver

     Drums: Kenny Clarke

     Composition: Art Farmer

     LP: 'When Farmer Met Gryce'

Modern Jazz Quartet   1955

 Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise

      Music: Sigmund Romberg   1928

      Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

      For the operetta 'The New Moon'

      LP: 'Concorde'

Modern Jazz Quartet   1956

 Angel Eyes

      Composition: Earl Brent/Matt Dennis

      LP: 'Fontessa'

 Vendome

      Recorded 22 December 1952

      Composition: John Lewis

      For the operetta 'The New Moon'

      LP: 'Modern Jazz Quartet/Milt Jackson Quintet'

Percy Heath   1960

 East of the Sun (And West of the Moon)

      Alto sax: Paul Desmond   Guitar: Jim Hall

      Composition: Brooks Bowman

      LP: 'First Place Again'

 Time After Time

      Alto sax: Paul Desmond   Guitar: Jim Hall

      Composition: Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn

      LP: 'First Place Again'

Modern Jazz Quartet   1960

 Pyramid

      Album

Modern Jazz Quartet   1966

 Ralph's New Blues

      Composition: Milt Jackson

Modern Jazz Quartet   1982

Filmed in London:

 Django

      Composition: John Lewis

  The Golden Striker

      Composition: John Lewis

 True Blues

      Composition: Milt Jackson

Modern Jazz Quartet   1983

 Bag's Groove

       Composition: Milt Jackson   1952

 True Blues

      Composition: Milt Jackson

 

 
 

Born in 1923 in Indianapolis, guitarist, Wes Montgomery, was younger brother to Monk Montgomery born in 1921. Even younger to Monk than Wes was vibraphonist, Buddy Montgomery, born in 1930. Wes received his first big break in 1948, touring with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. Hampton is said to have hired Montgomery for his ability to play pieces by Charlie Christian. He is thought to have first recorded with Hampton in 1948, a series of radio broadcasts beginning from an undeterminable location on June 5: 'Giddyup', 'Midnight Sun', etc.. Those are available on a Hampton CD titled 'Live in 1948'. His first name recording took place in June 1955 for Columbia with his brothers, Buddy (piano) and Monk (bass guitar): 'Love for Sale'. The debut vinyl of trumpeter, Freddie Hubbard, was in support of 'The Montgomery Brothers and 5 Others' on December 30, 1957. Among those in whose projects Montgomery participated were Jon Hendricks, Nat Adderley, Cannonball Adderley, Wynton Kelly and Jimmy Smith. Montgomery recorded steadily until his early death of heart attack on 15 June of 1968 in Indianapolis, only 45 years of age. His last titles are thought to have been recorded in May that year for 'Road Song'. References for Wes Montgomery: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 (Japan). Sessionographies: Cohen, JDP, Gould, Lord, WMFC (Japan). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compilations: 'Beginnings' 1957-59 by Blue Note 1975; 'In the Beginning' 1949-58 by Resonance 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Compositions. Chords/tabs; transcriptions: 1, 2 (Japan). Instruction: analysis; guitar licks. Interviews: w Ira Gitler 1964, w Valerie Wilmer 1965, w Crescendo Magazine 1965. Awards. Gear. Further reading: John Duarte, Aravind Iyer, Marc Myers, Chuck Stewart, Josef Woodard. References for the Montgomery Brothers: 1, 2. Discos: 1, 2, 3. With George Shearing. Per '49 and '50 below, Montgomery is listed on those sessions, though you wouldn't know it. Earlier '48 solos by Montgomery with Hampton exist at YouTube (as of this writing): recorded in July in Geneva, they're half-minute rough edits from 'Adam Blew His Hat' and 'Brant Inn Boogie'.

Wes Montgomery   1949

 Hamp's Gumbo

       With Lionel Hampton

       Composition:

       Hampton/Curley Hamner/Melvln White

Wes Montgomery   1950

  I Wish I Knew

       With Lionel Hampton

       Vocal: Jimmy Scott

       Composition:

       Harry Warren/Mack Gordon

Wes Montgomery   1958

From 'Far Wes'

With Buddy & Monk Montgomery

 Falling in Love with Love

       Composition:

       Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart

 Old Folks

       Composition:

       Willard Robison/Dedette Hill

Wes Montgomery   1959

  Satin Doll

       Wes Montgomery Trio

       Organ: Melvin Rhyne

       Drums: Paul Parker

       Composition:

       Duke Ellington

       Billy Strayhorn

       Johnny Mercer

Wes Montgomery   1960

  Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery

       Album

       Piano: Tommy Flanagan

       Bass: Percy Heath

       Drums: Albert Heath

Wes Montgomery   1961

 So Much Guitar!

       Album

       Piano: Hank Jones

       Bass: Ron Carter

       Drums: Lex Humphries

       Conga: Ray Barretto

  There Will Never Be Another You

       Music: Harry Warren   1942

        Lyrics: Mack Gordon

       For the film musical 'Iceland'

       Album: 'Live at Jorgies Jorgie's Jazz Club'

Wes Montgomery   1962

   Full House

       Album

       Tenor sax: Johnny Griffin

       Piano: Wynton Kelly

       Bass: Paul Chambers

       Drums: Jimmy Cobb

Wes Montgomery   1963

  Days of Wine and Roses

        Composition:

        Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer

        Album: 'Boss Guitar'

        Recorded 22 April 1963

        Organ: Melvin Rhyne

        Drums: Jimmy Cobb

  There Will Never Be Another You

      Recorded Nov 1963

      Issued 2001 on 'Complete Live at Jorgies'

      Piano: Billy Taylor

      Bass: Ben Tucker

      Drums: Grady Tate

      Music: Harry Warren   1942

      Lyrics: Mack Gordon

      For the film musical 'Iceland'

Wes Montgomery   1965

  Live in Holland

       Film

  Smokin' at the Half Note

       Album

       Piano: Wynton Kelly

       Bass: Paul Chambers

       Drums: Jimmy Cobb

Wes Montgomery   1966

  California Dreaming

       Composition: John & Michelle Phillips

       Album: 'California Dreaming'

Wes Montgomery   1967

  A Day in the Life

       Composition:

       John Lennon/Paul McCartney

Wes Montgomery   1968

  My Favorite Things

        Piano: Herbie Hancock

        Bass: Richard Davis

        Drums: Ed Shaughnessy

        Music: Richard Rodgers   1959

       Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

       For the Broadway musical 'The Sound of Music'

       Film premiere: 2 March 1965

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery

Source: All Music

 

  Born in 1922 in Birmingham, Alabama, upon leaving military service in 1946 guitarist Johnny Smith began his music career as a trumpeter for WCSH Radio in Portland before crossing the States to work for NBC, first as a freelancer until he obtained his union card (Local 802), then as a staff musician. That was 1946, and on just what recordings he first appeared at the time is a good trick to determine, though Lord's disco has him with Mary Lou Williams sometime in 1947 for 'Mary Lou' and 'Kool' issued on Disc 5033 in 1948 [see 'Billboard']. Joining them were Kenny Dorham on trumpet and Kenny Dorham on bass. Circa 1949 Smith found himself with the Sanford Gold Orchestra for 'It's Christmas Every Day', no issue date identified for Wheeler P100. Lord's puts Smith with Jerry Jerome some time in 1950 for 'Winston Cigarettes Montage', that not issued until Jerome's '‎Something Old, Something New' in 1997. Smith joined Benny Goodman's Sextet for 'Oh Babe', 'You're Gonna Lose Your Gal' and 'Walking with the Blues' on October 10, 1950 (Columbia 39045). Smith spent a year of rapidly successive sessions with Goodman to September of '51 for 'When Buddha Smiles', 'Sunrise Serenade' and 'You Can't Pull the Wool Over My Eyes'. Smith's first session as a leader was March 11, 1952 with a quintet of Stan Getz (tenor sax), Sanford Gold (piano), Eddie Safranski (bass) and Don Lamond (drums) to result in 'Where or When', 'Tabu', 'Moonlight in Vermont' and 'Jaguar'. Those would get issued in 1953 with titles from a session in April of '52 on Roost 410: ''Johnny Smith Quintet "jazz n.b.c." series featuring Stan Getz''. Sessions on November 9 of '52 and August of '53 resulted in 'Johnny Smith Quintet featuring Stan Getz Roost 413', thought issued that year. Those would get reissued with future recordings on Smith's 'Moonlight in Vermont' in 1956. Among his compositions was 'Walk Don't Run' in 1954, rendered by Chet Atkins in '57, the Ventures in '60, the Shadows in '61. Lord has Smith recording 'The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar' [*] in latter 1960 or early 1961 for release on Roost LP 2246 in '61, he joined on that by Hank Jones (piano), George Duvivier (bass) and Ed Shaughnessy (drums). Those witnessed reissue on a compilation in 2001 also titled 'The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar' per Roulette 7243 5 31792 2 9. The rest of that compilation consisted of 'Johnny Smith Plus The Trio' (Roost LP 2243) recorded earlier in 1960 w Bob Pancoast (piano), George Roumanis (bass) and Mousie Alexander (drums). Smith withdrew from the big city (NYC) in the early sixties upon the death of his second wife to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to raise his daughter, teach and run a music shop. The last album of his career in the big time in NYC was 'The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar' issued in 1961. He recorded on rare occasions thereafter both in Colorado Springs and NYC. His first session in Colorado Springs was a suite of solos in early '62 resulting in 'The Man with the Blue Guitar'. Several albums followed to a suite of solos on February of 1976, not issued until 'Legends' in 1994, a CD shared with George Van Eps, recorded four years before his death in '98. Lord's disco has Smith in final sessions in Mysen, Norway, and London, England, in 1977 with Joe Bushkin toward '100 Years of Recorded Sound'. Smith died decades later on June 11, 2013 [obits: 1, 2, 3]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Discos: 1, 2, 3, Lord (leading 36 of 68 sessions). Select YouTube. The Gibson Johnny Smith Guitar. Interviews: Leigh Kamman c 1959; Tom Ross 1988; NAMM 2005; Matthew Warnock 2007. Discussion. Biblio: 1, 2. Further reading: Jim Bastian; Jim Carlton; Jazz Profiles. See also the the Johnny Smith Estate.

Johnny Smith   1951

  Temptation Rag

      With Benny Goodman

        Composition: Henry Lodge

Johnny Smith   1952

  Moonlight in Vermont

      Tenor sax: Stan Getz

       Music: Karl Suessdorf   1944

       Lyrics: John Blackburn

Johnny Smith   1953

  Cherokee

      Tenor sax: Stan Getz

        Composition: Ray Noble   1938

Johnny Smith   1954

  Walk, Don't Run!

       Composition: Johnny Smith

Johnny Smith   1957

  Deep Night

       Composition:

       Charles Henderson/Rudy Vallée

Johnny Smith   1961

From 'The Sound of the Johnny Smith Guitar'

Piano: Hank Jones

Bass: George Duvivier

Drums: Ed Shaughnessey

  As Long as There's Music

       Composition:

       Jule Styne/Sammy Cahn

  Embraceable You

       Composition: Gershwin Brothers

  Misty

       Composition:

       Erroll Garner/Johnny Burke

Johnny Smith   1965

  Shiny Stockings

       Music: Frank Foster   1955

       Lyrics: Ella Fitzgerald

Johnny Smith   1984

  What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life? *

       Music: Michel Legrand   1969

       Lyrics: Alan & Marilyn Bergman

       For the film 'The Happy Ending'

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Johnny Smith

Johnny Smith

Source: Johnny Smith

 

Born in 1921 in Greensboro, North Carolina, Tal Farlow didn't start playing guitar until age 20 or 21. He is said to have manufactured his own electric guitar because he couldn't afford to buy one. He was working professionally in NYC by 1945 where he made his first recordings with pianist, Dardanelle Breckenridge. The first of three sessions in July wrought 'Gold Braid', 'Oh, What a Beautiful Morning' and 'C Jam Blues'. Titles from those sessions would be issued in 1956 as 'Gold Braids' by the Dardanelle Trio with Paul Eldenfield (bass). It was around that period that he had worked in NYC with bassist, Marshall Grant. He also performed with pianist, Teddy Napoleon, at the Hickory Log Cabin. He is thought to have worked in a trio with Marjorie Hyams and Charlie Parker at the Three Deuces for a brief stint in 1948. His next sessions don't appear in Lord's disco until the Buddy DeFranco Orchestra on April 23, 1949, for titles thought to have been issued (unconfirmed) by Capitol (80853): 'A Bird In Igor's Yard'/'This Time the Dream's On Me'. Farlow would later contribute to DeFranco's 'Sweet and Lovely' ('55), 'Cookin' the Blues' ('55) and 'Like Someone in Love' ('77). A bit later Red Norvo, upon Mundell Lowe''s recommendation, then drove Farlow to California where they were joined by Charles Mingus for Farlow's next session in Hollywood on May 3 of 1950, resulting in such as 'Swedish Pastry' and 'Cheek to Cheek'. From that point onward Norvo would be the most important of Farlow's musical associates to October 2 of 1955, that with bassist, Red Mitchell, for titles toward the album, 'Red Norvo Trio', issued by Fantasy Records that year. In February 1969 Farlow and Norvo backed pianist, George Wein's, 'Newport All-Stars'. In August, 1976, they recorded 'On Stage' at the Concord Pavilion in California with Hank Jones (piano), Ray Brown (bass) and Jake Hanna (drums). February 20 of 1983 saw them participating in 'Swingin' the Forties with The Great Eight' recorded in Berlin. Farlow had formed his own group in 1953 and released his first album, 'The Tal Farlow Quartet', in 1954 with Don Arnone (guitar), Clyde Lombardi (bass) and Joe Morello (drums). That debut album was followed by 'The Tal Farlow Album' the same year. Farlow retired from the national scene to Sea Bright, New Jersey, in 1958, playing only locally after albums released in 1960. He released the LP, 'The Return of Tal Farlow', in 1969, but didn't reemerge until the latter seventies. His last issue during his lifetime is thought to have been a suite of duets with guitarist, Lenny Breau, 'Chance Meeting', in 1997. Farlow died of esophageal cancer on 25 July 1998 in NYC. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sessions: DAHR; JDP; Lord (leading 29 of 75). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. IA. Interviews: 'Guitar Magazine' 1981. Discussion: 1, 2. Facebook tribute. Guitars: 1, 2. Biblio: 'Un accord parfait: A life in jazz Guitar' by Jean-Luc Katchoura & Michele Farlow (Paris Jazz Corner Edition 2014) *; 'The Jazz Style of Tal Farlow' by Steve Rochinksi (Hal Leonard 1994) *; 'Tal Farlow' by Guy Littler-Jones (2009) *. Collections: Duke U. Further reading: Steven Cerra; Marc-Andre Seguin. Per below, all tracks for 1950 are with vibes player, Red Norvo.

Tal Farlow   1950

With vibraphonist, Red Norvo:

  Move

       Composition: Denzil Best

  Night and Day

       Composition: Cole Porter

  Swedish Pastry

       Composition: Barney Kessel

  Time and Tide

       Composition: Robert Bilder

Tal Farlow   1953

 This Can't Be Love

      Bass: Charles Mingus

     Vibes: Red Norvo

        Composition: Richard Rodgers

Tal Farlow   1954

From 'The Tal Farlow Quartet'

Debut LP

 All Through the Night

       Composition: Cole Porter

 Rock n' Rye

       Composition: Farlow

 Splash

       Composition: Farlow

       Reissues also reference Althea H. Sylvern(e)

 Tina

       Composition: Farlow

       Arrangement: Travis Edmonson

Tal Farlow   1978

 Autumn Leaves

      Music: Joseph Kosma   1945

       Lyrics French: Jacques Prévert

       Lyrics English: Johnny Mercer

Tal Farlow   1982

 All of Me

      Vibes: Red Norvo

       Composition:

       Gerald Marks/Seymour Simon   1931

Tal Farlow   1983

 Undecided

      Trumpet: Billy Butterfield

     Vibes: Red Norvo

        Composition: Charlie Shavers   1938

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Tal Farlow

Tal Farlow

Source: All About Jazz

 

Jazz guitarist Hank Garland [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] was born in Cowpens, South Carolina, in 1930. He began playing guitar at age six, appearing on radio at age twelve. Garland started early and well in country music at age fifteen by joining Paul Howard's Georgia Cotton Pickers with whom he played at the Grand Ole Opry. Praguefrank's commences its discography of Garland on August 25 of 1949 for 'I'll Never Slip Around Again'/'This Cold War with You' (Decca 46183) and 'Sugarfoot Rag'/'Some Other World' (Decca 46204). Those were issued in '49 per 45worlds. All of those were Floyd Tillman compositions with the exception of 'Sugarfoot Rag' written by Garland and George Vaughn. Praguefrank's has Garland recording 'Sugarfoot Rag' again with Red Foley on November 11 of '49 for issue on Decca 46205 in 1950. Both versions produced by Paul Cohen, Garland's band on the first consisted of Jack Shook or Harold Bradley on guitar, Ernie Newton (bass), Tommy Jackson (fiddle), Farris Coursey (drums), Owen Bradley (piano) and an unknown at steel. Foley's band on the second employed only Shook, Newton and Jackson. Garland had first backed Foley a few days earlier on the 6th and 9th for 'When God Dips His Love in My Heart' (9-46255), 'Steal Away' (Decca 9-14505) and 'Tennessee Border No. 2'/'Don't Be Ashamed of Your Age (Decca 9-46200). Ernest Tubb was at vocals on 'Tennessee Border No. 2' Garland hung with Foley into late 1950, they holding multiple sessions with Tubb again in 1953. Garland performed with Elvis Presley from '57 to '61 [1, 2]. Another of Garland's important associates was Chet Atkins both as a fellow musician and producer. Atkins regarded Garland to be the best guitarist to ever arrive to Nashville. Praguefrank's lists Garland backing Atkins as early as June 10 of 1959 for titles toward Atkins' LP, 'Mister Guitar'. They held a couple more sessions in 1959 before recording 'After the Riot at Newport' on July 4, 1960, as a result of the cancellation of their scheduled appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival as the Nashville All Stars that day [1, 2]. In 1961 Garland released a couple of jazz albums: 'Jazz Winds from a New Direction' and 'Velvet Guitar'. It was also 1961 that Garland's car left the highway near Springfield, Tennessee. The result was brain damage and inability to play his instrument. Though Garland spent years in the endeavor he wasn't able to attain to his former ability. Praguefrank's lists him on only two sessions thereafter, once in '66 with the Nashville Cats, once again toward the 1979 issued of 'Jazz in New York' [rocky52]. Garland dropped away from the music industry, eventually settling in Orange Park, Florida. He there died on December 27 of 2004 of staph infection. As a session player Garland can be heard on titles by such as, in no particular order, the Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline ('I Fall to Pieces'), Moon Mullican, Dottie West, Brenda Lee and Patti Page ('Just Because'). Compositional credits to some of his recordings at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Garland in visual media. Earlier Garland at Country Western: Garland.

Hank Garland   1960

        From the LP 'Velvet Guitar':

  Autumn Leaves

      Composition: 1945

      Originally 'Les Feuilles mortes' ('The Dead Leaves')

      Music: Joseph Kosma

      Lyrics: Jacques Prévert

  Blame It on My Youth

      Composition: Oscar Levant/Edward Heyman   1934

  Ed's Place

      Composition: Hank Garland

Hank Garland   1961

       From the LP 'Jazz Winds Fom a New Direction':

  Move

      Composition: Denzil Best/Paul Walsh

  Riot Chous

      Composition: Boots Randolph/Hank Garland

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Hank Garland

Hank Garland

Source: Jazz Wax

 

Born in New York City in 1927, bassist Red Mitchell is thought to have first recorded in 1948 with trumpeter Tony Fruscella, for release by Spotlite the next year. Those included such as 'Foo's' and 'Flues'. Lord's disco next estimates him with the Chubby Jackson Big Band in May of 1949 for 'Three Men on a Bass' (Red Kelly also on bass). Recordings followed on July 21 with Joe Roland: 'Leaving Town Tonight' and 'A Fool and His Love'. Come the orchestra of Charlie Ventura in August and September before joining Woody Herman's Woodchoppers, first recording with Herman in January 6 of 1950, for 'Tasty' and 'The Old Pail'. Mitchell then joined Herman's larger orchestra. He also began working as a session musician about that time, later to work at film and television studios in Los Angeles as well. which goes toward explaining his prolific number of sessions at 577 per Lord's disco. Mitchell was among the towering figures in jazz in the 20th century whose career to pace is a marathon of relays from one significant figure to the next, not a few requiring mention. After Herman, then, in '51, we jump past Tony Fruscella and Gil Mellé to arrive to Gerry Mulligan on June 10, 1952, in a trio with drummer, Chico Hamilton, for 'Get Happy', ''S Wonderful' and 'Godchild'. Mitchel supported Mulligan numerously, often in quartets, through 1954, to reunite again in 1958 for Mulligan's 'I Want to Live'. In 1959 they joined André Previn for the soundtrack to the film, 'The Subterraneans'. At some time in '52 Mitchell joined Jimmy Dorsey in a short film titled 'Varieties' with vibraphonist, Red Norvo, released in September that year. Mitchell and Norvo recorded their first trio with Tal Farlow on guitar on July 1 of 1952: 'Tenderly' and 'Aren't You Glad You're You?'. Mitchell hung tight with Norvo for another five years, supporting other bands together when not working on Norvo's projects including future trios to include both Jimmy Raney and Farlow. In the meantime Mitchell had toured to Great Britain with Mulligan and Shorty Rogers to record with the orchestra of British bandleader, Vic Lewis: 'Begin the Beguine', 'Stop Short', etc.. Mulligan arranged the former, Rogers the latter. Mitchell played piano on all. A similar tour ensued in '55 for more tracks with Lewis at Royal Festival Hall in London for 'Progressive Jazz Vol 1'. Mitchell again contributed piano, Mulligan, Rogers, et al, arrangements, including a title arranged by Pete Rugolo: 'The Peanut Vendor'. Reason to the madness of mentioning such is that both Rogers and Rugolo were important figures in Mitchell's career to 1961. Mitchell and Rogers interweaved frequently in the support of various bands when Mitchell wasn't backing Rogers on such as 'Shorty Rogers Plays Richard Rodgers' ('57), 'An Invisible Orchard' ('61) and 'The Fourth Dimension In Sound' ('61). Likewise, Rugolo was the arranger or conductor of numerous orchestras with which Mitchell recorded, such as Stan Kenton's in '58 or in support of Patti Page earlier that year. Some of Rugolo's projects on which Mitchell appeared were 'The Music from Richard Diamond' ('59), 'Jack the Ripper' ('59), 'Thriller' ('60), 'Ten Trombones Like Two Pianos' ('60) and 'Ten Saxophones and Two Basses' ('62). We need return to January 22, 1954, to regard another important figure in Mitchell's career, that being vocalist, Billie Holiday. On that date Mitchell joined Holiday on their first session during a tour to Europe, that in Cologne, Germany, for such as 'Billie's Blues' and 'All of Me'. Several sessions were held during that tour including Belgium and Switzerland. Mitchell would see Holiday again in Los Angeles for numerous sessions in 1956-57, a last session on January 9 yielding such as 'They Can't Take That Away From Me' and 'Gee Baby, Ain't I Good to You?'. Another important associate had arrived on March 8, 1955, in pianist, André Previn, the latter arranging titles with Shorty Rogers for Milt Bernhart, Previn contributing to 'Hillside' and 'Looking for a Boy'. IMitchell's next sessions with Previn were with Al Hendrickson (guitar) and Irv Cottler (drums) April of 1955 for such as 'Let's Get Away From It All', 'San Francisco' and 'Sidewalks of Cuba'. From 'Pal Joey' in 1957 to 'My Fair Lady' in 1964 Mitchell supported Previn on too many LPs to here list. Along the way they supported Shelly Manne, a frequent partner of theirs, on 'The Bells Are Ringing' on April 15 of 1958. Mitchell was also with Previn in support of other groups, such as that of violinist, Itzhak Perlman, in what are thought Mitchell's last with Previn in May of 1980 for Perlman's 'It's a Different Kind of Blues' and 'It's a Breeze'. Manne was also in on those. We need return to February 1, 1955, for Mitchell's first session as a leader, that with Conte Candoli (trumpet), Bob Brookmeyer (valve trombone), Zoot Sims (tenor sax), Claude Williamson (piano) and Stan Levey (drums) for titles that would appear on side B of an LP shared with Oscar Pettiford: 'Jazz Mainstream'. Mitchell released his first album titled simply 'Red Mitchell' in 1955 as well. Another major player in Mitchell's career was guitarist, Barney Kessel, whose septet he joined on March 28 of 1955 (Manne on drums) for 'To Swing or Not to Swing'. Tenor saxophonist, Bill Perkins, was in on that, who would also figure big in Mitchell's career. When Mitchell wasn't backing Kessel they were maneuvering through numerous sessions together in support of other operations to as late as Dean Martin's 'Dream of Me'. They joined one another again in 1967 to back 'Hugh Masekela's Latest'. Their last recordings together may have been in Stockholm on October 2, 1973, for the duo, 'Two Way Conversation'. As for Perkins, Mitchell's next tracks with him were with Bud Shank (also a strong presence in Mitchell's career) on May 2 of 1955 for such as 'Fluted Columns' and 'I Hear Music'. When Mitchell and Perkins weren't backing other bands Mitchell was supporting Perkins on such as 'On Stage' ('56), 'Tenors Head On' ('56) and 'Just Friends ('56). They worked together frequently to Pete Rugolo's 'Ten Saxophones and Two Basses' on November 8 of 1961. Five years later Mitchell backed Perkins' 'Quietly There'. A session followed in 1967 for vibraphonist, Tommy Vig. Twelve years later they backed vocalist, Junko Mine, on 'You're the Top'. Another strong partnership was that with pianist, Hampton Hawes, they first recording per the tune, 'I Hear Music', in a trio with drummer, Mel Lewis, on May 2 of 1955. When they weren't supporting other enterprises together Mitchell appeared on too many of Hawes' projects to here list, those from 'Hampton Hawes Trio Vol 1' with Chuck Thompson on drums in June of 1955 to 'The Seance' and 'I'm All Smiles' in 1966 with Donald Bailey on drums. Sessions with Hawes in November of 1956 for three volumes of 'All Night Session' had been joined by guitarist, Jim Hall. January of 1957 saw Mitchell participating in Hall's 'Jazz Guitar'. They got mixed together a couple more times before April 1 of 1980 witnessed the Modern Jazz Trio with Red Kelly on bass because Mitchell played piano, that for 'Good Friday Blues'. Hall and Mitchell worked variously together on occasion over the years. 1973 saw them in Hanover, Germany, recording 'Body and Soul' in a trio with Daniel Humair on drums. Recordings as a duo followed in 1976 (unissued) and 1978 ('Valse Hot'). They last recorded together per violinist, Itzhak Perlman, above in 1980 in Pittsburgh at Heinz Hall. We need return to July 12, 1957, for titles like 'Yesterdays' and 'Mine' by the Four Freshman. Mitchell held about twenty sessions with that vocal group to February 1 of 1960 for 'Polka Dots and Moonbeams', 'First Affair', etc.. On October 14, 1961, Mitchell collaborated with Harold Land in a quintet to record 'Hear Ye! Hear Ye!'. In 1968 he moved to Stockholm. His latter career would thus be filled with recordings in collaboration with Scandinavian musicians like vocalist, Alice Babs, with whom he held several sessions from 1972 to 1978. Among the more notable figures of Mitchell's latter career was pianist, Roger Kellaway. They had actually first recorded together in 1966: 'Stride!'. On February 10 of 1987 they recorded 'Fifty-Fifty', a duo with whistler, Brad Terry. Numerous duos and trios ensued to 'Life's a Take' in May of 1982. In 1992 Mitchell returned to the U.S., settling in Salem, Oregon, where he died on November 8 that year. He had recorded the duo, 'Live at Salishan', with guitarist, Joe Beck, in March that year. His final tracks are thought to have been per 'Live at Port Townsend' on July 25. Amidst the horde of others with whom Mitchell recorded were June Christy ('57, '58, '61), Bob Thompson ('58, '59), the Soundstage All Stars ('More Peter Gunn' '59), Frank Sinatra ('60) and Berndt Egerbladh ('68, '74). References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: DAHR; Lord. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Select YouTube. Transcriptions: 1, 2 (songbook of compositions). Interviews 1985-2002. Poetry by Mitchell. Per 1954 below, Mitchell joins baritone saxophonist, Gerry Mulligan. Tracks below also include pianist, Hampton Hawes, in the fifties.

Red Mitchell   1949

With the Tony Fruscella Quintet:

 Flues

      Composition: Unknown

  Out of Nowhere

      Composition: Johnny Green/Edward Heyman

Red Mitchell   1950

 Starlight Souvenirs

      With Woody Herman's Second Herd

      Composition: Ted Shapiro

Red Mitchell   1954

Gerry Mulligan Quartet

Baritone sax: Gerry Mulligan

  Bark for Barksdale

      Composition: Mulligan

  Bernie's Tune

      Music: Bernie Miller   1952

      Lyrics: Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller

  Soft Shoe

      Composition: Mulligan

  Turnstile

      Composition: Mulligan

  Utter Chaos

      Composition: Mulligan

Red Mitchell   1955

From 'California Concerts'

Gerry Mulligan Quartet

Featuring Zoot Sims & Bob Brookmeyer

Also as the Gerry Mulligan Sextet

Recorded Nov & Dec '54

Stockton High School   Stockton

Hoover High School   San Diego

  The Red Door

      Composition: Zoot Sims

      Recorded 14 Dec '54

      Hoover HS  San Diego

Note: The title above went down as a quintet w trumpeter, Jon Eardley, out, otherwise listed on both the label (Pacific Jazz) and in Lord's discography as by the Gerry Mulligan Sextet.

Red Mitchell   1955

  The Champ

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

      Hampton Hawes Trio

      Piano: Hampton Hawes

      Drums: Shelly Manne

 Scrapple from the Apple

    Red Mitchell Sextet

      Composition: Charlie Parker   1947

  I Got Rhythm

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

      Hampton Hawes Trio

      Piano: Hampton Hawes

      Drums: Chuck Thompson

Red Mitchell   1956

 Groovin' High

      Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

      With Hampton Hawes

  Happy Times

      Composition: Lennie Niehaus

       Lennie Niehaus Quintet

  Oleo

      Composition: Sonny Rollins

  Somebody Loves Me

      Composition:

      Buddy DeSylva/Ballard MacDonald

      With Hampton Hawes

Red Mitchell   1958

  Bow Jest

      Composition: Mitchell

      Hampton Hawes LP: 'Four!'

      Piano: Hampton Hawes

      Guitar: Barney Kessel

      Drums: Shelly Manne

 It Could Happen to You

     With André Previn

      Music: Jimmy Van Heusen   1943

      Lyrics: Johnny Burke

Red Mitchell   1962

 Somara

     Composition: Carmell Jones

     LP: 'Hear Ye!!!!'

     Harold Land Quintet

     Drums: Leon Petties   Piano: Frank Strazzeri

     Sax: Harold Land   Trumpet: Carmell Jones

Red Mitchell   1974

 Just One of Those Things

     Alto Sax: Lee Konitz

     Composition: Cole Porter

Red Mitchell   1980

 Ornithology

      Tenor sax: Warne Marsh

      Composition: Benny Harris/Charlie Parker

Red Mitchell   1986

 Shiny Stockings

      Trumpet: Clark Terry

      Composition: Frank Foster

Red Mitchell   1987

 Sophisticated Lady

      Filmed live with Clark Terry

      Composition: Duke Ellington   1932

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Red Mitchell

Red Mitchell   1992

Photo: Gordon Blanz

Source: Plas Johnson

 

  Born in 1933 in Whiteville, Tennessee, Calvin Newborn was brother to pianist, Phineas Newborn. He first recorded in 1949 with his brother and BB King. He also laid early tracks with Big Walter Horton. Newborn began to become more jazz oriented upon playing with his brother, Phineas, in the early fifties. In 1953 he recorded a couple duos with Phineas in Houston on which he played guitar, bass and drums: 'How High the Moon' and ''Round Midnight' (Progressive Jazz 500). They recorded together numerously to 1958 (: 'Fabulous Phineas'), then put down 'Down Home Reunion' on January 30 of 1959 with the Young Men From Memphis. They reunited in May of 1979 for Cybill Shepard's 'Vanilla'. Newborn began recording with Earl Hines in 1959, he thereafter supporting all number of jazz luminaries from Lionel Hampton to Wild Bill Davis to Ray Charles to Count Basie. Newborn co-led 'Centerpiece' with pianist/saxophonist, Hank Crawford, in 1980. Crawford supported 'From the Hip' in 1982. 'UpCity' arrived in 1998, 'New Born' in 2005 and 'Clazz' in 2011. Newborn was living in Jacksonville, Florida, when he died on 1 Dec 2018 [obit]. References: 1, 2. Sessions: DAHR (w Wild Bill Davis); Lord (leading 6 of 45). Discos: 1, 2, 3. IMDb. Further reading: Matt Soergel. Other profiles *. Edits below from 2006 to 2010 are live performances.

Calvin Newborn   1949

  She's Dynamite

       Backing BB King

       Composition: Tampa Red

Calvin Newborn   1951

  Hard Hearted Woman

       Mouth harp: Big Walter Horton

        Composition: Horton

       Credited to Leonard Allen

Calvin Newborn   1958

  I'll Remember April

       Piano: Phineas Newborn

       Music: Gene de Paul   1942

       Lyrics: Patricia Johnston/Don Raye

       For the comedy 'Ride 'Em Cowboy'

Calvin Newborn   1959

  Things Ain't What They Used to Be

      Music: Mercer Ellington   1942

      Lyrics: Ted Persons

      Album: 'Down Home Reunion'

      Trumpet: Booker Little

      Piano: Phineas Newborn

Calvin Newborn   1978

  I Had a Dream

      With Hank Crawford

      Composition: Hubert Laws

Calvin Newborn   2006

 Georgia on My Mind

      Composition: 1930

      Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell

 Misty

      Music: Erroll Garner   1954

      Lyrics: Johnny Burke

 Sugar

      Composition: Stanley Turrentine

Calvin Newborn   2010

  Frame for the Blues

      Live in Memphis

      Composition: Jimmy McGriff

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Calvin Newborn

Calvin Newborn

Source: EU Jacksonville

 

Born in 1929 in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, phenomenal jazz guitarist Thomas Grady Martin [1, 2] was also a country western musician who liked to work in both genres. Martin got his professional break early, performing regularly for WLAC radio in Nashville at age fifteen. Several years later in '49 he joined Red Foley on 'Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy' [Lord's disco] for release in January of 1950. In 1951 Martin put together a band called the Slew Foot Five and made his first recordings as a leader that year ('Bully Of the Town', below, among them). The early fifties saw sessions with such as Bing Crosby and Burl Ives, as well as recordings with his band now called the Winging Strings. During the latter fifties Martin became a Nashville A-Team session guitarist, thereat to participate in titles by such as Marty Robbins and Johnny Horton. In 1964 he contributed to jazz trombonist, Kai Winding's 'Modern Country'. Others employing his talents in '64 were Roy Orbison and Lefty Frizzell. Martin issued the LP, 'Instrumentally Yours', in 1965. 1966 found him on clarinetist, Pete Fountain's, 'Mood Indigo'. His LP, 'A Touch of Country', appeared in 1967. He appeared on Joan Baez' 'Any Day Now' in '68 and 'David's Album' in '69. In the seventies he worked with such as J J Cale, Sammi Smith, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty and Kris Kristofferson. 1977 saw the issue of the LP, 'Country Classics'. In 1978 Martin traded session work for the road to tour with Jerry Reed. He's also said to have joined Willie Nelson's band that year, with which he worked until retirement in 1994 for health reasons. In the meantime he'd supported the jazz group, the Four Freshmen, on 'Graduation Day' in 1982, then shifted back to country the next year on Merle Haggard's 'That's the Way Love Goes'. Martin died of heart attack on December 3, 2001, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, leaving a legacy of nearly 400 sessions. Early recordings on which Martin features.  Production and songwriting credits for recordings by Martin with and without the Slew Foot Five: *. See also Discogs 1, 2, 3. Further reading: 1, 2. See also Grady Martin Country and Grady Martin Rock. Most of the tenor sax on the recordings below is by Dutch McMillin.

Grady Martin   1950

   Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy

      With Red Foley

     Composition: Jack Stapp/Harry Stone

Grady Martin   1951

   Bully of the Town

     Composition: Charles E. Trevathan   1895

     Arrangement: Owen Bradley/Grady Martin

Grady Martin   1955

   Hot Lips

     Composition: Henry Busse/Henry Lange/Lou Davis

Grady Martin   1957

   Nagasaki

     Composition: Harry Warren/Mort Dixon   1928

Grady Martin   1959

   St. Louis Blues

      Composition: William Handy

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Grady Martin

Grady Martin

Source: From the Vaults

Birth of Modern Jazz: Attila Zoller

Attila Zoller

Source: Just Jazz Guitars

Born in 1927 in Visegrád, Hungary, guitarist Attila Zoller began his professional career playing in Budapest nightclubs. He managed to leave Hungary for Vienna on foot with his guitar in 1948, just prior to the Soviet blockade. His first recordings are thought to have occurred in 1950 with accordion player, Vera Auer, on the Harmona label: 'Nachts Ruft Ein Lied' and 'Meine Augen Sagen Ja'. Tittles with Auer ensued into 1951, such as 'Apple Honey' and 'Pick Yourself Up'. Zoller had also privately recorded 'How High the Bach' in 1950 in the Roland Kovac Quartet. Lord's disco has Zoller possibly recording 'Say Si Si' for Tempo with Auer in 1950, which would have been his first title in Germany. His first session with a date was on March 12 of 1953 in Germany with Albert Mangelsdorff on trombone: 'I Can't Get Started'. Mangelsdorff would become among the more important figures in Zoller's career, they recording numerously for the next six years in Germany before Zoller's immigration to the United States in '59. There would be later reunions in '64, '67 and '86 on Zoller's return visits to Germany. Albert's brother, Emil Mangelsdorff, saw a few of Zoller's sessions with Albert. Zoller also backed pianist, Jutta Hipp, in Germany in '55. Zoller's first sessions as a leader were on July 28 of 1955: 'You Go to My Head' and 'Autumn in New York', those available on a compilation with other German artists like Hipp and Hans Koller issued in 2000 titled 'Cool Jazz Made in Germany'. Koller was another important figure in Zoller's career, they putting down 'Blues for Joe' on May 1 of 1956 for SWF Radio (Südwestfunk). Numerous sessions ensued with reunions in '62, '65 and '79 ('Trinity' w Roland Hanna) on Zoller's revisits to Germany. Much contributing to Zoller's move to the United States was a tour to Europe in 1958 by bassist, Oscar Pettiford. Going down in November and December that year were 'We Get the Message' and 'Blues in Mind'. 'The Legendary Oscar Pettiford' ensued in January of 1959. Zoller's second session as a leader had been a trio with Pettiford and drummer, Kenny Clarke, yielding 'Willow Weep for Me' for an Austrian telecast on November 15 of 1958. Lord's disco shows Zoller's last recordings in Germany (not counting later tours) on February 24 of '59 with the Pettiford/Koller Qunitet, issued in 1963 on Koller's 'Exclusiv'. Pettiford convinced Zoller, who had already toured to the States a couple times in '56 and '58, that he would do well there. So upon being accepted on scholarship to the Lenox School of Jazz in Massachusetts Zoller moved across the pond in 1959, that something of an exchange since Pettiford had decided to live in Copenhagen where he died in 1960. Zoller's first tracks in the United States were with the Lenox School on August 28, 1959: 'Monk's Sphere' and 'Jingles'. Upon hooking up with drummer, Chico Hamilton, and saxophonist, Bobby Jaspar, they made private unissued recordings at the Vanguard in NYC in 1960. Zoller's revisit to Germany in 1962 for NDR Jazz Workshops #24 and #25 (recorded) also resulted in a string of titles with pianist, Carlos Diernhammer, to be eventually issued in 2000 as 'Night Bounce'. Frequent revisits to Germany would mean numerous soundtracks such as for the 1962 release of 'The Bread of Our Early Years'. A collection of such was issued in 2013 as 'Jazz Soundtracks: Original Music from the Arthouse Films of Hans Jurgen Pohland 1962-67'. Among Zoller's more important associates in the States was flautist, Herbie Mann, first backing him on July 7 of 1963 for 'Live at Newport'. Multiple sessions ensued to March 22, 1966, for 'Do Wah Diddy Diddy', The Oud and the Pussycat'' and 'Rhythm in 9/8' (unissued). Also in that session at the Newport Jazz Festival was pianist, Don Friedman, among Zoller's more important comrades for the next several years. Zoller supported Friedman's 'Dreams and Explorations' in 1964. On March 15 of '65 Friedman backed Zoller's 'The Horizon Beyond'. They joined Albert Mangelsdorff at the Newport Jazz Festival in July. On February 22, 1966, it was Friedman's 'Metamorphosis'. They recorded in Germany for an NDR Jazz Workshop in 1967. They would visit again as late as 1995 in Switzerland for a session on March 30 to support Lee Konitz' 'Thingin''. Zoller also joined sessions with such as Cal Tjader and Benny Goodman in the sixties. Frequently visiting Europe during his career, Zoller also toured to Japan in June of 1970, recording 'Guitar Genius in Japan' in Tokyo with Larry Ridley (bass), Lenny McBrowne (drums), Jim Hall (guitar) and Kenny Burrell (guitar). He also left behind 'Duologue' with pianist, Masahiko Sato, that month. In 1971 Zoller patented a bi-directional pickup (transducer: device that converts string vibrations into electric signals). He also designed his own signature line of guitars. It was 6 May of '79 when he joined Ron Carter (bass) and Joe Chambers (drums) in NYC toward 'Common Cause' [1, 2]. Zoller founded the Vermont Jazz Center in 1985 where he taught until 1998. Lord's disco gives his last tracks on January 7, 1998 in a trio with Tommy Flanagan (piano) and George Mraz (bass) for 'There Will Never Be Another You', 'Lament' and 'I Love You'. He passed away not three weeks later on the 25th of 1998 in Townshend, Vermont w above twenty albums to his name. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (alt). Sessions: DAHR (w Dave Pike); Fitzgerald: main, multiple versions, personnel; J-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 45 of 120). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. IA. Discussion. Interview w Bill Donaldson for 'Cadence Magazine' 1999: 1, 2 (alt). Further reading: Richard Boukas, Jon Potter,

Attila Zoller  1959

  Blues in the Closet

      Bass: Oscar Pettiford   Drums: Kenny Clarke

      Composition: Pettiford

  The Gentle Art of Love

      Television performance with Oscar Pettiford

      Composition: Pettiford

Attila Zoller  1965

  After Glow

      Piano: Martial Solal   Tenor sax: Hans Koller

      Composition: Zoller

  All The Things You Are

      Piano: Martial Solal   Tenor sax: Hans Koller

      Composition:

      Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II

Attila Zoller  1967

  The Birds and the Bees

      Duet with Jim Hall

      Composition: Zoller

Attila Zoller  1972

  Sazo

      Composition: Masahiko Sato/Zoller

      Recorded 7 Nov '71

      LP: 'A Path Through Haze'

      Piano: Masahiko Sato

      Bass: Yasuo Arakawa

      Drums: Masahiko Ozu

Attila Zoller  1973

  Blues in the Closet

      Filmed live   Duet with Jim Hall

      Composition: Oscar Pettiford

  Extensions

      Filmed live   Duet with Jim Hall

      Composition: Zoller

  When I Have You

      Filmed live   Duet with Jim Hall

      Composition: Hall

Attila Zoller  1992

  When It's Time

      Filmed Live       Composition: Zoller

  Xanthippe

      Filmed Live

      Vibes: Wolfgang Lackerschmid

      Composition: Lackerschmid

Attila Zoller  1995

  When It's Time

      Composition: Zoller

      Album: 'When It's Time'

Attila Zoller  1997

  Another Xanthippe

      Filmed Live

      Composition: Zoller

  Waltz for Joy

      Composition: Zoller

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Max Bennett

Max Bennett

Source: Brian & Kaye Runner

Born in 1928, bassist and bass guitarist, Max Bennett grew up in Kansas City and Oskaloosa, Iowa, he attending college in that state. His first professional gigs were with clarinetist, Herbie Fields, in 1949. Bennett is thought to have first recorded with Fields in November of 1949, a live session at the Flame Club in St. Paul (available on CD) for unissued titles such as 'Ow!' and 'Indiana'. One of the more important figures in Bennett's career was in on that session, trombone player, Frank Rosolino. Bennett and Rosolino would clear much the same path as studio musicians throughout the fifties, appearing on countless titles together, finally backing Peggy Lee on 'Blues Cross Country' in April 1961. They would reunite in 1974 for Quincy Jones' 'Body Heat' and '75 for Jones' 'Mellow Madness'. On January 26 of 1951 Bennett backed the Georgie Auld Quintet in NYC for 1951 Roost releases of such as 'Seh! Seh!' and 'New Airmail Special' (also available on CD). Come Flip Phillips on March 3 for 'Love Come Back to Me' and 'Everything Happens to Me'. Come Charlie Ventura on May 5 of '53 for titles like 'The Great Lie' and 'Turnpike' with Jackie Caiin and Roy Kral (piano) on vocals. Bennett joined the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra (founded 1952 by Eddie Sauter and Bill Finegan) later that year in time for a September 30 session for 'Doodletown Races', 'Of Thee I Sing' and 'What Is This Thing Called Love?' Bennett hung with that orrchestra into February of 1954 for 'Inside Sauter-Finegan'. With Bennett filling well above two hundred sessions during his career this account needs skip like a stone across a watery surface, touching upon only a few of Bennett's major contributions. We jump ahead a touch to Stan Kenton who had made a career of breaking in new talent. Bennett's first recorded titles with Kenton were on  September 21, 1954, in Portland, OR, for such as 'Saxonia' and 'Cuba Jazz'. Bennett stuck with Kenton into 1955, last in that band for NBC radio broadcasts from the Birdland in NYC for a two-week engagement beginning November 24 and ending December 7, recording such as 'Imagination' and 'I Hear Music' with Ann Richards at vocals. Bennett's first experience with vocal giant, Ella Fitzgerald, had been with Kenton on August 2 of '55: 'How How the Moon', 'Someone to Watch Over Me', etc.. Bennett joined Fitzgerald on a tour to Europe in 1958 to record 'Ella In Rome: The Birthday Concert'. He toured to Europe with her again in summer of '59 for a Jazz at the Philharmonic performance in Cannes, France, on July 1, bearing such as 'Lover Come Back to me' and 'Angel Eyes'. Bennett was a draw for vocalists. He first recorded with Mel Tormé (Porgy) in 1956 on the huge production of 'The Complete Porgy and Bess' with Russell Garcia arranging titles from George Gershwin's original opera in 1951. Bennett also supported Tormé on 'Sings Fred Astaire' that year. 1957 saw Bennett on Tormé's 'Songs for Any Taste', 'At the Crescendo' and 'Dedicated to the Golden State'. Considerably more significant to Bennett's career was vocalist, Peggy Lee, Bennett first supporting her in June of 1956 for her album, 'Dream Street'. April sessions in Hollywood in 1957 went toward Lee's album, 'The Man I Love'. 1960 witnessed 'Pretty Eyes' and 'Christmas Carousel'. 1961 saw 'Basin Street East', 'Peggy at Basin Street East', 'Blues Cross Country' and 'If You Go'. Come 'Sugar 'n' Spice' with 'Mink Jazz' in 1962, followed by 'I'm a Woman' and 'In Love Again' in 1963. Further titles followed in '66 and '67, they to reunite in 1979 for 'Close Enough For Love'. Another talent Bennett supported in the latter fifties was vibraphonist, Terry Gibbs, first recording with Gibbs in September of '57 for 'A Jazzband Ball'. Come 'More Vibes On Velvet' in November of '58, 'Launching a New Band' in February of '59, 'Dream Band' and 'Flying Home' the next month, and 'One More Time' recorded between March and November. 1962 saw Bennett participating in titles toward Gibbs' 'Straight Ahead'. Highlighting the sixties were saxophonist, Charlie Barnet, and guitarist, Laurindo Almeida. Bennett's first titles with Barnet were in Hollywood on May 24 and 25 of '62 for such as 'Cherokee Raid', 'Mood Indigo', 'Indianapolis' and 'I Love Paris'. Tracks for Barnet's 'Wings Over Manhattan' followed on September 13. A few sessions followed in 1966, they to reunite on December 1 and 2 of '69 for such as 'The Beat Goes On' and 'The Girl From Ipanema', those for Reader's Digest. As for Almeida, Bennett first supported him in October of '62 for 'Viva Bossa Nova!'. The next month saw 'Ole! Bossa Nova!'. Bennett is thought to have first traded upright bass for electric bass guitar per Bob Thiele's 'Light My Fire' on August 11, 1967. It was on bass guitar that Bennett backed blues giant, T-Bone Walker, in Los Angeles on August 18 of 1969 for the latter's album, 'Everyday I Have the Blues'. Titles in Hollywood and NYC in 1973 went toward Walker's 'Very Rare'. Bennett also supported Frank Zappa's 'Hot Rats' in August and September of 1969. He was with Tom Scott's L.A. Express in 1974 to back Joni Mitchell on the title, 'Love Poem', that on the album, 'Tom Cat'. Bennett assumed leadership of the L.A. Express in 1975 to record the album by the same name, 'L.A. Express', he to later from the group, Freeway. Bennett's first couple albums as a band leader had been released in 1955: 'Max Bennett Quintet' with Frank Rosolino, and 'Max Bennett Plays', the latter a quartet. Bennett led the band, Private Reserve, until his death on 14 Sep of 2018 [obits: 1, 2]. He had released 'Max Is the Factor' in 2006. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3. IMDb. NAMM interview 2007. Per 1949 below, Bennett performs with the Herbie Fields Septet at the Flame Club alongside trombonist, Frank Rosolino.

Max Bennett   1949

With the Herbie Fields Septet at the Flame Club:

 Indiana

      Composition:

      James Hanley/Ballard MacDonald

  Lemon Drop

      Composition: George Wallington

  Tiny's Blues

      Composition: Tiny Kahn

  The Way You Look Tonight

      Composition:

      Jerome Kern/Dorothy Fields

  Zing Went the Strings

      Composition: James Hanley

Note: Titles above not released until 2000 on 'Live at the Flame Club, St. Paul, 1949' (IAJRC 1014).

Max Bennett   1955

 Rubberneck

      Composition: Frank Rosolino

Note: 'Rubberneck' saw recording in Los Angeles on 27 January 1955. First released that year on the album, 'Max Bennett' (Bethlehem BCP 1028), it saw issue again in 1956 on 'Max Bennett Plays' (Bethlehem BCP 50) [per Birka Jazz and JDP; Discogs and RYM show release in '57].

 Sweet Sue, Just You

      Music: Victor Young   1928

      Lyrics: Will J. Harris

Note: 'Sweet Sue, Just You' saw recording in New York City on 14 Dec 1955. It was released in 1956 per above on 'Max Bennett Plays' (Bethlehem [per Birka Jazz and JDP; Discogs and RYM show release in '57].

Max Bennett   1967

 Fever

     Television performance

     Vocal: Peggy Lee

     Drums: Jack Sperling

Note: The date of the above broadcast is given as 1967 per 1, 2. It is not Lee's earlier performance of 'Fever' in 1962 on the 'Andy Williams Show'. 'Fever' was authored by Otis Blackwell and Eddie Cooley under Blackwell's pseudonym, John Davenport. The song was first issued by Little Willie John in 1956, produced by Henry Glover. Lee's first issue arrived in '58 upon Bennett's suggestion she do the song. Original lyrics had gotten revamped by Sid Kuller and Lee. More on 'Fever'.

Max Bennett   1993

 Let's Say Goodbye

     Album: 'Great Expectations'

     All comps by Bennett

Max Bennett   2010

Live performance   KSBR Birthday Bash

Guitar: Mike Miller   Vocal: Amber Whitlock

 Fever

      Composition:

      John Davenport (Otis Blackwell/Eddie Cooley)

 Reflections

      Composition: Bennett

      Guitar: Mike Miller   Vocal: Amber Whitlock

Max Bennett   2012

 Twisted

     Live performance   NAMM

     Guitar: Mike Miller

     Music: Wardell Gray

    Lyrics: Annie Ross

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Kenny Burrell

Kenny Burrell/font>

Source: Al Morton

 

Guitarist Kenny Burrell was born in 1931 in Detroit. He began his recording career on March 1, 1951 with Dizzy Gillespie in Detroit: 'Love Me', 'We Love to Boogie', 'Tin Tin Deo' and 'Birk's Works'. In 1952 Burrell formed a group called the Four Sharps, his first name recordings thought to have been in Detroit circa 1953 with that group (including Tommy Flanagan and Yusef Lateef): 'Kenny's Sound'/'My Funny Valentine' (JVB #58). That (per 'The Gentle Giant' by Yusef Lateef), however, is moot, Lord's disco and JAZZDISCO lending circa 1950. We've also seen 1957 at organissimo. 'Before Motown' by Lars Bjorn has that issued on 78 as very rare. Which murky waters we abandon because Burrell's recording career of above 600 sessions presently seems to prefer another wormhole through which to commence this account, that per Gillespie above: Also in that ensemble were John Coltrane, Percy Heath and Milt Jackson. Burrell's next session with Coltrane was for Paul Chambers' 'Whims of Chambers' on September 21 if 1956. The next year he and Coltrane joined tenor saxophonist, Bobby Jaspar, toward 'Interplay For 2 Trumpets and 2 Tenors'. April of '57 found them recording 'The Cats' with Idrees Sulieman (trumpet) and Tommy Flanagan (piano). March of '58 found them co-leading 'Kenny Burrell & John Coltrane'. Returning to Gillespie above, Burrell's next date with Heath was on July 9, 1956, in the Thad Jones Sextet for 'The Magnificent Thad Jones'. The next year they joined Jaspar on flute for Milt Jackson's 'Bags and Flutes'. Also in on that were Flanagan and  Art Taylor (drums). April 10 of '58 found them supporting Ray Charles' 'Soul Meeting', also with Jackson. Burrell went on with Jackson to record 'Bean Bags' on September 12 of '58. Among Burrell's more frequent partners from '56 to as late as 1962 was saxophonist/flautist, Frank Wess. Their first session together is thought have been in Frank Foster's Septet on March 5, 1956, for 'No Count'. Two days later Burrell was backing Wess for titles like 'What D'ya Say?' and 'Salvation'. Burrell participated in Wess' 'Opus in Swing' on June 20, 1956, and 'Jazz for Playboys' on January 5, 1957. They found themselves together several more times backing other bands until Shirley Horn's 'Loads of Love' with the Jimmy Jones Orchestra in 1962(?). Burrell had recorded his debut album, 'Introducing Kenny Burrell', in May of 1956, the month before vocal giant, Billie Holiday, came his way with the Tony Scott Orchestra in June of '56 for titles like 'Trav'lin' Light' and 'I Must Have That Man', etc.. A few more occasions with Holiday followed to March 3 of '59 with the Ray Ellis Orchestra for 'All the Way', 'It's Not for Me to Say', et al. Dinah Washington had come along the prior month on February 19, 1959, with the Belford Hendricks Orchestra for such as 'I Won't Cry Anymore' and 'Time After Time'. Burrell would see Washington a few more times to August 22 of 1962, yielding 'There Must Be a Way' and 'What's New', etc. Among male vocalists whom Burrell supported was Jimmy Witherspoon with the Jesse Stone Band on June 21 of 1957 for 'I Can't Stand It' and 'Many Things', et al. December 4 found him with Witherspoon again in Jay McShann's Band: 'Jumpin' the Blues', 'Hootie Blues', etc.. Albums by organist, Jimmy Smith, to which Burrell contributed were 'House Party' (1957), 'Softly as a Summer Breeze' (1958), 'On the Sunny Side' (1958), 'Six Views of the Blues' (1958) and 'Home Cookin'' (1959). Other projects in which he participated during his early career were such as Illinois Jacquet's 'The Cool Rage' in '58, Erskine Hawkins' '25 Golden Years of Jazz Vol 1 & 2' in '62 and Ike Quebec's 'Bossa Nova Soul Samba' the same year. Jacquet contributed to Burrell's 'Bluesin' Around' on November 21, 1961. Stanley Turrentine added moonlight to Burrell's 'Midnight Blue' in '63. Gil Evans arranged titles on Burrell's 'Guitar Forms' issued in 1965. Duke Ellington, who held Burrell in high esteem, contributed by legacy to Burrell's 'Ellington Is Forever' in 1975, Ellington having died the year before on May 24, 1974. Burrell began teaching at UCLA as an Ellington authority in 1978. He was made Director of Jazz studies at UCLA in 1996, and an NEA Jazz Master in 2005. With his work appearing on several hundred albums, including no few number of his own, Burrell is yet active, having released 'The Road to Love' as recently as 2015 followed by 'Unlimited 1: Live at Catalina's' the next year (recorded 2015-16). Regardless of Hall's virtuosity, "things happen" (as was once sufficiently explained to me as I go pinballing about life's table) such that financial pressures moved his wife, Katherine, to launch a successful gofundme campaign in May of 2019 1, 2, 3, 4. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: DAHR (w composer credits); J-Disc (w comps by Burrell); JDP; Lord (leading 140 out of 615). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. Reviews: 'Freedom' (recorded '63 and '64 toward release in 1980). Analysis: Vinnie DeMasi. Interviews: NAMM 2008, Jake Feinberg 2013, Wolf Marshall 2014. Facebook. Gear. Further reading: Hall and UCLA: Fukushima; Heckman; O'Connell. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3, 4. More Burrell under Ike Quebec in Modern Jazz Sax. Stanley Turrentine plays tenor sax on a number of tracks for 1963 below.

Kenny Burrell   1951

 Tin Tin Deo

      Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie

     Composition: 1947:

     Walter Gilbert Fuller

     Chano Pozo

  We Love to Boogie

     Trumpet: Dizzy Gillespie

    Composition: Gillespie

Kenny Burrell   1956

 Introducing Kenny Burrell

     Album   Piano: Tommy Flanagan

Kenny Burrell   1957

 I'll Close My Eyes

     Duet with Jimmy Raney

    Music: Billy Reid   1945

    Lyrics: Buddy Kaye

Kenny Burrell   1959

 Birk's Works

    Composition: Dizzy Gillespie

Kenny Burrell   1963

 Blue Bash

     Organ: Jimmy Smith

    Composition: Smith

     Burrell-Smith LP 'Blue Bash!'

     Recorded July 1963

From 'Midnight Blue'

Recorded 8 Jan 1963

All tracks below composed by Burrell:

 Chitlins Con Carne

    Tenor sax: Stanley Turrentine

 Kenny's Sound

    Tenor sax: Stanley Turrentine

    CD reissue bonus track only

 Midnight Blue

 Saturday Night Blues

    Tenor sax: Stanley Turrentine

 Soul Lament

Kenny Burrell   1964

 What Child Is This?

Note: 'What Child Is This?' is a Christmas carol written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, fit to the tune of the English folk song, 'Greensleeves'.

Kenny Burrell   1966

 Isabella

    Composition: Burrell

Kenny Burrell   1979

 Blue Bossa

    Composition: Burrell

Kenny Burrell   1984

 Organ Grinder's Swing

     Sax: Frank Foster

     Organ: Jimmy Smith

    Composition:

    Will Hudson/Irving Mills/Mitchell Parish

Kenny Burrell   1990

 Jeanine

    Composition: Duke Pearson

Kenny Burrell   1992

 Day Dream

    Composition:

    Duke Ellington/John Latouche/Billy Strayhorn

     Album: 'Soft Sounds for a Summer Night'/font>

    With Grover Washington Jr.

Kenny Burrell   2009

 Billy Jean

    Composition: Michael Jackson

Kenny Burrell   2011

 Stormy Monday

     Catalina Jazz Club w Stevie Wonder

    Composition: T-Bone Walker

 

 
Birth of Modern Jazz: Sam Jones

Sam Jones

Source: Blue Note
Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1924, double bassist and cellist, Sam Jones, was a prolific recording artist who provided rhythm to a virtual encyclopedia of jazz ensembles. He is thought to have first seen vinyl in 1951 per a session in NYC for saxophonist, Paul Williams, on July 25 resulting in 'Rockin' Chair Blues' and part 1 of 'Sinner's Hop' (Savoy 814), other titles unissued. A couple more sessions were held with Williams before those with Tiny Bradshaw from 1953 to '55. On Nat Adderley's 1956 issue of 'To the Ivy League from Nat'. He also recorded with Kenny Dorham in '56, toward the January 1957 issue of 'Round About Midnight at the Cafe Bohemia', Kenny Burrell also appearing on that LP. Jones released a couple more albums with Nat into the sixties, but it's Cannonball Adderley with whom he issued above fifteen albums between 1958 and 1975, the first being 'Somethin' Else', the last, 'Phenix'. Jones recorded prolifically, much in demand as a sideman. We mention only those with whom he recorded at least three albums: Jone's first of four with Lou Donaldson was 'The Time is Right' in 1959. He also appeared on the first of three Red Garland LPs that year. Jones released his first of more than ten LPs as a leader in early 1960: 'The Soul Society'. His first of seven albums with Bobby Timmons emerged in 1960, 'This Here is Bobby Timmons'. Jone's first of seven albums with Oscar Peterson was 'Blue Etudes' in 1966. His first of five with Art Farmer arrived in 1971: 'Homecoming'. His first of five with Gene Ammons was 'Jug & Dodo' the next year, though recorded ten years earlier in 1962. Also in '72 Jones released the first of three LPs with Charles McPherson: 'Siku Ya Bibi (Day of the Lady)'. Jones and Cedar Walton issued eleven albums together, their first two being the two volumes of Walton's 'A Night At Boomers' in 1973. He issued eight albums with Clifford Jordan, beginning with 'Glass Bead Games' in '74. The next year Jones released the first of three albums with Duke Jordan, 'Misty Thursday'. Three albums with Al Cohn commenced in 1976 with 'Al Cohn's America'. Of the 414 sessions ascribed to Jones, 14 of those were as a leader. His first on March 8, 1960, resulted in 'The Soul Society'. His last LP was 'Somethin' New' put down on June 4, 1979. He had recorded 'The Bassist' the day before with Kenny Barron at piano and Keith Copeland on drums. Jones' last recordings may have been on January 23, 1981, in Tokyo at Yubin Chokin Hall in a quartet for Kenny Drew with Junior Cook (tenor sax) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). He died on December 15, 1981. Others notable in Jones' career had been Dizzy Gillespie, Abbey Lincoln, Thelonious Monk and Blue Mitchell. References: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: J-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 14 of 417). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Transcriptions: 'Hi-Fly' (composed by Randy Weston). Discussion.

Sam Jones   1951

With saxophonist, Paul Williams

  Rockin' Chair Blues

    Composition: Thompson/McFarland

  Sinner's Hop

    Composition: Paul Williams & Co.

Sam Jones   1956

From 'To the Ivy League from Nat Adderley'

Emarcy MG 36100

'Sam's Tune' composed by Sam Jones

Tracks below w cello by Jones

  Sam's Tune

  Sam's Tune   Alt

Sam Jones   1958

  Minority

    Composition: Gigi Gryce

     Cannonball Adderley Quintet

     LP: 'Portrait of Cannonball'

Sam Jones   1960

  Del Sasser

    Composition: Sam Jones

     Cannonball Adderley Quintet

    LP: 'Them Dirty Blues'

    Recorded 1 Feb 1960

  Hi-Fly

    Composition: Randy Weston

     Cannonball Adderley Quintet

    LP: 'The Cannonball Adderley Quintet in San Francisco'

    Recorded 18/20 Oct 1959

  Open Sesame   Alt

    Composition: Tina Brooks

      Freddie Hubbard LP: 'Open Sesame'

    Recorded 19 June 1960

  The Soul Society

      Debut LP

     Recorded 8/10 March 1960

Sam Jones   1961

  Suite

      'Jazz Casual' television broadcast

Sam Jones   1962

  Unit 7

    Composition: Sam Jones

     Album: 'Down Home'

Sam Jones   1963

  Live in Switzerland & Germany

      Filmed live w Cannonball Adderley Sextet

Sam Jones   1967

  Suite

      Live with Oscar Peterson Trio

Sam Jones   1976

  Double Bass

      Also on bass: Ørsted Pedersen

      Guitar: Philip Catherine

      Drums: Billy Higgins

      Percussion: Albert Heath

  Live in Tokyo

      Album by guitarist Jimmy Raney

      Trio w drums by Leroy Williams

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Sal Salvador

Sal Salvador

Source: Blue Note

 

Born in Monson, Massachusetts in 1925, guitarist Sal Salvador may have first recorded with Phil Woods and Joe Morello in late 1947 at Wood's home in Springfield, MA. Those tracks are said to exist on a CD called 'Bird's Eyes', cut, owned or in the care of the Philology label (perhaps Philology Jazz Records in Italy). Howsoever, those rare tracks aren't offered to YouTube. In 1949 Salvador left Springfield, MA, for New York City where he was employed at Radio Music Hall as a staff guitarist together with Johnny Smith. July 2, 1951 found him recording with the Cabineers for Prestige, such as 'Each Time', 'Lost', etc.. On August 28 it was the Terry Gibbs Sextet for 'Swing's the Thing', 'Begin the Beguine', et al. Come the Eddie Bert Quintet on March 19 of 1952 for 'Mol-Shaja', 'First Day of Spring', et al, before Salvador's first titles with Stan Kenton, on June 15: 'Love for Sale', 'Delicado', etc.. Salvador remained with Kenton only three years, though in that time not a few sessions were held to September 3 of 1955, that with the JATP All Stars for a telecast of 'Music 55' by CBS: 'Artistry in Rhythm' (theme), 'This Can't Be Love', etc.. Salvador had released his debut album, 'Sal Salvador Quintet' in 1954, briefly before the album 'Stan Kenton Presents Sal Salvador'. He later taught at a couple universities in Connecticut. He recorded steadily into the early eighties, occasionally thereafter. Lord's disco has him down for only two sessions in the nineties, those at the Carriage House in Stamford, CT, in 1994 and '95 for 'The Way of the Wind' and 'Lorinda's Kitchen'. Salvador died in Stamford on September 22 of 1999 [obit]. He had published numerous instructional books [1, 2, 3]. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: DAHR; Lord (leading 34 of 151). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. Reviews.

Sal Salvador   1952

  Improvisation

      With Stan Kenton

     Arrangement: Bill Russo

Sal Salvador   1953

  Harlem Nocturne

      With Stan Kenton

     Composition: Earle Hagen

Sal Salvador   1954

Debut LP: 'Sal Salvador Quintet':

  Gone with Wind

     Composition:

     Allie Wrubel/Herbert Magidson

  My Old Flame

     Composition:

     Arthur Johnston/Sam Coslow

  Get Happy

     Composition:

     Harold Arlen/Ted Koehler

  This Can't Be Love

     Composition: Rodgers & Hart

  Too Marvelous for Words

     Composition:

     Richard Whiting/Johnny Mercer

Sal Salvador   1956

From 'Frivolous Sal':

  All The Things You Are

    Composition: Kern & Hammerstein

  Salaman

    Composition: Manny Albam/Salvador

  You Could Swing for That

    Composition: Salvador

Sal Salvador   1957

From 'Shades of Sal Salvador':

  Carioca

     Composition:

     Edward Eliscu/Gus Kahn/Vincent Youmans

  Delighted

     Composition: Salvador

  I Hadn't Anyone But You

     Composition: Ray Noble

  They Say It's Wonderful

     Composition: Irving Berlin

  Two Sleepy People

     Composition:

     Hoagy Carmichael/Frank Loesser

  You're Driving Me Crazy

     Composition: Walter Donaldson

Sal Salvador   1958

  Colors in Sound

      Album

Sal Salvador   1963

From 'Music to Quit Smoking By'

Piano: Ray Sterling

Bass: John Beal

Drums: Lenny McBrowne

  I'm Beginning to See the Light

     Composition: 1944:

     Duke Ellington/Don George

     Johnny Hodges/Harry James

  You Do Something to Me

     Composition: Cole Porter

  You Go to My Head

     Composition: John Coots/Haven Gillespie

Sal Salvador   1979

  Daddy O

    Composition: Billy Taylor

     Album: 'Juicy Lucy'

      Recorded 5 Sep '78

    Piano: Billy Taylor

    Bass: Art Davis

    Drums: Joe Morello

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Howard Roberts

Howard Roberts

Photo: Andrea Augé

Source: Vintage Guitar Magazine

Howard Roberts was largely a sessions guitarist who supported jazz musicians w one hand and popular composers for the entertainment industry with the other. Born in 1929 he left Phoenix, Arizona for the West coast jazz scene in Los Angeles as a teenager where he began to play gigs with musicians such as Jack Marshall, Chico Hamilton and Barney Kessel. His earliest known session was in May of 1952, recorded live at the Haig in Los Angeles with Gerry Mulligan: 'Out of Nowhere', 'Our Delight', etc.. He also recorded with Wardell Gray at the Haig in September that year, that to be found on 'Live in Hollywood'. In 1953 he laid tracks in August with Bobby Troup for Capitol. His next sessions in January of '54 with June Christy saw 'Lonely House', 'I Should Care', etc.. That was a significant occasion in the Pete Rugolo Orchestra with Shorty Rogers and Bud Shank. Christy, Rugolo, Rogers and Shank would be important figures in Roberts' career. He supported Christy numerously in the fifties in Rugolo's orchestra, also backing her 'The Cool School' in 1960 with the Joe Castro Quartet. Rugolo's big band was a major vehicle for Roberts to as late as 1961, both backing Rugulo's projects and other enterprises. After supporting Christy in January of '54 he participated in 'Introducing Pete Rugolo and His Orchestra' on February 8. Numerous dates ensued to as late as November of 1961 for Rugolo's 'Ten Saxophones and Two Basses'. Future dates with Rogers in support roles included Christy with Rugolo, the Pete Jolly Sextet and Patti Page until Rogers' 'Chances Are It Swings' went down in December of 1958. Rogers participated in Roberts' 'Somethin's Cookin'' in July of 1964. They later recorded with Carmen McRae in '67. Shank continued with Christy and Rugolo as well, he and Roberts also backing other operations, like Patti Page, until Shank's 'Flute 'n Oboe' with the Bob Cooper Quintet on November 29 of 1956. Shank's 'The Swing's to TV' went down on January 21 of '58, they in the meantime supporting Christy, Rugolo and other enterprises together. The sixties saw multiple supporting roles together until Shank's 'The Windmills of Your Mind' in 1969 and 'Let It Be' in 1970. Their last sessions are thought to have been in 1971 with Gerry Mulligan for the latter's 'The Age of Steam'. Between the two sessions it took to make that, Mulligan, Shank and Roberts also contributed to 'Gandharva' by Beaver and Krause. We need step back to October 22, 1956, for Robert's first session as a leader resulting in 'Velvet Groove'. Between that and 'Turning to Spring' in 1979 Lord's disco has Roberts recording about eighteen more albums. His second was 'Mr. Roberts Plays Guitar' in '57, his third 'Good Pickin's' in '59, his next to last 'The Real Howard Roberts' in 1977. Roberts also recorded themes for television, his most memorable likely the theme to 'The Twilight Zone' (Marius Constant) in 1959 (below). During the sixties Roberts designed the Epiphone Roberts guitar and founded Benson, an amplifier company. He let the guitar breathe a little in the seventies as he founded Playback Music Publishing Company, wrote instructional books and toured giving seminars. The latter led to his co-founding of the Guitar Institute of Technology, now the Musician's Institute [1, 2, 3]. He died of prostate cancer on 28 June 1992 in Seattle [obits: 1, 2]. Michael Evans lists Roberts' possible final tracks per guitarist, Michael Tomlinson's, 'Living Things' in 1991. Among others Roberts supported were Buddy DeFranco, Jack Marshall, Peggy Lee, Bob Thompson, Gary Crosby, the Four Freshmen, Jack Sheldon, Willie Ruff, Bob Thiele, Chico Hamilton and Barney Kessel. References: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: DAHR; Evans; Lord (leading 36 of 320). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Film & television. Select YouTube. Books authored: 'The Praxis System Guitar Compendium Vol 1-3' w Garry Hagberg (Jamey Aebersold Jazz 1989). Guitars: 1, 2. Interviews. Further reading: Michael Evans: 1, 2. See also: The HR Project; Roberts Music Institute. Per 1952 below, Roberts joins Wardell Gray at the Haig in Hollywood.

Howard Roberts   1952

Live at the Haig   Hollywood

9 Sep '52

Tenor sax: Wardell Gray

Trumpet: Art Farmer

Piano: Amos Trice

Bass: Joe Mondragon

Drums: Shelly Manne

 Ladybird

    Composition: Tadd Dameron

  Out of Nowhere

     Music: Johnny Green

     Lyrics: Edward Heyman

Howard Roberts   1955

 Love's Got Me in a Lazy Mood

    Composition: Eddie Miller/Johnny Mercer

Howard Roberts   1957

 Interlude

    Backing June Christy

    Music: Pete Rugolo

    Lyrics: Bob Russell

Howard Roberts   1959

 The Twilight Zone

    Television theme

    Composition: Bernard Herrmann

Howard Roberts   1963

 Watermelon Man

      Composition: Herbie Hancock

      From 'H.R. Is a Dirty Guitar Player'

      Organ: Burkley Kendrix

      Bass: Chuck Berghoffer

      Drums: Earl Palmer

Howard Roberts   1965

 Charade

      Composition:

      Henry Mancini/Johnny Mercer

      From 'Something's Cookin''

      Recorded July & Aug '64

From 'Goodies'

Recorded June '65

 Chim Chim Cher-ee

      Composition:

      Richard & Robert Sherman

  Fly Me to the Moon

      Composition: Bart Howard

Howard Roberts   1966

 Mr. Lucky

      Composition: Henry Mancini

  On a Clear Day

    Music: Burton Lane

    Lyrics: Alan Jay Lerner

Howard Roberts   1968

 Angel Eyes

      Composition: Earl Brent/Matt Dennis

Howard Roberts   1969

 More Today Than Yesterday

      Composition: Pat Upton

      From 'Spinning Wheel'

 

 
  Born Vincenzo Bucci in 1921 in Newark, New Jersey, bassist Vinnie Burke [*] played with Joe Mooney, Tony Scott, Cy Coleman (3 years) and the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra before what may have been his first recordings in New York City in October of '53 with pianist, Marian McPartland. Those tracks were released on 'Jazz at the Hickory House' by Savoy that year. Burke left McPartland's trio that December, they apparently not getting along. On June 10 of 1954 Burke recorded with pianist, Johnny Mehegan: 'Taking a Chance on Love', 'Sirod', 'Uncus' and 'Stella by Starlight'. He also recorded his first name session as the Vinnie Burke Quartet in 1954 on an undetermined date. Those saw issue in 1957 on an album with Oscar Pettiford on side A called 'Bass by Pettiford/Burke'. They also saw issue in 2000 on 'East Coast Jazz/2'. Others Burke sided in 1954 were George Handy ('Handyland USA'), Chris Connor, Eddie Shu ('I Only Have Eyes For Shu') and Joe Puma. Burke's first session in 1955 was March 25 with the Lou Mecca Quartet for such as 'You Go to My Head' and 'Bernie's Tune' (Bernie Miller). On September 25 of 1955 he recorded 'Jazz- Young Blood' with Ole Hansen (trombone), Chuz Alfred (tenor sax), Chuck Lee (piano) and Kenny Clarke (drums). His next date with Mehegan was a trio with pianist, Eddie Costa, for 'A Pair of Pianos'. Burke and Costa next backed tenor saxophonist, Mike Cuozzo, for 'Mighty Mike' on November 22 of '55. They formed another trio with Nick Stabulas (drums)for the Jubilee label in February of '56 to see issue as 'Eddie Costa Vinnie Burke Trio'. Another of the more well-known musicians with whom Burke worked was guitarist, Tal Farlow, with whom he and Costa formed a trio in 1956 to put out 'The Swinging Guitar of Tal Farlow' and 'Tal'. That December they recorded what would get issued as 'Fuerst Set' in 1975 and 'Second Set' in 1977. In the meantime Costa had supported Burke for ''The Vinnie Burke All-Stars', consisting of Joe Puma (guitar) and Jimmy Campbell (drums), on July 22 of '56. They had also recorded 'Gil's Guests' with Gil Mellé, on August 10. Burke and Costa would record some more titles together until joining Manny Albam's orchestra in 1957 to participate in 'The Blues Is Everybody's Business', another bassist, Milt Hinton, also employed. On December 5 of 1957 Burke joined baritone saxophonist, Gerry Mulligan, in NYC for such as 'May-Reh' and 'The Preacher'. In 1958 he appeared on the 'Art Ford's Jazz Party' radio and television program sixteen times, the incipient on May 15 for titles like 'Basin Street Blues' and 'Muskrat Ramble', the last on November 6 for 'Ballin' the Jack', 'Runnin' Wild', et al. Burke followed those with a December session resulting in 'Chet Baker Introduces Johnny Pace'. Another well-known name Burke sided was cornetist, Bobby Hackett, recording 'Jazz Impressions of Oliver' in February of 1963. He then disappeared into obscurity, though continuing to perform into the eighties. Burke died on February 1, 2001. Discos: 1, 2, 3. IMDb.

Vinnie Burke   1953

With pianist, Marian McPartland

Recorded 8 Oct '53   NYC

 Jazz at the Hickery House   (Suite)

Vinnie Burke   1954

From 'Chris Connor Sings Lullabys for Lovers'

Recorded 21 Aug 1954

 A Cottage for Sale

      Composition:

      Larry Conley/Willard Robison

From 'Handyland U.S.A.'

Recorded 16/17 August 1954

Piano: George Handy

All comps by Handy

 Crazy Lady

 Lean To

 Sprong

Vinnie Burke   1955

From 'East Coast Jazz/2'

Vinnie Burke Quartet

Recorded 1954

Clarinet: Ronnie Odrich

Accordion: Don Burns

Guitar: Joe Cinderella

 The Continental

      Music: Con Conrad   1934

      Lyrics: Herb Magidson

Note: 'The Continental' was first performed by Ginger Rogers in the 1934 film, 'The Gay Divorcee'. It was the first to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the seventh annual Academy Awards ceremony in 1935.

 Honeysuckle Rose

      Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaf

 On the Alamo

      Composition:

      Gus Kahn/Isham Jones/Joe Lyons

 Softly as in the Morning Sunrise

      Music: Sigmund Romberg   1928

      Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

      For the operetta 'The New Moon'

 Time Out

      Composition: Burke

Note: Both the Jazz Discography Project and Tom Lord have Barry Galbraith rather than Cinderella on tracks above for 'East Coast Jazz/2'. The album sleeve on rear clearly states Joe Cinderella in bold type [Discogs]. RYM also shows Cinderella.

From 'The First Mehegan'

John Mehegan Quartet

Recorded 10 June 1954

 Uncus

     Piano: John Mehegan

     Guitar: Chuck Wayne

     Drums: Joe Morello

From 'Mighty Mike Cuozzo'

Tenor sax: Mike Cuozzo

Recorded 22 Nov 1955

 What Is This Thing Called Love

      Composition: Cole Porter   1929

      For the musical 'Wake Up and Dream'

Vinnie Burke   1956

From 'The Vinnie Burke All-Stars'

Trombone: Urbie Green

Recorded July/Aug 1956

'Unison Blues' 22 July   NYC

All others 20 Aug   NYC

 Blue Jeans

      Composition: Vinnie Burke

 I'm Getting Sentimental Over You

      Composition:

      George Bassman/Ned Washington

From 'Eddie Costa - Vinnie Burke Trio'

Piano: Eddie Costa

Drums: Nick Stabulas

Recorded Feb 1956

 Fascinating Rhythm

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

 Let's Do It

      Composition: Cole Porter

From 'Mike Cuozzo with The Costa Burke Trio'

Recorded Sep 1956

Tenor sax: Mike Cuozzo

Piano: Eddie Costa

Drums: Nick Stabulas

 Lover Man

      Composition:

      James Edward Davis

      Jimmy Sherman

      Roger Ramirez

Vinnie Burke   1960

 Night Beat

      Composition: Vinnie Burke/Graboff

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Vinnie Burke

Vinnie Burke

Source: Blue Sounds

Birth of Modern Jazz: Bill Crow

Bill Crow

Source: Jazz Profiles

Born in 1927 in Othello, Washington, in the living space behind his grandmother's novelty shop, double bassist, Bill Crow, hauled about a sousaphone (type of tuba) as a student at the University of Washington Seattle. He played baritone horn, trombone and drums in the military, having joined the US Army in 1946. He returned to UW after his service was up and gigged in a quartet, playing bongos for Buzzy Bridgeford. He thought NYC the place to be in 1950, performing on valve trombone with Lennie Tristano. Crow didn't begin playing double bass until 1950. His first was a $75 Key which took a long time to purchase, he renting basses for gigs until he could make his final payment. He would replace that in '53 with an old  upright made in France, the same he's used ever since. Crow's website has him recording two untitled sides in 1950 with Mary Lou Williams, but no releases with her are known. In October of 1952 he joined  Claude Thornhill's band at Hotel Statler in NYC for such as 'Come Rain or Come Shine' and 'Sorta Kinda' in support of Chris Connor. Those wouldn't appear to have been issued at the time. Nor would titles from his next session with the Stan Getz Quintet on November 13 of '52 for a radio broadcast from the Birdland in NYC of 'Sweetie Pie' and 'Moonlight in Vermont'. Numerous of Crow's early sessions were delayed in release. He recorded with Getz at Carnegie Hall ('At Carnegie Hall' '91), put in a couple more appearances at the Birdland, and recorded at the Hi-Hat in Boston before arriving to tracks on December 12 of 1952 that would see issue in 1953 as 'Stan Getz Plays'. Titles for Clef on April 16, 1953, took until 1954 to issue: 'Cool Now', 'Rustic Hop', 'Have You Met Miss Jones?' and 'Erudition' (Clef MGC 143). Crow would also contribute a track ('Fools Rush In') to Getz' 1954 release of 'Split Kick'. After Getz Crow joined Al Haig on March 13, 1954, for 'Jazz Will O' the Wisp', not issued until 1957. A second session the same day, also including Lee Abrams on drums, saw more timely issue that year ('54) as 'The Al Haig Trio'. A session with guitarist, Jimmy Raney, on August 11 of '54 doesn't seem to have seen issue until CD, titles like 'Stella by Starlight' and 'Jo Anne'. Come pianist, Marian McPartland, for 'At the Hickory House' in September of '54, issued the next year before the recording of 'After Dark'. Crow would see more of Marian McPartland with husband, Jimmy McPartland in 1958, the year after recording 'Jummy McPartland's Dixieland'. In January and September of 1956 Crow recorded tracks for Gerry Mulligan's 'Mainstream of Jazz', released that year. Mulligan was a major figure in Crow's career into the mid sixties. They recorded 'Holliday with Mulligan' in April of 1961 with vocalist, Judy Holliday. Another important associate was valve trombonist, Bob Brookmeyer, with whom he recorded 'Whooeeee' in February of '56. Crow had worked with Brookmeyer since Getz in 1952 at the Hi-Hat in Boston. They would partner often, particularly with Mulligan, into the sixties. Lord's disco shows them working together as late as 1965 toward 'Suitably Zoot'. Crow found himself in Benny Goodman's orchestra in 1962, first for 'The Bell Telephone Hour' television program in April, next a tour to Russia from May to July. Crow also supported several Broadway shows. Among the highlights in his latter career was the publishing of his autobiography, 'Jazz Anecdotes', in 1991. He contributed to titles for Bob Dorough and Barbara Lea's 'Hoagy's Children' in 1993. Having appeared on more than 110 albums including his own, Crow's first was 'From Birdland to Broadway' recorded in November of '95. 'Jazz Anecdotes' was put down a year later. Among Crow's latest issues was 'Bill Crow Sings' in 2011 with guitarist, Armand Hirsch. He also issued 'Embraceable You' about that time with a trio of Hiroshi Yamazaki (piano) and John Cutrone (drums), that followed by 'You and the Night and the Music' a couple years later. Crow yet actively performs as of this writing in Aug 2019. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: JDP; Lord (leading 5 of 159). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Authorship: articles, books. Crow at Facebook. Further reading: Jazz Profiles: 1, 2; A Modernist: 1, 2. Per 1952 below, tracks were recorded that year but not issued until later. Release years begin with 1953.

Bill Crow   1952

 From 'At Carnegie Hall'

Stan Getz LP   1991

Tracks below recorded 14 Nov '52

  Cherokee

       Composition: Ray Noble

  Stella by Starlight

       Composition:

       Victor Young/Ned Washington

  Sweetie Pie

       Composition: John Jacob Loeb/Getz

Bill Crow   1953

From 'Chamber Music'

Stan Getz LP

Tracks below recorded 19 Dec '52

  Autumn Leaves

      Music: Joseph Kosma   1945

       Lyrics French: Jacques Prévert

       Lyrics English: Johnny Mercer

  These Foolish Things

      Music: Jack Strachey   1936

       Lyrics:

       Holt Marvell (Eric Maschwitz)

Bill Crow   1954

  Fools Rush In

       Composition: Rube Bloom/Johnny Mercer

    Stan Getz LP: 'Split Kick'

Bill Crow   1955

From 'Stan Getz Plays'

Recorded 12 Dec '52

  Side A

  Side B

From 'Marian McPartland at the Hickory House'

Drums: Joe Morello

Recorded Sep '54

  How Long Has This Been Going On

    Composition: Gershwin Brothers   1928

    For the musical 'Funny Face'

From 'After Dark'

Marian McPartland LP

Recorded Oct '55

  Chelsea Bridge

       Composition: Billy Strayhorn   1941

  Struttin' with Some Barbecue

       Composition: Lil Hardin Armstrong

Bill Crow   1963

From 'Night Lights'

Gerry Mulligan LP

  Festival Minor

    Composition: Mulligan

 Night Lights

    Composition: Mulligan

 Prelude in E Minor

    Composition: Frédéric Chopin   1838-39

Bill Crow   1964

  Relax!

    Album by Gerry Mulligan

Bill Crow   1989

  The Fastest Bossa Nova

    Filmed live

    With Chris Potter & Red Rodney

  Untitled

    Filmed live

    With Chris Potter & Red Rodney

Bill Crow   1996

  From Birdland to Broadway

    Composition: Crow

    LP: 'From Birdland to Broadway'

Bill Crow   2012

 The Preacher

    Composition: Horace Silver

    Filmed in Long Island NY

Bill Crow   2013

 Sweet Georgia Brown

    Marty Napoleon Quartet

    Music: 1925:

    Ben Bernie/Maceo Pinkard

    Kenneth Casey

 When It's Sleepy Time Down South

    Marty Napoleon Quartet

    Composition: 1931:

    Clarence Muse/Leon & Otis René

 

 
  Born in 1927 in Lexington, Mississippi, Malachi Favors began playing double bass at age fifteen, to play professionally upon graduation from high school. Figuring Chicago the place he ought to be, he relocated there, where his first recording would be as a member of Paul Bascomb's group in 1953. Those are thought to have been Bascomb's band backing Dinah Washington on 'My Man's an Undertaker' with 'Mean and Evil' for the Mercury label. Favors also joined Bascomb on both parts of 'Jan' for the Parrot label (Cat 792) that year. 1956 found him taping 'So In Love' with Andrew Hill (piano) and James Slaughter (drums), issued in 1960 (Hill's debut album). Favors continued gigging in Chicago, working with such as Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard. He was attending Wilson Junior College in 1963 when he met the most important musical associate of his career, saxophonist, Roscoe Mitchell. In 1965 they taped tracks for what would be released in 2011 as 'Before There Was Sound'. Favors had also joined Muhal Richard Abrams's Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) in '65. In 1966 Favors appeared on Mitchell's debut album, 'Sound', with the Roscoe Mitchell Sextet. That group which included Lester Bowie, another of Favor's major partners over the years, would undergo various formations, recording several albums along the way, until the debut LP by Mitchell's Art Ensemble appeared in 1969: 'Congliptious'. That band, including Bowie, would become the Art Ensemble of Chicago (AEC) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7], of which Favors was a member throughout his career, participating in well above forty albums by that band, issuing seven in 1969 alone including  'A Jackson in Your House' [1, 2]. Along with the AEC Favors recorded with others such as the Kahil El'Zabar Ritual Trio from the latter eighties throughout the nineties and Wadada Leo Smith in the early 21st century. Though Favors had issued several albums as a co-leader, his only name solo album was 'Natural & Spiritual' in 1978 as Brother Malachi Favors Magoustous. Favors died of pancreatic cancer in 2004 in Chicago [obits: 1, 2]. References for Favors: 1, 2; discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 4 of 142 sessions); IMDb; further reading: Dennis Gonzalez. References for the Art Ensemble of Chicago: discos: 1, 2, 3, Lord (54 sessions); reviews.

Malachi Favors   1953

  Jan 1 & 2

      With Paul Bascomb

      Composition: Norman Simmons

  My Man's an Undertaker

      With Dinah Washington

      Composition:

      Leroy Kirkland/Mamie Thomas

Malachi Favors   1960

  So in Love

      Album by Andrew Hill

      Recorded 1959 [Lord]

      Piano: Andrew Hill

      Drums: James Slaughter

Malachi Favors   1966

  Sound

      LP by the Roscoe Mitchell Sextet

      All comps by Mitchell

Malachi Favors   1968

  Jazz Death?

      Composition: Lester Bowie

      LP: 'Congliptious'

      Roscoe Mitchell Art Ensemble

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1969

  Part 2

      Composition:

      Joseph Jarman/Lester Bowie

      Malachi Favors/Roscoe Mitchell

      LP: 'People in Sorrow'

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1970

  Thème De Yoyo

      Music: AEC

      Lyrics: Noreen Beasley

      LP: 'Les Stances À Sophie'

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1974

  Live in Sardegna

      Filmed live

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1975

  The Paris Session

      Album

Malachi Favors   1976

  Rope-A-Dope

      Trumpet: Lester Bowie

      Composition: Bowie

      Bowie LP: 'Rope-A-Dope'

  Sightsong

      Album by Muhal Richard Abrams

      Title track composed by Abrams

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1978

  Willisau Jazz Festival

      Album

Malachi Favors   1978

  Amina

      Composition:

      Arthur Blythe/Bowie/Favors

      Amina Claudine Myers/Phillip Wilson

      Bowie LP: 'African Children'

      Alto sax: Blythe

      Trumpet: Lester Bowie

      Keyboards/vocals: Myers

      Drums: Wilson

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1979

From 'Nice Guys'

  597–59

      Composition: Joseph Jarman

  Ja

      Composition: Lester Bowie

Malachi Favors   1979

  African Magic

      LP w Cheikh Tidiane Fall & Sunny Murray

      Recorded 5 June 1979

      Producer: Rudolf Kreis

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1980

  Odwalla (Theme)

      Composition: Roscoe Mitchell

      LP: 'Urban Bushman'

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1987

From 'Ancient to the Future Vol 1'

  No Woman No Cry

      Composition: Vincent Ford/Bob Marley

  Purple Haze

      Composition: Jimi Hendrix

Malachi Favors   1987

  Live at Saalfelden

      Percussion/Voice: Kahil El'Zabar

      Trumpet: Lester Bowie

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1991

  Ohnedaruth

      Filmed at the Berlin Jazzfest

      Composition: Joseph Jarman

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1995

  Budapest 1

      Filmed live

Art Ensemble of Chicago   1998

  Malachi

      Composition: Roscoe Mitchell

      LP: 'Coming Home Jamaica'

Malachi Favors   2001

  Bass Solo

      Filmed at the Knitting Factory

Art Ensemble of Chicago   2003

  Radio Concert

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Malachi Favors

Malachi Favors

Photo: Lauren Deutsch

Source: One Final Note

  Born in 1921 in Indianapolis, William Monk Montgomery was older brother to Wes Montgomery by about a year and a half. His much younger brother, by some eight years, was vibraphonist, Buddy Montgomery. Monk didn't begin his career as a professional musicianuntil he was age thirty. Though he played double bass, he is more notable as the first to successfully introduce the electric bass guitar to the jazz ensemble (Fender's technology with that instrument having trailed that of their guitar). Monk's brother, Wes, had just finished two years with Lionel Hampton when Monk joined Hampton's organization in 1951. However, before leaving on tour to Europe with Hampton's outfit in latter 1953 he recorded four tracks with Art Farmer that would end up on 'The Art Farmer Septet' (tracks 1 -4), released in 1956. His next recordings were during a number of engagements in Europe in Hampton's outfit in latter 1953, both concert and studio recordings in Stockholm in September (including Annie Ross and George Wallington) with tracks issued that year, a concert in Basel with tracks issued, and further recordings in Paris and Basel as well. Monk began recording with his brother, Buddy and Wes, as the Montgomery Brothers in 1955, the three of them putting down 'Love for Sale' w Alfonso Johnson (tenor sax) and Robert Johnson (drums), that to eventually see issue in 1983 on 'Almost Forgotten' (Columbia FC 38509). The same bunch recorded at the Turf Club in Indianapolis on 25 August 1956 toward what would see issue in 2014 on 'Live at the Turf Club' per Resonance Records HLT 8015. In 1957 Monk and Buddy got together with drummer, Benny Barth, and pianist, Robert Cranshaw, to form the Mastersounds, releasing both 'Jazz Showcase' and 'The King and I' that year per World Pacific Records. More recordings by the Mastersounds followed into the early sixties, including one with Wes, 'Kismet', released in 1958. Montgomery worked as a sideman until his first release as a leader in 1969, 'It's Never Too Late'. An interest in African rhythms began in 1970 with trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, they recording 'Reconstruction' that year. Montgomery's fourth and last album, 'Monk Montgomery in Africa...Live!', would be recorded in Soweto, South Africa in 1974, released the next year. He spent his latter years in Las Vegas, forming the Las Vegas Jazz Society and hosting a radio show before his death of cancer on 20 May 1982. References for Monk Montgomery: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: Lord. Catalogs: 1, 2, 3. References for the Montgomery Brothers: 1, 2. Catalogs: 1, 2, 3. With George Shearing. References for the Mastersounds: 1, 2, 3. Catalogs: 1, 2. Per 1953 below, titles were recorded on 28 Sep 1953 in Paris. Later various issues include 'Lionel Hampton – The Complete 1953 Paris Session' released in 1976 on Cetra DPU 62 [Discogs]. Vibes are by Hampton. Monk contributes electric bass.

Monk Montgomery   1953

  September in the Rain

      Composition: Harry Warren

  Completely Crazy

      Composition: Lionel Hampton

  More Crazy

      Composition: Lionel Hampton

  Real Crazy

      Composition: Lionel Hampton

Monk Montgomery   1956

  Mau Mau

      Recorded 1953

      Composition: Art Farmer/Quincy Jones

      Album: 'The Art Farmer Septet'

The Mastersounds   1957

  That Old Devil Moon

      Album: 'Jazz Showcase'

      Piano: Richie Crabtree

      Vibes: Buddy Montgomery

      Electric bass: Monk Montgomery

      Drums: Benny Barth

      Music: Burton Lane   1947

      Lyrics: Yip Harburg

      For the musical 'Finian's Rainbow'

The Mastersounds   1959

  In Concert

      Album

      Piano: Richie Crabtree

      Vibes: Buddy Montgomery

      Electric bass: Monk Montgomery

      Drums: Benny Barth

Monk Montgomery   1961

  Groove Yard

      Album by the Montgomery Brothers

      Drums: Bobby Thomas

Monk Montgomery   1971

  Bass Odyssey

      Album

  Foxy Gypsy

      From 'Bass Odyssey'

      Composition: Monk Montgomery

  Sister Lena

      From 'Bass Odyssey'

      Composition: Monk Montgomery

Monk Montgomery   1974

From 'Reality':

  Girl Talk

      Composition: Neal Hefti

      Arrangement: Monk Montgomery

  Reality

      Composition: Bobby Martin

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Monk Montgomery

Monk Montgomery   1953

Source: Wikipedia

  Born in 1943 in Pittsburgh, PA, guitarist George Benson (not to be mistaken with the Detroit saxophonist) wouldn't come to prominence until the sixties. But he'd been attempting to play professionally since seven years old and released a couple early singles at age eleven in 1954: 'She Makes Me Mad' followed by 'It Should Have Been Me'. Eight years later he recorded 'Godchild' in 1962 with a quintet, not issued until 'I Giganti Del Jazz 72' in 1981. The next year he began recording with Jack McDuff, first appearing on McDuff's '63 release of 'Brother Jack McDuff Live!'. Benson worked at McDuff's side steadily into 1965 issuing seven more albums with him to that year, and eight more afterward until 'Bringin' It Home' in 1999. 'The New Boss of Guitar George Benson' was Benson's debut album, recorded in May of 1964 with McDuff and issued that year. Benson would issue more than forty studio and live albums during his career. He co-led another nine and backed enough musicians in the studio to populate Andromeda with stars. It was in the latter seventies that Benson came to no uncertain international recognition with the song, 'Masquerade' in 1976. Composed by Leon Russell, that song would send Benson's containing album, 'Breezin', platinum, the first jazz release ever to do so. Benson's 1977 album, 'In Flight', also went platinum. 'Weekend in L.A.', containing 'On Broadway', was issued in 1978, also going platinum. Benson was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness in 1979, then was entered into the periodic table of chemical elements as number 78 thanks to his 1980 album, 'Give Me the Night', that going platinum as well. To a total of four platinum LPs. As his silvery white aura was getting him mistaken for Jehovah, Jehovah made him knock it off, not permitting any more. Benson toured internationally the remainder of his remarkable career. Among the more important of Benson's musical associates was organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith, who had been with him in 1962 for 'Godchild'. They would see one another again in December of 1965 to support Red Holloway's 'Red Soul'. Other Benson albums on which Smith appeared were 'It's Uptown' in '66 and Benson Burner' the next year, the same year they supported Lou Donaldson's 'Alligator Bogaloo' followed by 'Midnight Creeper' in 1968. Smith albums to which Benson contributed were 'Finger Lickin' Good' in '66, and 'Live At Club Mozambique' recorded in Detroit on May 21, 1970. Benson appeared on Miles Davis' 'Miles In the Sky in 1968. He, Davis and Dizzy Gillespie joined Quincy Jones for 'Back on the Block' circa 1989. Another important personality was flautist, Hubert Laws, Benson backing Laws on 'Crying Song' in 1969. Benson and Laws backed other bands, particularly Freddie Hubbard's, and each other numerously to as late as 1993. Benson appeared on Laws' 'The Chicago Theme' in 1975. Laws appeared on Benson's 'White Rabbit' in 1971, 'George Benson In Concert In Carnegie Hall' in 1975 and 'Pacific Fire' in 1984. Hubbard was also figured significantly in Benson's career, Hubbard first joining Benson for the latter's 'Body Talk' in 1969. Benson and Hubbard interweaved often into the latter eighties backing other operations when Benson wasn't supporting Hubbard's projects. Hubbard albums to which Benson contributed were 'Straight Life' in November of 1970, 'First Light' in 1971, 'Sky Dive' in 1972, 'Polar AC' in 1974, 'Super Blue' in 1978 and 'Life Flight' in 1987. Come Stanley Turrentine in November of 1970 for tracks to the latter's 'Sugar'. Benson participated in a couple titles on Turrentine's 'The Sugar Man' in February of 1971: 'More' and 'Just as I Am'. Benson and Turrentine backed other operations together on multiple occasions to as late as Lou Rawls' 'At Last' in 1989. Among those occasions was at the Hollywood Palladium on July 18, 1971, with the CTI All Stars for 'California Concert' for CTI Records. They would also appear together on the first three volumes of 'CTI Summer Jazz at The Hollywood Bowl Live' recorded in 1972, released in 1977. Other highlights in Benson's career included Roberta Peck's 'Extraordinary' in 1966, Jimmy Smith's 'The Boss' in 1968 and 'Off the Top' in 1982, Helen Humes' 'Talk of the Town' in 1975, and the Harlem Underground Band in 1976 for 'Harlem Underground'. 1977 brought three Grammy awards for 'Theme from Good King Bad', 'Breezin' and 'The Masquerade'. Another Grammy arrived in '79 for 'On Broadway'. Three more were acquired in 1981 for 'Moody's Mood', 'Off Broadway' (disco) and 'Give Me the Night' (disco). 'Being with You' won a Grammy in 1984. Benson was forced to live with nary a new Grammy for 23 years until his 9th and 10th arrived in 2007 for 'God Bless the Child' and 'Mornin''. As compensation Benson was made a Jazz Master in 2009 by the NEA (National Endowment for the Arts). Benson released 'Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole' in 2013 [1, 2, 3]. The only composition on that by Cole is 'Straighten Up and Fly Right' written with Irving Mills. He published his memoir, 'Benson: The Autobiography' (Da Capo Press) in 2014 w assistance by Alan Goldsher. Benson's most recent issue was 'Walking to New Orleans' as of April 2019. Yet active, Benson is touring internationally as of this writing. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 137 of 253 sessions to date). Compilations: 'Benson Burner' 1966-67: 1, 2. Benson in visual media. Gear. Interviews: Les Tomkins 1974/78, Anthony Brown 2011 (pdf). Official YouTube channel. Benson at Facebook. Further reading: Marc-Andre Seguin; Belinda Ware. Other profiles: 1, 2.

George Benson   1954

  It Should Have Been Me #2

      Composition: King Curtis

  She Makes Me Mad

      Composition: Lincoln Chase

George Benson   1963

From 'Brother Jack McDuff Live!'

Tenor sax: Red Holloway

Organ: Jack McDuff

Drums: Joe Dukes

  Rock Candy

      Composition: Jack McDuff

  Sanctified Samba

      Composition: Jack McDuff

  Whistle While You Work

      Composition:

      Frank Churchill/Larry Morey

George Benson   1964

 Easy Living

      Composition: Ralph Rainger/Leo Robin

      Debut studio LP: 'The New Boss of Guitar'

  Live in Antibes 1

      Brother Jack McDuff Quartet

      Filmed live

      Drums: Joe Dukes

      Tenor sax: Red Holloway

  Live in Antibes 2

      Brother Jack McDuff Quartet

      Filmed live

      Drums: Joe Dukes

      Tenor sax: Red Holloway

 Shadow Dancers

      Composition: Benson

      Album: 'The New Boss of Guitar'

George Benson   1966

 Newport Jazz Festival

      Filmed live

George Benson   1968

 Low, Down and Dirty

      Composition: Benson

      Album: 'Giblet Gravy'

George Benson   1972

 The Shadow of Your Smile

      Composition: Paul Webster/Johnny Mardel

George Benson   1975

 Tribute to John Hammond

      Filmed live with Red Norvo

      Hammond was a producer for Columbia Records.

George Benson   1976

 Breezin'

      Album

      Composition title track: Bobby Womack

George Benson   1978

 On Broadway

      Composition:

      Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil

      Jerry Leiber/Mike Stoller

      Album: 'The New Boss of Guitar'

      Filmed live

 Weekend in L.A.

      Album

      Composition title track: Benson

George Benson   1980

 Give Me the Night

      Composition: Rod Temperton

      Also on the LP 'Give Me the Night'

George Benson   1981

 Turn Your Love Around

      Composition:

      Bill Champlin/Jay Graydon/Steve Lukather

George Benson   1983

 Lady Love Me

      Composition:

      David Paich/James Newton Howard

      Album: 'In Your Eyes'

      Composition title track:

      Dan Hill/Michael Masser

George Benson   1985

 Nothing's Gonna Change My Love for You

      Composition:

      Michael Masser/Gerry Goffin

      Album: '20/20'

George Benson   1986

 Off Broadway

      Composition: Rod Temperton

      Filmed live in Montreux

George Benson   2000

 Moody's Mood

      Filmed live

      Composition:

      Eddie Jefferson/James Moody

George Benson   2006

 Givin´ It Up

      Album with Al Jarreau

George Benson   2011

 Java Jazz Festival

      Filmed live

George Benson   2012

 Walkin'

      Filmed live   Piano: Herbie Hancock

      Composition: Richard Carpenter

George Benson   2013

From 'Inspiration: Tribute to Nat King Cole'

 Too Young

      Vocal: Judith Hill

      Composition:

      Sidney Lippman/Sylvia Dee

 Unforgettable

      Composition: Irving Gordon

George Benson   2019

 Walking to New Orleans

      Album

      Composition title track:

      Bobby Charles/Fats Domino

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: George Benson

George Benson

Photo: Marco Glaviano

Source: All Music

  Guitarist Joe Cinderella, brother of bassist, Don Cinderella, is thought to have first recorded with the Vinnie Burke Quartet in 1954 and vocalist Chris Connor on April 21, 1954: 'Lush Life', 'Out of This World', etc.. Largely an uncredited studio musician, the relatively few examples featuring Cinderella at YouTube belie his reputation among musicians as a brilliant guitarist who also worked the 52nd St jazz clubs in New York City performing with such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Bill Evans, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis. Among the few recording credits Cinderella was made were with Gil Mellé, found on 'Patterns in Jazz' ('56), 'Melle Plays Primitive Modern' ('56), 'Gil’s Guests' ('56) and 'Quadrama' ('57). He appeared on Tony Argo's 'Jazz Argosy' in 1960. He also backed such as Warne Marsh, Conte Candoli, Donald Byrd, Zoot Sims, Pepper Adams, Clark Terry, Judy Garland, Neil Diamond, Barry Manilow, the Beach Boys, Billy Joel and John Cage. Cinderella also worked as a staff guitarist for various television stations. Beginning in 1969 he taught jazz guitar at Paterson State College (William Paterson University). In 1983 he published 'Jazz Arpeggios for Guitar'. In 1990 he published 'Chord Melody Playing'. Cinderella played a Gibson but in 2000 began to customize his own eight-string guitars. He died on October 27 of 2012 [obit]. References: 1, 2. Discos: 1, 2, 3, Lord (leading 0 of 9 sessions: a discrepancy in both Lord and JDP has Barry Galbraith recording 'East Coast Jazz/2', below, instead of Cinderella). Facebook tribute.

Joe Cinderella   1954

From 'Chris Connor Sings Lullabys for Lovers'

Recorded 21 Aug 1954

  A Cottage for Sale

       Vocal: Chris Conners

       Composition:

       Larry Conley/Willard Robison

Joe Cinderella   1955

From 'East Coast Jazz/2'

Vinnie Burke Quartet

Recorded 1954

Clarinet: Ronnie Odrich

Accordion: Don Burns

Bass: Vinnie Burke

 The Continental

      Music: Con Conrad   1934

      Lyrics: Herb Magidson

Note: 'The Continental' was first performed by Ginger Rogers in the 1934 film, 'The Gay Divorcee'. It was the first to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the seventh annual Academy Awards ceremony in 1935.

 Honeysuckle Rose

      Composition: Fats Waller/Andy Razaf

 On the Alamo

      Composition:

      Gus Kahn/Isham Jones/Joe Lyons

 Softly as in the Morning Sunrise

      Music: Sigmund Romberg   1928

      Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

      For the operetta 'The New Moon'

 Time Out

      Composition: Burke

Note: Both the Jazz Discography Project and Tom Lord have Barry Galbraith rather than Cinderella on tracks above for 'East Coast Jazz/2'. The album sleeve on rear clearly states Joe Cinderella in bold type [Discogs]. RYM also shows Cinderella.

Joe Cinderella   1956

From 'Melle Plays Primitive Modern'

Recorded 1 June 1956

Baritone sax: Gil Mellé

Bass: Billy Phillips

Drums: Edmund Thigpen

All comps by Melle

 Dominica

Joe Cinderella   1998

      Joe Cinderella Quartet

      8-string guitar: Cinderella

  Fox's Lair

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Joe Cinderella

Joe Cinderella

Source: Discogs

 

  Born in 1930 in Chicago to eventually appear on a few thousand recordings, Richard Davis began playing double bass in high school. Upon taking his bachelor's in music in 1952 from Vandercook College Davis played with dance bands until recording with the Ahmad Jamal Trio in January of 1954 with Ray Crawford on guitar: 'But Not For Me', 'Seleritus', et al. Upon moving to NYC with pianist, Don Shirley, in 1954 they recorded the duo album, 'Tonal Expressions. 'Piano Perspectives' ensued in 1955, 'Improvisations' in 1956, the year Davis joined the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra. Come a Charlie Ventura quintet in July of 1956 for 'Plays Hi-Fi Jazz' and on September 13 for 'The New Charlie Ventura in Hi-Fi'. In 1957 Davis appeared on a couple of albums by Sarah Vaughan: 'Swingin' Easy' and 'At Mister Kelly's'. Vaughan would be an important figure to 1961. Davis also put down several unissued tracks with the Jimmy Jones Trio in 1957 with Roy Haynes at drums: 'Ill Wind', 'Lush Life', 'A Foggy Day', et al. Davis showed up on Kenny Burrell's 'A Night at the Vanguard' in 1959, a trio again with Haynes on drums. Davis has appeared on the albums of all number of largely jazz musicians. In 1963 Davis would record albums with Booker Ervin, Brother Jack McDuff and Andrew Hill. He would record five more albums with Ervin, two more with McDuff and seven more with  Hill. 1963 had also seen the recording of 'New Dimensions' with the American Jazz Ensemble. 1964 saw Davis' first album with Cal Tjader: 'Soul Sauce', followed by 'Soul Bird' ('65) and 'Soul Burst' '66). 1965 saw Davis' first release with three more important musical associations: Clifford Jordan with whom he issued three albums, Elvin Jones with whom he recorded six, and Shirley Scott with whom three LPs would result. Davis' first of three albums with pianist, Jaki Byard, was 'Freedom Together' in 1966. Davis recorded three LPs with guitarist, Pat Martino, beginning in 1968 with 'Baiyina'. Davis had issued his debut album, 'Heavy Sounds', in 1967 with Elvin Jones. 'Muses For Richard Davis' was recorded in Villingen, Germany, in December of '69, a duo with drummer, Sir Roland Hanna. Davis' LP, 'The Philosophy of the Spiritual', ensued in 1971. Davis would issue nearly thirty more LPs as a leader or co-leader into the new millennium, a dozen of those his own. His latest was recorded in 2007 with pianist, Junior Mance, 'Blue Monk', for issue in 2015. Davis was made an NEA Jazz Master in 2014. He has taught at the University of Wisconsin Madison for a quarter of a century, currently holding a class titled Black Music History. Davis is thought to be working on his memoirs as of this writing. References: 1, 2. Sessions: DAHR (w Bill Potts); J-Disc; Lord (leading 26 of 594). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. Compositions. Interviews: Ted Panken 1993; Jon Liebman 2011; NEA 2013; Ralph Miriello 2014: 1, 2; NEA 2014. Further reading: Samantha Brooks; Ryan Madora; Doug Ramsey; Aaron Steinberg. Other profiles: 1, 2. See also the Richard Davis Foundation.

Richard Davis   1957

  Swingin' Easy

      Album by Sarah Vaughan

  Thou Swell

      Composition:

      Richard Rodgers/Lorenz Hart

      Sarah Vaughan LP: 'At Mister Kelly's'

Richard Davis   1965

  Flight 19

      Andrew Hill LP: 'Point of Departure'

      Recorded 21 March 1964

      All comps by Hill

  Short Story

      Composition: Kenny Dorham

      Joe Henderson LP: 'In n Out'

      Recorded 10 April 1964

      Tenor sax: Joe Henderson

      Trumpet: Kenny Dorham

      Piano: McCoy Tyner

      Drums: Elvin Jones

Richard Davis   1967

  Raunchy Rita

      Composition: Kenny Dorham

      Album: 'Heavy Sounds'

      Recorded June '67

      Tenor sax: Frank Foster

      Piano: Billy Greene

      Drums/guitar: Elvin Jones

Richard Davis   1970

  Tax Free

      With Tax Free

Richard Davis   1972

  Now's the Time

      Composition: Charlie Parker

      Tenor sax: Clifford Jordan

      Trumpet: Marvin Hannibal Peterson

      Piano: Joe Bonner

      Drums: Freddie Waits

  Summertime

      Guitar: Ted Dunbar    Filmed live

      Music: George Gershwin   1934

      Lyrics: DuBose Heyward

Richard Davis   1974

  What'd You Say

      LP: 'Dealin'

      Recorded 14 Sep '73

      All comps by Davis

Richard Davis   1976

  As One

      LP w pianist, Jill McManus

      Recorded Oct '75   NYC

Richard Davis   2014

  Solo

    Filmed live at the NEA Jazz Masters Concert

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Richard Davis

Richard Davis

Photo: Brian McMillen

Source: Mediander

Birth of Modern Jazz: Lou Mecca

Lou Mecca

Source: Jazz Music Archives

 

Born in 1923, guitarist Lou Mecca is thought to have first recorded in September of 1954 with Gil Mellé, replacing Tal Farlow (LP: 'New Faces-New Sounds' by Blue Note.) Mecca released his first recordings as a leader the next year on a 10" for Blue Note: 'Lou Mecca Quartet'. As Mecca was unable to make a living as a musician, he began to study chiropractics in 1961, which he then pursued professionally in 1967, music taking backseat. Mecca released the album, 'Bridging the Gap', in 1999. He died on 27 June 2003 [obit]. Unfortunately, what little there was to be found of Mecca at YouTube, especially with Mellé, has been removed. Records by Mecca, who did very little recording, are rare. It's known that a copy of one of his two ten inchers for Blue Note are valued at well above $1000. References: 1, 2. Sessions: JDP; Lord (leading 2 of 4). Discos: 1, 2. Other profiles*.

Lou Mecca   1955

 From 'Lou Mecca Quartet'

 Recorded 25 March '55

 Vibraphone: Jack Hitchcock

 Bass: Vinnie Burke

 Drums: Jimmy Campbell

  All the Things You Are

      Composition:

      Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II

  Just One of Those Things

      Composition: Cole Porter

  The Song Is You

      Composition:

      Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein II

  Stan's Invention

      Composition: Stan Purdy

Lou Mecca   2003

From 'Bridging the Gap'

 Recorded 21 March '99

 Bass: Mickey Golizio

 Drums: Nat Garratano

  Tenderly

      Music: Walter Gross 1946

      Lyrics: Jack Lawrence

 

 
  Jazz noise guitarist, Masayuki Takayanagi was born in 1932 in Tokyo, Japan. Also known as Jojo, he first surfaced on vinyl in 1954 on Shotaro Moriyasu's album, 'Memorial'. He formed the Swing Journal Ninetet and Swing Journal All-Star Orchestra in 1956, found on 'Jazz in Japan'. He formed the New Directions Quartet in 1957. Lord's discography has him leading the All Stars in November of 1957 for 'April in Paris' (Toshiba JLP 1001). 1959 found Takayanagi in the Jazz Academy Quartet. In 1964 he formed the Jazz Contemporary Quintet. In 1965 he assisted in the formation of New Century Music Laboratory, then formed King's Roar. He released a couple bossa nova albums in '67 and '68: 'Flower Girl' and 'The Smile I Make'. Takayanagi put together the Jazz Contemporary in the latter year. In 1969 he formed a quintet with guitarist, Masahiko Togashi, then led the group, New Directions. 1972 saw Takayanagi performing with the Gil Evans Orchestra on tour to Tokyo for the albums 'Satin Doll' ('72) with Kimiko Kasai and 'Masabumi Kikuchi with Gil Evans' ('72). In '71 he formed New Direction for the Arts. 1972 found him with Jazz Contemporary again, then New Direction Unit in '75, recording two volumes of 'Axis: Another Revolable Thing'. 1977 saw multiple sessions with Tee & Company. In 1978 he put together Second Concept. 1983 saw him leading the Angry Waves. Among the more important figures in Takayanagi's career was alto saxman, Kaoru Abe. Takayanagi died on June 23 of 1991. Having issued above twenty albums, 'Reason for Being' and 'Inanimate Nature' arrived in 1990, the former with Masayuki Takayanagi (guitar). References: 1, 2. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 25 of 46 sessions). Select YouTube. Reviews. Other profiles *. Takayanagi's career doesn't see coverage at YouTube until 1970 when he was already composing free jazz.

Masayuki Takayanagi   1970

From 'Independence'

All comps by Takayanagi

 The Galactic System

 Mass Projection

 Piranha

Masayuki Takayanagi   1971

 La Grima (Tears)

    Album

Masayuki Takayanagi   1972

 Sun in the East

    LP: 'Free Form Suite'

Masayuki Takayanagi   1975

 Second Session (Mass Projection)

    LP: 'Eclipse'

    Recorded 14 March 1975

    Tokyo

      Issued 1975 on Iskra 001

 We Have Existed

    LP: 'April Is the Cruellest Month'

    Recorded April/May 1975

      Issued 1991 on April Disk AP-1

       All comps by Takayanagi

       Relevance TS Eliot's 'The Waste Land' (1922)

      Reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Masayuki Takayanagi   1982

From 'Lonely Woman'

 Lonely Woman

      Composition: Ornette Coleman

 Sketches

      Composition: Takayanagi

 Song for Che

      Composition: Charlie Haden

Masayuki Takayanagi   1983

 Mass Hysterism 1

    LP: 'Mass Hysterism in Another Situation'

    Recorded 14 Aug '83

      Issued 2006 on Jinya Disc B-09

 Outer Pulsation

    LP: 'Pulsation'

    Recorded 27 May '83

      Issued '83 on Paddle Wheel K28P 6244

       Comps by Takayanagi

Masayuki Takayanagi   1984

 Kushiro 3

    LP: 'Meta Improvisation'

     Recorded Nov '84

      Issued 2011 on Jinya Disc B-26/JDR-006

Masayuki Takayanagi   1987

From 'Action Direct'

Recorded 5 Oct 1985

Zojoji Hall   Tokyo

 Loop Road

 Reaction

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Masayuki Takayanagi

Masayuki Takayanagi

Source: Perfect Sound Forever

Birth of Modern Jazz: Leroy Vinnegar

Leroy Vinnegar

Source: Longshot's Blog

 

Born in 1928 in Indianapolis, double bassist Leroy Vinnegar was self-taught in Chicago and would become known for his "walking bass" style. Beginning his professional career in 1948, he was became a member of the house band at the Bee Hive in 1952. In 1954 he left Illinois for Los Angeles where his first recordings occurred with saxophonist, Herb Geller, in Los Angeles in 1954 in a trio with Eldridge Freeman (drums) for 'At the Piano' issued that year by Dot. He would see Geller again in '55 for 'Vone Mae', 'Tardi at Zardi's', 'Owl Eyes' and 'Gin for Flugelhorns' on August 22, and 'Days I Never Knew', 'Domestic Harmony', 'Love Is Like a Turtle' and 'Sweet Vinnegar' on the 24th. Vinnegar was with Stu Williamson on January 20, 1955, for 'Shu's Due Blues' and 'The Lady Is a Tramp', et al. Come Frank Morgan on March 31 for 'The Champ' and 'Get Happy', et al. Vinnegar completed well above 250 sessions during his career, meaning this brief account of such will be largely abbreviated. Vinnegar held sessions with both Bill Holman and Conte Candoli in '55 before arriving to Lionel Hampton that year on August 1 for 'Hamp and Getz' featuring Stan Getz. Drumming on that was Shelly Manne, one of the more important figures in Vinnegar's career. Manne and Vinnegar cleared much the same path for the next six years, recording numerously together in support of other bands when not working on Manne's projects, the first of which was 'Concerto for Clarinet and Combo' in December of '55. Several albums ensued to 'My Fair Lady' in 1956, a trio with André Previn at piano, after which support roles for such as Helen Humes followed to Howard McGhee's 'Maggie's Back in Town' in '61. The reunited in 1967 in a trio with organist, Rieber Hovde, for 'Rieber Hovde and Associates', again in December of 1975 with trumpeter, John Rinaldo, for 'Jazz Is a Four Letter Word'. We step back to April 1, 1956, to a session for Zoot Sims in Beverly Hills, CA, toward 'Live at Falcon Lair' (2004). That was with pianist, Joe Castro and drummer, Ron Jefferson, both of whom would figure big in Vinnegar's career. Castro would join Vinnegar's Quartet in December of 1958 for the 'Stars of Jazz' television program with Teddy Edwards (tenor sax) and Billy Higgins (drums) for 'Love for Sale', 'Old Folks' and 'Walk On'. Edwards and Higgins would also be among Vinnegar's more important musical associates. In January of 1959 Vinnegar backed Castro on such as 'Billie's Bounce' and 'Feeling the Blues' with Edwards and Higgins. Sometime in 1959 they supported Edwards on 'Billie's Bounce' and 'A Foggy Day' with Higgins. Those got issued on an LP shared with Sonny Rollins titled 'Sonny Rollins at Music Inn/Teddy Edwards at Falcon's Lair with Joe Castro' that if not the next year. That quartet then recorded Castro's 'Groove Funk Soul' in July of '59. It was Edwards' 'It's About Time' in August, Jefferson replacing Higgins. Edwards and Vinnegar had first recorded together on July 15 of '57, that for Vinnegar's debut album, 'Leroy Walks'. Vinnegar and Higgins had fallen in together in 1958 with Fred Katz and His Jammers for such as 'Old Folks' and 'Ruby My Dear'. Vinnegar, Castro, Jefferson, Edwards and Higgins made a full hand in one combination or another into the sixties, Edwards and Higgins much later, they both thought to have last recorded with Vinnegar in March of 1991 for Edwards' 'Mississippi Lad' featuring Tom Waits. Another important pianist was Les McCann, joining Jefferson in support of Edwards' 'It's About Time' in August of 1959. McCann, Vinnegar, and Jefferson for several years, would be tight for another decade, Vinnegar backing McCann when they weren't both supporting other operations. Vinnegar is thought to have first supported McCann in latter 1959 in a trio with Jefferson yielding such as 'Little Girl from Caspar' and 'Vakushna'. The next ten years saw one session upon the next to the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland on June 21, 1969 with Benny Bailey (trumpet) Eddie Harris (tenor sax) and Donald Dean (drums) for 'Swiss Movement'. Vinnegar moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1986, there dying of heart attack on August 3, 1999 [obits: 1, 2]. His last of several LPs, 'Boss of the Walking Bass', had been recorded at Atwater's Nightclub in Portland on 26 Oct '1996 w Jessica Williams (piano) and Mel Brown (drums). The same trio had released Williams' 'Encounters' in '94. Lord traces Vinnegar to as late as Oct 1997 at Oswego Lake, Oregon, toward Randy Porter's 'Modern Reflections', again w Brown at drums, Nancy King vocals. Joining the long list of other musicians Vinnegar supported are Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, Gerry Mulligan, Benny Goodman, Lee Konitz, Sonny Stitt, the Jazz Crusaders ('Live at The Lighthouse '66'), Shorty Rogers, Chet Baker, Serge Chaloff and Red Garland. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sessions: JDP; Lord (Leading 13 of 256). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. IMDb. IA. Further reading: Jazz Profiles; Jessica Williams. Per 1969 below, Vinnegar joins Eddie Harris at tenor sax and Les McCann at piano at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.

Leroy Vinnegar   1955

  Gin for Flugelhorns

      Composition: Geller

      From 'The Herb Geller Sextet'

      Recorded Aug '54

Leroy Vinnegar   1956

From  'Cy Touff, His Octet & Quintet'

Recorded Dec '55

  Keester Parade

      Composition: Johnny Mandel

  Prez-Ence

      Composition:

      Cy Touff/Lester Young/Richie Kamuca

  Primitive Cats

      Composition:

      Cy Touff/Richie Kamuca

  TNT

      Composition: Tiny Kahn

  What Am I Here For?

      Composition: Duke Ellington

Leroy Vinnegar   1958

  Leroy Walks

      Debut LP

      Recorded July/Sep '57

Leroy Vinnegar   1963

  I'll String Along with You

      Composition: Harry Warren/Al Dubin

      Album: 'Leroy Walks Again!'

Leroy Vinnegar   1969

  Compared to What

      Composition: Gene McDaniels

      Montreux Jass Festival

      Tenor sax: Eddie Harris

      Piano: Les McCann

Leroy Vinnegar   1970

  Blues for J L

      Piano: Hampton Hawes

      Composition: Lou Willie Turner

Leroy Vinnegar   1973

  Damn! Somebody Stole My Pants

      Composition: Vinnegar

      Album: 'Glass of Water'

 

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Paul Chambers

Paul Chambers

Source: Wikipedia

Born in 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA, bassist Paul Chambers began playing professional gigs in New York City where he met such as pianist Barry Harris and trumpeter Thad Jones. Chambers would later appear on albums by Jones: 'After Hours' in '57 and 'Motor City Scene' in 1960. Chambers' first session in Boston in 1954 with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Trio included drummer, Ed Thigpen. That resulted in the album, 'Toshiko', estimated to have been issued in 1956 with titles like 'Between Me and Myself', 'Manhattan Address' and 'Blues for Toshiko'. Chambers would record with Akiyoshi again in Tokyo in 1964 ('Toshiko Mariano and Her Big Band') and '65 ('From Japan With Jazz'). Chambers is thought to have first recorded with Paul Quinichette in NYC on November 4, 1954, for the EP, 'Moods', with an estimated release of 1955. His third and last session of 1954 was on December 7 in the Quincy Jones Band for King Pleasure, bearing such as 'Don't Get Scared' and 'I'm Gone'. Chambers' first certain date in 1955 was June 6 for JJ Johnson (who had been with the Quincy Jones Band): 'The Eminent Jay Jay Johnson Vol 3' issued that year. Chambers would have occasion to work with Jones a few times in the fifties. He saw more of Johnson in the sixties with both Miles Davis and Elvin Jones. Come 1955 Chambers would have only 14 more years to perform, during which time, however, he attended above 350 sessions (averaging out to a couple per month). As first recording with Akiyoshi might indicate, a great many of those were top rank jazz artists. Among the first was Cannonball Adderley with whom Chambers first recorded on June 28, 1955, toward Kenny Clarke's 'Bohemia After Dark'. His next session was with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet on July 14 for 'Spontaneous Combustion', 'Still Talkin' to Ya', 'Caribbean Cutie', 'A Little Taste', 'Flamingo' and 'We'll Be Together Again'. Multiple sessions followed that year as well as in 1958-59. His last titles with Adderley may have been for Miles Davis at the Birdland in NYC on August 25 of '59 for a version of 'So What'. Chamber's career was very much a career with Davis, first siding for the latter in Davis' Quintet in NYC on October 26, 1955 for such as 'Two Bass Hit' and 'Ah-leu-cha', et al. Chambers would hang with Davis for another eight years, including the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958. They recorded numerous titles while touring in Europe in 1960, such as those per a radio broadcast in Manchester on September 27 resulting in 'Free Trade Hall Vol 1 & 2'. Lord's disco has Chambers recording with Davis to as late as April of 1963 on 'So Near, So Far'. Among saxophonists with whom Chambers frequently worked was Jackie McLean. They first fell into a session together at the Cafe Bohemia in NYC on September 9 of 1955 as members of the George Wallington Quintet for the latter's 'Live ! At The Cafe Bohemia'. On August 31 of 1956 Chambers supported 'Jackie's Pal' featuring trumpeter, Bill Hardman. Chambers appeared on numerous McLean albums into the sixties, also joining each other in the support of other ensembles, particularly Lee Morgan's, Morgan himself among the more important figures in Chambers' career. McLean and Chambers are thought to have last recorded together on September 29, 1966, for Morgan's 'Charisma'. As for Morgan, he and Chambers had first seen a studio together on November 25 of 1956 in the Hank Mobley Sextet with Donald Byrd for such as 'Double Whammy' and 'Barrel of Funk'. 'Lee Morgan Volume 2' followed on December 2, 'Lee Morgan Volume 3' on March 24 of '57. Chambers and Morgan found numerous occasions to record together in support of other ensembles, particularly Mobley's. Chambers also appeared on numerous Morgan albums to as late as 'The Rajah' in 1966. Among pianists Chambers worked with numerously was Red Garland, their first tracks together per Davis above in October of '55. Chambers and Garland partnered often with Davis and John Coltrane. Chambers also sided numerous of Garland's projects, starting with the Red Garland Trio on May 11, 1956, with Philly Joe Jones on drums for 'Ahmad's Blues'. The first Garland album Chambers supported was 'A Garland of Red' on August 17, 1956. The two would participate in countless titles together to as late as a radio broadcast with the Miles Davis Sextet at the Birdland on January 3, 1959, for 'Bag's Groove' (with Cannonball Adderley) and 'All of You'. Another trumpeter Chambers saw a lot of was Donald Byrd, their first tracks together per above in June of '55 for Kenny Clarke's 'Bohemia After Dark'. Byrd and Chambers' paths interweaved often for another six years, both supporting each other and other ensembles. On September 29, 1955, Chambers backed 'Byrd's Word'. A year later on September 21 Byrd contributed to 'Whims of Chambers'. May 19 of 1957 witness Byrd participating in 'Paul Chambers Quintet'. Two months later Chambers began backing Byrd's 'New Formulas from the Jazz Lab'. 1960 saw Chambers contributing to Byrd and Art Pepper's 'Motor City Scene'. They last recorded together for pianist, Tadd Dameron, on December 14, 1961, for titles that would get issued in 1999 on 'The Lost Sessions'. In the meantime Chambers had recorded his first album, 'Chamber's Music', on March 2 of '56. In that quartet were John Coltrane (tenor sax) Kenny Drew (piano) and Philly Joe Jones (drums). Another important pianist in Chambers' career was Wynton Kelly, they first putting down tracks together on March 24, 1957 for Lee Morgan's 'Lee Morgan Vol 3'. Kelly and Chambers traveled similar paths both supporting other operations and each other. They are thought to have first recorded as a trio in NYC in January of 1958 with Kenny Burrell on guitar for the simply titled, 'Piano'. Kelly would support Chambers' album, 'Go!', on February 2 of 1959 with Freddie Hubbard (trumpet) Cannonball Adderley (alto sax) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Among projects by Kelly was 'Kelly at Midnight' on April 27, 1960. Chambers and Kelly would often record together as a trio to 1968. Another important figure was, Gil Evans. Evans arranged and directed the Miles Davis Orchestra on May 6 of 1957 for 'Miles Ahead'. Evans then employed Chambers for 'Gil Evans and Ten' on September 6, 1957. One reason Chambers and Evans worked so often together was that Evans was Davis' arranger and bandleader for some years. Chambers and Evans also worked with other operations together. On April 9, 1958, Chambers sided Evans for 'New Bottle, Old Wine'. Chambers' last titles for Evans may have been at Webster Hall in NYC on May 25 of 1964 for 'Concorde' and 'Spoonful'. Among the more important drummers along Chambers' path was Art Taylor. They first recorded at the Birdland in NYC in September of 1955 in a trio with pianist, Bud Powell: 'That Old Black Magic', 'Star Eyes', et al [Lord]. Chambers and Taylor laid much the same rail nigh like hammer and stake into the sixties. On 14 July of 1957 they left behind 'Bass on Top' [1, 2, 3] w Hank Jones (piano) and Kenny Burrell at guitar. They were together as late as 1963 to back 'Phil Porter and His Organ'. Chamber's last session is thought to have been with the Wynton Kelly Trio including Jimmy Cobb on drums in Chicago on August 4 of 1968 for 'Powertree'. His was an untimely death in his prime at age 33 of tuberculosis on January 4, 1969. Among others with whom Chambers recorded titles were pianist, Horace Silver, and saxophonist, Jimmy Heath. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Sessions: DAHR; J-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 11 of 353). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. IMDb. Further reading: Jazz Profiles: 1, 2. Other profiles: 1, 2. Per 1956 below, John Coltrane plays tenor sax on all tracks except 'Tale of the Fingers'. Per 1957 below, Chamber's is joined on 'Bass on Top' by drummer, Art Taylor, guitarist, Kenny Burrell and pianist, Hank Jones.

Paul Chambers   1954

 Shorty Georgie

     Composition: Harry Edison/Count Basie

     Tenor sax: Paul Quinichette

     Quinichette LP: 'Moods'

Paul Chambers   1955

With alto saxophonist, Cannonball Adderley

Recorded variously 1955

Issued variously

  Caribbean Cutie

     Composition: Cannonball

  Hurricane Connie

     Composition: Quincy Jones

  Late Entry

     Composition: Cannonball/Nat Adderley

  A Little Taste

     Composition: Cannonball

  Still Talkin' to Ya

     Composition: Cannonball

From 'Bohemia After Dark'

Kenny Clarke LP

Recorded June/July 1955

Alto sax: Cannonball Adderley

Tenor sax: Jerome Richardson

Trumpet: Donald Byrd

Cornet: Nat Adderley

Flute: Jerome Richardson

Piano: Hank Jones (track 6)/Horace Silver

Drums: Kenny Clarke

 Bohemia After Dark

     Composition: Oscar Pettiford

  Chasm

     Composition: Cannonball/Nat Adderley

  We'll Be Together Again

     Composition: Carl Fischer/Frankie Laine

     Piano: Hank Jones

  Willow Weep for Me

     Composition: Ann Ronell

  With Apologies to Oscar

     Composition: Cannonball/Nat Adderley

Paul Chambers   1956

From 'Chambers' Music'

Recorded March 1956

Tenor sax: John Coltrane

Piano: Kenny Drew

Drums: Philly Joe Jones

  Dexterity

      Composition: Charlie Parker

  Eastbound

      Composition: Kenny Drew

 John Paul Jones

      Composition: John Coltrane

 Stablemates

      Composition: Benny Golson

  Visitation

      Composition: Chambers

Paul Chambers   1957

From 'Whims of Chambers'

Recorded 21 Sep 1956

 Dear Ann

      Composition: Chambers

 Just for the Love

      Composition: John Coltrane

  Nita

      Composition: John Coltrane

  Tale of the Fingers

      Composition: Chambers

  We Six

      Composition: Donald Byrd

  Whims of Chambers

      Composition: Chambers

From 'Bass on Top'

Recorded 14 July 1957

Piano: Hank Jones

Guitar: Kenny Burrell

Drums: Art Taylor

 Confessin'

      Composition:

      Allen Neiburg

      Doc Daugherty

      Ellis Reynolds

 Dear Old Stockholm

      Composition: Swedish traditional *

 Yesterdays

      Composition: Jerome Kern/Otto Harbach

Paul Chambers   1959

From 'Go...'

 Awful Mean

      Composition: Cannonball Adderley

 Ease It

      Composition: Chambers

  I Got Rhythm

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

  I Heard That

      Reissue of 1998

  Julie Ann

      Composition: Chambers

  Just Friends

      Composition: John Klenner/Sam Lewis

  There Is No Greater Love

      Composition: Isham Jones/Marty Symes

End 'Go...'

 Kind of Blue

     Album   Trumpet: Miles Davis

     Recorded March/April 1959

 

 
 

Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1930, Jim Hall received instruction from the Cleveland Institute of Music. after which he left for California in 1955 to begin his professional career. He first recordings were that year in April and May with the Ken Hanna Orchestra, appearing on the album, 'Jazz for Dancers'. In January 1956 he recorded 'Chico Hamilton Quintet featuring Buddy Collette'. Hall saw multiple sessions with Hamilton and Collette to Hamilton's 'Ellington Suite' in January of 1959. Among them had been titles to 'Chico Hamilton in Hi-Fi' put down in January 1956. The next month he contributed titles like 'Blues on the Rocks' (George Duvivier) to the album, 'Chico Hamilton Trio' with George Duvivier at bass. Hall and Hamilton supported Collette's 'Tanganyika Jazz' in September of '56. It was Louie Bellson on drums for Buddy Collette's 'Porgy and Bess' in July of 1957. On January 10 of 1959 Hall participated in Collette's 'At the Cinema'. Their last recordings together may have been in 1963 to support 'The Sensational Pete Jolly Gasses Everybody'. Another important associate was pianist, John Lewis, Hall first backing him with bassist, Percy Heath, on titles toward 'Grand Encounter: 2 East/3 West' on February 10 of 1956. Hall and Lewis found numerous occasions to mix things up into the sixties, both backing other operations and working on projects for Lewis such as 'Odds Against Tomorrow' ('59), 'The Wonderful World of Jazz' ('60) and 'Essence' ('62). Their last recordings together may have been to back Sonny Stitt's 'Stitt Plays Bird' on January 29 of 1963. Hall's first sessions with bassist, Red Mitchell, are thought to have been in the Hampton Hawes Quartet with Bruz Freeman (drums) for three volumes of 'All Night Session' in November of 1956. Hall and Mitchell wove much the same chord to 1960 is support of other ensembles. Of interest along the way was a trio for Jimmy Giuffre's '7 Pieces' in February and March of 1959. The Modest Jazz Trio followed with Red Kelly on drums on April1 of 1960 for 'Good Friday Blues'. Mitchell's 'Rejoice!' was recorded at the Renaissance Cafe in Hollywood in October of 1960. They would reunite on multiple occasions in the seventies, thought to have last strung titles together at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA in May of 1980 with Itzhak Perlman (violin) André Previn (piano) and Shelly Manne (drums) for ' It's a Different Kind of Blues' and 'It's a Breeze'. Clarinetist, Jimmy Giuffre, was also a frequent companion beginning with 'The Jimmy Giuffre 3' on December 3 and 4 of 1956 with drummer, Ralph Pena. Hall worked numerously with Giuffre into the sixties, notably in Giuffre's trios employing various third men. Their last such combo is thought to have been with Wilfred Middlebrooks at bass in Paris in February of 1960 for what would get issued in 1999 as 'Olympia 23 Fevrier 1960 - 27 Fevrier 1965'. Hall's first session as a leader employed pianist, Carl Perkins, and bassist, Red Mitchell in January of 1957 for 'Jazz Guitar'. Drums by Larry Bunker are thought to have been dubbed in 1963. Another important comrade was valve trombonist, Bob Brookmeyer, with whom he first fell in at the loft of artist, David X Young, for titles that would get issued as 'Jazz Loft' in 2000. The first of Brookmeyer's albums on which Hall appeared was 'Traditionalism Revisited' in July of 1957. Brookmeyer and Hall often partnered in other operations as well, notably projects by both Giuffre and Gerry Mulligan. Working together frequently into the latter sixties, they reunited on July 14, 1979, for 'Live at the North Sea Jazz Festival' at the Hague in Netherlands. 1990 found Brookmeyer contributing to a couple titles on Hall's 'Live at Town Hall Vol 1'. In 1959 Hall toured a bit with Jazz at the Philharmonic, but isn't thought to have recorded with that enterprise. He did record fairly often, however, with pianist, Bill Evans. Hall and Evans are thought to have first strung titles together the same year in July in the John Lewis Orchestra for 'Odds Against Tomorrow'. They backed both Lee Konitz and Gunther Schuller on projects before recording their duo album, 'Undercurrent', in 1962. They mixed on several occasions backing other operatiions until their duo album, 'Intermodulation', went down in February of 1966. Evans died in 1980, but Hall joined the Kronos Quartet in 1985 for 'Music of Bill Evans'. Another important sax player came along in Paul Desmond in September of 1959 for 'First Place Again'. Hall worked with Desmond fairly steadily to 1965, numerous sessions yielding several albums. April 29 of 1969 saw them attending Duke Ellington's 70th birthday party with Gerry Mulligan at the White House in Washington D.C., that getting issued in 2002 as '1969 All-Star White House Tribute'. Desmond later contributed to a few titles on Hall's 'Concierto' in April 1975. Sax player, Sonny Rollins, was also a significant figure, Hall supporting Rollins' 'The Bridge' in early 1962. Multiple sessions ensued to 'The Standard Sonny Rollins' in 1964. Forty-six years later Hall contributed to 'In a Sentimental Mood' for Rollins' 'Road Shows Vol 2', that at the Beacon Theater in NYC on September 10 of 2010. Among the more important trumpeters to come Hall's way was Art Farmer, in whose orchestra Hall performed on August 10 of '62: 'My Romance' and 'Street of Dreams' for the album, 'Listen to Art Farmer'. Guitarist, Barry Galbraith, also participated in that. Hall would support Farmer numerously to 1964, they also backing Mulligan during that period. Their last album of that two-year stretch was 'Art Farmer Meets Mulligan & Hall' on June 27, 1964. In June of 1976 Farmer contributed to Hall's 'Commitment'. Farmer also participated in Hall's 'Big Blues in February of 1978 and 'Panorama: Live at The Village Vanguard' in December of 1996. Another important trumpeter was Quincy Jones, though Jones was employing trumpeters in his orchestra so he could arrange and conduct. Hall's first session with Jones' band was on August 13 of '62 for a couple titles on 'Big Band Bossa Nova'. Hall worked on several of Jones' projects to 1964, then joined his orchestra again for 'Smackwater Jack' in 1971. Another important bassist was Ron Carter with whom Hall first strung titles for Bill Evans' Quintet on August 21 of 1962 with Zoot Sims (tenor saxophone) and Philly Joe Jones (drums), those not to see issue until 1982 as 'The "Interplay" Sessions'. Hall and Carter crossed paths a few times in the sixties supporting various bands until they recorded the duo album, 'Alone Together' on August 4 of 1972 at the Playboy Club in NYC. Carter also contributed to Hall's 'Concierto' in April of '75 before their duo 'Live at Village West' in November of '82. Another duo ensued at the Concord Pavilion in California in August of 1984 for 'Telephone'. It was then 'Live at Town Hall Vol 1' in June of 1990. Lord's disco credits Hall with 367 sessions with above 100 of those his own, meaning we're going to make this a brief trip with mention of stray ends like 'Breakin' It Up On Broadway' in 1961 with the Dukes of Dixieland and Hall's 1975 album, 'Jim Hall Live!' with Don Thompson on bass and Terry Clarke on drums. Among the host of others with whom Hall had worked were Jack Montrose and Tommy Flanagan. During the nineties Hall toured internationally. He was made an NEA Jazz Master in 2004 prior to his release of 'Magic Meeting' in 2005. He was active playing gigs and touring abroad up through 2012, dying in his sleep in December 2013 in his Manhattan apartment [obits: 1, 2, 3, 4]. Hall had released 'Conversations' in 2010 with drummer, Joey Baron. 'Live at Birdland' had been recorded in October of 2010 with Baron, Greg Osby (alto saxophone) and Steve Laspina (bass) for issue in 2012. References: Wikipedia, All Music. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 104 of 370 sessions). IMDB. Compositions. Reviews: 1. 2. Books written by Hall (instruction w transcriptions): 1, 2. Interviews: Molly Murphy 2003; Larry Appelbaum 2009 (audio); Marc Myers 2009: 1, 2, 3; Devra Hall Levy 2011 (pdf). Gear. Further reading: Tom Cole, R. J. DeLuke, Marc Myers (Hall w Art Farmer), Marc-Andre Seguin, Jason Shadrick, Peter Watrous. Jim Hall website. Gear. Other profiles: 1, 2.

Jim Hall   1956

With the Chico Hamilton Trio:

 Blues on the Rocks

     Composition: George Duvivier

With the Chico Hamilton Quintet:

  The Wind

     Composition: Russ Freeman

Jim Hall   1957

 Jazz Guitar

     Album

Jim Hall   1975

 Concierto

     Album

 Jim Hall Live!

     Album

Jim Hall   2009

 Jazz in Marciac 2009

     Filmed concert

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Jim Hall

Jim Hall

Source: Noticias de Jazz

 

Double bassist Doug Watkins was born in 1934 in Detroit, Michigan. His first recording per Lord's disco was in Columbus, OH, circa 1954 with Wild Bill Moore: 'Football Boogie' and 'Blue Journey', et al (Sensation 17). Both 'Billboard' and 'Detroit Free Press', however, show those titles (Sensation 17) issued by October 1, 1949. Lord's reference is either to a different Doug Watkins or Watkins was age fifteen at the time. With no discussion on the matter to be found we regard Lord's listing as dubitable and pick up Watkins where documentation generally agrees after his leaving Detroit for New York City. His initial session is thought to have been on November 17, 1954, for Blue Note with the Horace Silver Quintet: 'Room 108', 'Creepin' In', et al. A session on February 6 of 1955 wrought 'Hippy', 'Hankerin'', etc.. Personnel on those were  Kenny Dorham (trumpet), Hank Mobley (tenor sax) and Art Blakey (drums). See volumes 1 and 2 of 'Horace Silver Quintet' (Discogs listing Vol 2 as Vol 4). Sessions followed that year with Will Bradley Jr., then Hank Mobley on March 27, that with a quartet consisting Silver and Blakey. That was issued as 'Hank Mobley Quartet' that year. A session on October 21 followed with Jackie McLean, to which we will return. Watkins' first session with Blakey's original Jazz Messengers was on November 23, 1954, at the Cafe Bohemia: 'Like Someone in Love', 'I Waited for You', et al. Both volumes of 'At The Cafe Bohemia' were issued on 1956. The Jazz Messengers had emerged out Horace Silver's Quintet, above, with identical personnel also consisting of Dorham and Mobley. All those characters, especially Mobley with whom he held above twenty sessions in one manner or another, would be of major importance in Watkin's brief career. McLean, and especially Donald Byrd with whom he held above 30 sessions, were major figures as well. Trumpeter Byrd was in McLean's quintet per above on October 21, 1955, for 'New Traditions'. Also in that group were Mal Waldron (piano) and Ronald Tucker (drums). Waldron and Watkins would also see a lot of each other. On January 27 of 1956 Watkins supported McLean on 'Lights Out'. That was with pianist, Elmo Hope, and drummer, Art Taylor. Watkins and Taylor would lay nigh parallel rails in years to come, attending more than forty sessions together. Another musician of especial weight was tenor saxophonist, Gene Ammons, with whom Watkins recorded 'Jammin' with Gene' on July 13, 1956. In that ensemble were Art Farmer (trumpet), Byrd, McLean, Waldron and Taylor. Several sessions occurred with Ammons to 'Nice an Cool' and 'Jug' in January of 1961. Another drummer with a strong presence in Watkins' career was Louis Hayes with whom he first got mixed on November 10, 1956, for Horace Silver's, '6 Pieces of Silver'. They would see several sessions together in years to come. Guitarist, Kenny Burrell, was also a significant figure, joining Watkins on the latter's first name album, 'Watkins at Large', recorded on December 7, 1956. Also in Watkin's sextet were Duke Jordan (piano), Donald Byrd, Hank Mobley and Art Taylor. A few weeks later on the 28th Watkins joined Burrell on the latter's 'All Night Long'. Their last of multiple sessions together is thought to have been with the Cats for 'The Cats' ('59) on April 18 of 1957. In that sextet were Idrees Sulieman (trumpet), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Tommy Flanagan (piano) and Hayes. Another saxophonist important to Watkins' career was Pepper Adams (baritone), they both members of the Prestige All Stars on April 20, 1957, for 'Baritones and French Horns' with Cecil Payne (baritone sax), Coltrane, Waldron and Taylor. Watkins supported Adams on 'Critics Choice' in August that year, 'The Pepper-Knepper Quintet with Pepper Adams & Jimmy Knepper' on March 28 of '57. The last of several sessions with Adams was in support of Byrd's 'Chant' on April 17, 1961 with Herbie Hancock (piano) and Teddy Robinson (drums). Watkins had released his second and last LP, 'Soulnik', in 1960. Also present were Yusef Lateef (tenor sax, oboe, flute), Hugh Lawson (piano), Herman Wright (bass) and Lex Humphries (drums). Watkins' career came to sad end in 1962, when he was only 28 years old, upon falling asleep at the wheel and hitting an oncoming truck. He had contributed to Bill Hardman's 'Saying Something' and Charles Mingus' 'Vital Savage Horizons' in October of 1961. Mingus' 'Oh Yeah' had followed on November 6. Others whom he'd backed were Phil Woods, Bobby Jaspar, Curtis Fuller, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Red, Lee Morgan, Roots, Georges Arvanitas, Toots Thielemans, Tina Brooks, Stan Getz, Jef Gilson, Lester Young, Walter Davis Jr., Red Garland, Coleman Hawkins, Big Joe Turner, Benny Golson, Ollie Shearer, Dizzy Reece and Billy Taylor. References: 1, 2. Sessions: j-Disc; JDP; Lord (leading 2 of 109). Discos: 1, 2, 3. Discussion. Other profiles *.

Doug Watkins   1955

From 'Hank Mobley Quartet'

Recorded 27 March 1955

Tenor sax: Mobley

Piano: Horace Silver

Drums: Art Blakey

  Just Coolin'

      Composition: Mobley

From 'The Jazz Messengers at the Cafe Bohemia Vol 1 & 2'

Recorded 23 Nov 1955

Tenor sax: Hank Mobley

Trumpet: Kenny Dorham

Piano: Horace Silver

Drums: Art Blakey

 Avila & Tequila

      Composition: Mobley

  Gone with the Wind

      Composition:

      Herbert Magidson/Allie Wrubel

 Lady Bird

      Composition: Tadd Dameron

Doug Watkins   1956

From 'Horace Silver & the Jazz Messengers'

Recorded Nov '54/Feb '55

Tenor sax: Hank Mobley

Trumpet: Kenny Dorham

Piano: Horace Silver

Drums: Art Blakey

  Doodlin'

      Composition: Silver

  Room 608

      Composition: Silver

From 'Watkins at Large'

Recorded 8 Dec 1956

Tenor sax: Hank Mobley

Trumpet: Donald Byrd

Piano: Duke Jordan

Guitar: Kenny Burrell

Drums: Art Blakey

 More of the Same

      Composition: Thad Jones

 Phinupi

      Composition: Kenny Burrell

 Return to Paradise

      Composition: Dimitri Tiomkin

Doug Watkins   1957

From 'Saxophone Colossus'

Sonny Rollins Quartet

Recorded 22 June 1956

Tenor sax: Sonny Rollins

Piano: Tommy Flanagan

Drums: Max Roach

 Blue 7

      Composition: Rollins

 St. Thomas

      Composition: Rollins

From 'Silver's Blue'

Recorded July 1956

Piano: Horace Silver

 Hank's Tune

      Composition: Hank Mobley

 The Night Has a Thousand Eyes

      Composition:

      Buddy Bernier/Jerry Brainin

From 'On the Sunny Side'

Paul Quinichette LP

Recorded 10 May 1957

Tenor sax: Quinichette

 On the Sunny Side of the Street

      Composition:

      Jimmy McHugh/Dorothy Fields

Doug Watkins   1960

From 'Soulnik'

Recorded 17 May 1960

 Imagination

      Composition:

      Jimmy Van Heusen/Johnny Burke

 One Guy

      Composition: Yusef Lateef

 Soulnik

      Composition: Yusef Lateef

Doug Watkins   1961

 Someone to Watch Over Me

      Gene Ammons Quartet

      Composition: Gershwin Brothers

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Doug Watkins

Doug Watkinsfont

SoSource: Discogs

 

  Born in Newark, New Jersey, in 1936, Scott LaFaro began playing double bass because a stringed instrument was a requirement at Ithaca College in New York where he had matriculated to study music (playing clarinet and saxophone). He dropped out in his sophomore year to work with Buddy Morrow, with whom he is thought to have made his debut recordings on 20 December of 1955 per 'Tippity Top'/'A Band of Angels' (Wing W-90047) [JDP] which 45Cat has released on 29 December that year (only several days between recording and release). Discogs also has that issued in Dec w "29 December, 1955" printed on the label. 'The Billboard' has it advertised in its 28 Jan 1956 issue. 'Georgia Bop Dance' also went down on 20 Dec for issue the next year on 'Music for Dancing Feet' (Wing MGW 12006)'. From thereon LaFaro's rise was rapid, playing alongside Chet Baker, Victor Feldman, Stan Kenton, Cal Tjader and Benny Goodman. LaFaro's only session as a leader arrived in September 1958 [Fresh Sound/ JDP/ Ralston; Lord differs per 31 July '60] at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, CA. Supported by Richie Kamuca (tenor sax), Feldman (piano) and Stan Levey (drums), those titles ('It Could Happen to You' and 'Bass Blues') were eventually released on 'Joe Gordon & Scott LaFaro: West Coast Days' (Fresh Sound FSCD-1030 '92/ FSR-CD 370 '04). Lord appears to have LaFaro confused with Gordon whose tracks at the Lighthouse went down on 31 July of '60 [per Lord as well]. In 1959 LaFaro formed a trio with pianist Bill Evans, and drummer, Paul Motian, in which he distinguished himself, continuing to do so upon replacing Charlie Haden in Ornette Coleman's ensemble in 1961. Lord's Disco finds him on additional titles in '61 w both Evans and Stan Getz. It was 'Explorations' on 2 Feb with Evans, followed by titles w Getz later that month. Come 'Live at the Village Vanguard' in June w Evans, titles including LaFaro's compositions, 'Gloria's Step' [1, 2, 3] and 'Jade Visions'. Lord also has LaFaro w Evans and Paul Motian on drums at the Birdland on an unidentified date in 1961: 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Time Remembered' eventually saw issue in 1989 on the album by various, 'The Best of the Jazz Pianos' (CDC-8519) [Ralston]. See also 'Jazz Giants' and 'I Giganti Del Jazz 10' (Curcio HJ 9/GJ 10) [Discogs]. Another performance in the Stan Getz Quartet at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island on the 3rd of July preceded LaFaro's death on July 6 by three days, that by auto accident in Flint, New York. Those three titles got issued in 1992 on 'Stan Getz Special-Vol. 1' (Raretone 5010-FC). Working professionally only six years, LaFaro nevertheless made a large impact with his melodic styling. His legacy went to the care of his sister, Helene La Faro [1, 2], now collected at ISB. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Chronology. Sessions: JDP; Tom Lord (leading 1 of 40); Charles Ralston. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Biblio: 'Jade Visions' by Helene LaFaro-Fernandez, Chuck Ralston & Phil Palombi (U of North Texas Press 2009). Further reading: Jean-Charles Ladurelle; Gene Lees; Andrew Read; Jeff Tamarkin; Gordon Vernick.

Scott LaFaro   1956

  A Band of Angels

      On label: "29 December, 1955"

      Trombone: Buddy Morrow

      Composition: Allen/Thea

  C.T.A.

      With Chet Baker

      Composition: Jimmy Heath

  Tippity Top

      On label: "29 December, 1955"

      Trombone: Buddy Morrow

      Composition: Frank Slay/Bob Crewe

Scott LaFaro   1958

  This Is Pat Moran

      Album recorded Dec '57

      Piano: Pat Moran

      Bass: John Doling

      Drums: Johnny Whited

Note: The above was reissued in 1978 as 'The Legendary Scott LaFaro' w only 8 of 12 original titles included *.

Scott LaFaro   1958

  Serpent's Tooth

      Composition: Miles Davis

      LP: 'The Arrival of Victor Feldman'

    Vibes: Victor Feldman

      Drums: Stan Levey

Scott LaFaro   1959

  Blues for an African Friend

      Composition: Tony Scott

      Recorded Oct '59

      Issued on 'Sung Heroes':

      Sunnyside ‎SSC 1015   1986

      Clarinet: Tony Scott

      Piano: Bill Evans

      Drums: Paul Motian

Scott LaFaro   1960

  Little Old Lady

      LP: '1960':

      Recorded 29 Nov 1960

      Piano: Steve Kuhn

      Drums: Pete La Roca

  Witchcraft

      Composition:

      Cy Coleman/Carolyn Leigh

      Piano: Bill Evans

      Drums: Paul Motian

      Evans LP: 'Portrait in Jazz'

      Recorded 28 Dec 1959

Scott LaFaro   1961

  Free Jazz

      Ornette Coleman LP

      Recorded 21 Dec 1960

  R.P.D.D. (Relation of the Poet to Day Dreaming)

      Ornette Coleman LP: 'Ornette!'

      Recorded 31 Jan 1961

From 'The Complete Live at The Village Vanguard 1961'

Recorded 25 June 1961   NYC

Piano: Bill Evans

Drums: Paul Motian

  Gloria's Step

      Composition: LaFaro

  Waltz for Debby

      Composition: Evans

Note: The above album was released in Japan in 2002 on Riverside VICJ-60951-3. Release in the States followed in 2005 on 3RCD-4443-2.

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Scott LaFaro

Scott LaFaro

Source: Jazz Wax

Birth of Modern Jazz: Garbor Szabo

Gabor Szabo

Source: Efemerides Musicales

Gabor SzaboIstván was born in Budapest in 1936, escaping Hungary in 1956. His first recordings had been in Hungary for the Qualiton label with Myrna Bell (aka Hosó Irma): 'Sentimental Journey' and 'Mambo Italiano'. Upon attending the Berklee School of Music in Boston Szabo recorded titles in '58 toward 'Jazz in the Classroom Vol 2'. Szabo performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958 with the International Youth Band directed by Marshall Brown, recording such as 'Don't Wait for Henry' and 'Imagination'. Szabo's next engagement was with Louis Armstrong at the Newport Jazz Festival for the film documentary, 'Jazz on a Summer's Day', on July 6 of '58. He was with Sidney Bechet and the International Youth Band at the World's Fair in Brussels, Belgium, that summer for 'Blues Ad Lib'. He joined another session at the Berklee School of Music in 1959 for 'Jazz in the Classroom Vol 4'. It was getting hired by Chico Hamilton in 1961 that laid rail to Szabo's career, Szabo with Hamilton on February 19 of '62 for 'Drumfusion'. Szabo stuck with Hamilton into 1966. In the meantime Szabo supported vibraphonist, Gary McFarland's, 'The 'In' Sound' in August of '65 [review]. Szabo's first sessions as a leader arrived with McFarland, in November of '65 to result in 'Gypsy '66' [review]. McFarland and Szabo had met at the Berklee School of Music in 1959. Szabo participated in MacFarland's 'Profiles' in Feb of 1966 before recording his second LP, 'Spellbinder', on 6 May of '66 [review]. Later that month he and McFarland laid tracks toward their joint issue of 'Simpatico' [review]. Szabo's third album, 'Jazz Raga', went down in August of '66 in a trio with Jack Gregg (bass) and Bernard Pretty Purdie (drums) [reviews: 1, 2]. Come 'Dreams' in 1968 [reviews: 1, 2] prior to 'Lena & Gabor' in 1970 [review]. 1972 saw Szabo contributing to Charles Lloyd's 'Waves' before the December recording of his album, 'Mizrab', with a band of 17 members in addition to himself [review]. In 1978 Szabo joined the Church of Scientology. He sued the organization for $21 million two years later, claiming such as embezzlement, kidnapping and brainwashing. The church countersued for fraud and the whole thing was dropped, too time consuming for Szabo to pursue. Szabo died of kidney and liver disease on 26 Feb 1982 while visiting Budapest [obits]. He had recorded his album, 'Femme Fatale' in 1978 with Chick Corea, that issued in 1981 [review]. Nearly half of Szabo's sessions were his own projects, he releasing well beyond twenty albums before his early death at age 46. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Gig itinerary. Sessions: JDP, Lord. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Reviews. Interviews. Discussion. Gear: 1, 2. Further reading: Paste. Other profiles: 1, 2.

Gabor Szabo   1956

  Sentimental Journey

      Vocal: Myrna Bell (Hosó Irma)

      Composition Ben Homer

Gabor Szabo   1962

  A Rose for Booker

      Drums:  Chico Hamilton

      Hamilton album 'Drumfusion'

      Tenor sax/flute: Charles Lloyd

      Trombone: Garnett Brown

      Bass: Albert Stinson

      All compositions: Charles Lloyd

Gabor Szabo   1963

  Lonesome Child

      Drums:  Chico Hamilton

      Composition: Charles Lloyd

      Hamilton album 'Passin' Thru'

      Tenor sax/flute: Charles Lloyd

      Trombone: George Bohanon

      Bass: Albert Stinson

Gabor Szabo   1966

  Gypsy '66

      Recorded Nov 1965

      Composition: Szabo

      Album 'Gypsy '66'

  Monday Monday

      Composition: John Phillips

      Hamilton album:

       'The Further Adventures of El Chico'

       Recorded May 1966

  Gypsy Queen

      Recorded 6 May 1966

      Composition: Szabo

      Album 'Spellbinder'

  The Word

      Composition: Lennon/McCartney

      Vibes: Gary McFarland

      Joint LP w McFarland:

      'Simpático'

Gabor Szabo   1968

  Dreams

      Album

Gabor Szabo   1971

  Fingers

      Composition: Szabó/Wolfgang Melz

      Album: 'High Contrast'

      Recorded Dec 1970/Feb 1971

Gabor Szabo   1973

  Thirteen

      Composition: Szabó

      Album: 'Mizrab'

      Recorded Dec 1970

 

 
 

Dorothy Ashby was born in Detroit in 1930. She made a transition from piano to harp upon graduating from Wayne State University in Detroit in 1952. She initially found resistance to the notion that harp could be a jazz instrument, especially bebop, but Ashby was too talented to long despise. Ashby is thought to have held her first sessions in NYC on August 27 and 29 of 1957 to result in her first album, 'The Jazz Harpist', released that year [Lord]. Having worked in nightclubs in Philadelphia and Detroit for the last five years, she was able to staff her ensemble w Frank Wess (flute), Wendell Marshall (bass) and Ed Thigpen (drums). Ashby issued her second LP, 'Hip Harp', in 1958, that also w Frank Wess on flute accompanied by Herman Wright (bass) and Art Taylor (drums). Her third album, 'In a Minor Groove', went down on 19 Nov of 1958, again w Wess and Wright but Roy Haynes on drums. Come 'Dorothy Ashby' on 8 August of '61 w Wright and John Tooley on drums. Album five, 'Soft Winds', arrived in August of '61 w Wright, Terry Pollard (piano/ vibes) and Jimmy Cobb (drums). Ashby's isn't a well-known name in jazz though she moved in prestigious circles, performing with such as Louis Armstrong and Woody Herman in the vicinity of 1959/60. During the early sixties she formed the Ashby Players, a Detroit theatrical production group. She moved to California in the latter sixties where she became a studio harpist. She later recorded with such as Stevie Wonder ('If It's Magic' 1976) and Gene Harris ('Tone Tantrum' 1977). Lord has her final of eleven albums, 'Django/Misty', going down on an unidentified date in 1984, that a suite of solos like the one before it, 'Concierto de Aranjuez', having arrived on 7 & 8 of March 1983. Ashby died of cancer on April 13 of 1986 in Santa Monica, CA. Lord's disco has her contributing 'Heaven Sent' to Osamu Kitajima's 'The Source' that year. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Lord (leading 15 of 30 sessions). IMDb. IA. Reviews. Further reading: David Johnson; Nick Millevoi; Tom Moon; Marc Myers; Eva Tebbe; Brandee Younger (contemporary harpist: 1, 2, 3). Other profiles: 1, 2.

Dorothy Ashby   1957

 The Jazz Harpist

      Album   Personnel above

Dorothy Ashby   1958

  Hip Harp

      Album   Personnel above

  In a Minor Groove

      Album   Personnel above

Dorothy Ashby   1962

  Lonely Melody

      Composition: Ollie McLaughlin

      From 'Dorothy Ashby'

      Personnel above

Dorothy Ashby   1965

  The Fantastic Jazz Harp of Dorothy Ashby

      Album

      Recorded 19 September 1958

Dorothy Ashby   1968

  Afro-Harping

      Album

      Recorded Feb '68

      Orchestration: Richard Evans

Dorothy Ashby   1969

  Dorothy's Harp

      Album

      Recorded March '69

Dorothy Ashby   1970

  The Rubaiyat of Dorothy Ashby

      Album

      Recorded Nov '69/Jan '70

      All comps by Ashby

Dorothy Ashby   1984

  Concierto de Aranjuez

      Composition: Joaquín Rodrigo

      From 'Concierto de Aranjuez'

      Recorded March 1983

  Django/Misty

      Album

      Recorded 1984

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Dorothy Ashby

Dorothy Ashby

Source: Detroit Metro Times

Birth of Modern Jazz: Charlie Byrd

Charlie Byrd

Source: Suono la Chitarra

 

Born in 1925 in Suffolk, Virginia, guitarist Charlie Byrd is perhaps most famous for his collaboration with Stan Getz on the 1962 bossa nova [1, 2] album, 'Jazz Samba' [1, 2]. The earliest session known to Lord in which Byrd participated was a private recording with the Charlie Parker Tentet at the Howard Theater in Washington D.C. on October 18 of 1952 for such as 'Scrap from the Apple' (VGM 0009), 'Out of Nowhere', 'Now's the Time', '52nd Street Theme (VGM 0009)' and 'Cool Blues'. There appears no documentation showing any of those issued at the time. Byrd's first album release in 1957 was 'Jazz Recital'. Tracks from that and 'Blues for Night People' ('58) would get compiled on 'First Flight' in 1980. 'Blues for Night People' and 'Midnight Guitar' ('78) were basically the same album but for one edited track. Byrd is listed in a few sources incorrectly with alto saxophonist, Paul Winter, for 'A Winter's Tale: Songs to Make You Thimk' in 1957. That's actually the author by the same name delivering recitals. Tracks from that album exist at YouTube ('Fallout', Sing a Song of Shopenhauer'') but nothing with Byrd. It was after Byrd's 1961 tour of Brazil that he met Stan Getz. Getz hadn't been to Brazil but he liked the bossa nova recordings of Joao Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim that Byrd brought back with him. The result was the 1962 LP, 'Jazz Samba', among the most popular jazz albums ever sold. Byrd's relationship with Stan Getz wasn't all harmony though: in 1967 he sued Getz for unfair payment concerning the LP, 'Jazz Samba'. He won, henceforth to split royalties with Getz half and half. In 1973 Byrd contributed to Cal Tjader's 'Tambu', the same year he moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where he began playing at the King of France Tavern to remain that nightclub's resident guitarist until his death. July 7 of 1974 saw titles with Clark Terry at Radio City Music Hall in NYC such as 'Walkin'' and 'Just Friends'. July 2 of 1975 saw a reunion with Getz at Avery Fisher Hall in NYC for such as 'Undecided' and 'Don't Lend Your Guitar to Anyone'. During the eighties Byrd toured with the Annapolis Brass Quintet, recording 'Byrd & Brass' in Baltimore on April 11 of 1986. Byrd had also worked in a number of guitar duos and trios with Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Laurindo Almeida and Mundell Lowe. His first collaborations with Ellis had been in 1964 in NYC for 'Guitar/Guitar'. Collaborations with both Ellis and Kessel occurred per 'Great Guitars' ('74), 'Great Guitars II' ('76), 'Straight Tracks' ('78), 'At the Winery' ('80) and 'At Charlie's Georgetown' ('82). It was Ellis and Lowe for 'The Return of the Great Guitars' in 1996. Collaborations with Almeida were 'Brazilian Soul' ('81), 'Latin Odyssey' ('83), 'Tango' ('85) and 'Music of the Brazilian Masters' ('89). Byrd, Ellis and Almeida all attended the tribute to Carl Jefferson at the Concord Pavilion in California on July 8 of 1995. Jefferson had been a used car dealer until establishing the Concord Jazz Festival in 1969. In 1972 Jefferson founded Concord Records to produce more than 500 plates until his death in 1995. That concert in July in honor of Jefferson drew more than eighty musicians, eventually issued per a box set of four CDs in 2002 as 'A Tribute to Carl Jefferson'. Those are thought to have been Almeida's last recordings and next to last performance, he to die in 1995 as well. Byrd himself died on December 2 of 1999 [obits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. He had last recorded 'For Louis' that year in NYC on September 10 and 11. References: 1, 2, 3. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Lord (leading 87 of 128 sessions). IMDb. IA. Other profiles: 1, 2.

Charlie Byrd   1957

From 'Blues for the Night People'

Recorded 4 Aug '57   NYC

Bass: Keeter Betts

Drums: Gus Johnson

  Blues for Night People

      Composition: Byrd

  Blues My Naughty Sweetie Taught Me

      Composition:

      Arthur Swanstone/Carey Morgan

  Jive at Five

      Composition:

      Count Basie/Harry Edison

Charlie Byrd   1961

  Blues Sonata

    Album

    Piano: Barry Harris

    Bass: Keter Betts

    Drums: Buddy Deppenschmidt

Charlie Byrd   1962

  Jazz Samba

    Album w Stan Getz

    Tenor sax: Stan Getz

Charlie Byrd   1965

  Dindi

      Composition:

      Tom Jobim/Ray Gilbert

    LP: 'Brazilian Byrd'

Charlie Byrd   1972

  Moliendo Cafe

      Composition:

      Hugo Blanco/José Manzo

    LP: 'Onda Nueva | The New Wave'

      Orchestration: Aldemaro Romero

Charlie Byrd   1974

  Samba de Oneida

      Composition: Michael Wolff

    LP: 'Tambu'

      Piano: Michael Wolff

    Vibes: Cal Tjader

Charlie Byrd   1979

  Live at the Maintenance Shop

       Filmed live 

    Trio with Herb Ellis & Barney Kessel

    Drums: Wayne Philips

Charlie Byrd   1980

  Favela

      Composition: Tom Jobim

      Vinícius de Moraes/Ray Gilbert

    LP: 'Sugarloaf Suite'

      Bass: Joe Byrd

    Drums: Wayne Phillips

Charlie Byrd   1983

  Estrellita (Little Star)

      Composition: Manuel Ponce

       Duet with Laurindo Almeida

       Recorded Dec '82   San Francisco

       Duet with Laurindo Almeida

Charlie Byrd   2000

From 'For Louis'

Recorded 10/11 Sep 1999   NYC

  Autumn in New York

      Composition: Vernon Duke

  What a Wonderful World

      Composition:

      Robert Thiele/George Weiss

 

 
  Born in 1935 in Philadelphia, PA, Henry Grimes began experimenting with a variety of instruments about age twelve until he settled on the double bass in high school. He studied at Juilliard between 1952 and '54. His first sessions are thought to have been in September of 1957 with Shafi Hadi. It isn't known, however, if any of those tracks saw release before 1993 on an album titled 'Debut Rarities Vol 3'. The next October Grimes entered the studio with Lee Konitz to record what would appear on Konitz' album, 'Tranquility'. In November he found himself recording with clarinetist, Tony Scott, and pianist, Bill Evans, on tracks that would appear on the albums, 'Free Blown Jazz' in '59 and 'My Kind of Jazz' in 1960. The first of three important sessions were held with Gerry Mulligan on the 3rd of December, resulting in the Mulligan album, 'Reunion with Chet Baker', in 1958. On the 4th and 5th that month he recorded tracks that would appear on 'The Gerry Mulligan Songbook Vol 1' the next year as well. Continuing to work as a sideman into the sixties, Grimes first appearance on an album with Cecil Taylor was Gil Evans' 'Into the Hot', in 1962. In 1965 Grimes issued his first album as a leader, 'The Call', with the ESP record label. He also appeared on Taylor's 'Unit Structures' in '66 and 'Conquistador!' in '67. Grimes emerged on four albums with Albert Ayler, his first on Ayler's debut album, 'Spirits', in 1966. He also appeared on his first of three albums with Don Cherry in 1966: 'Complete Communion'. A move to Los Angeles in the latter sixties ('69) met with one misfortune upon the next, such as his bass being ruined on the trip with no funds to repair it (sun damage from being strapped to the roof of his car). Thus about the time Ayler died (1970) Grimes also disappeared. He'd been thought to be dead for three decades when a Georgia social worker, Marshall Marrotte, discovered him in 2002 and began tinkering with gears. Grimes' "résumé" at the time read janitorial skills with nothing about his musical career, not even a mention of Juilliard. Grimes had traded the double bass for poetry during that time, and had no instrument upon meeting Marrotte. As word of his rediscovery [1, 2] disseminated Grimes was sent a double bass by bassist, William Parker, and a remarkable thing occurred: the old dog learned new tricks. Grimes intently practiced for weeks, not months, to regain his skills, recorded several tracks of what were titled 'Improvisation' in 2003, was recorded performing 'Improvisation' at the World Stage in Los Angeles, then moved back to New York City in 2003 for the Vision Festival (recorded) and broadcast recordings with WKCR-FM Studios. In 2005 Grimes released 'Live at the Kerava Jazz Festival'. He hadn't played violin since he was a child, but made his violin debut at Lincoln Center in 2005, age seventy. In 2008 Grimes published a book of poetry called 'Signs Along the Road' [*]. His latest of several album releases was in 2014: 'The Tone of Wonder'. His career in the new millennium has Grimes on nearly 100 recordings as a sideman. He has also toured internationally. Altogether, Grimes is likely to have had a remarkable career had he not decided to explore California all those years ago and stayed in New York. But reassuming his career after thirty years invisible upon some bad fortune was phenomenal. Music, especially jazz, is a demanding profession when one is young. The will to re-embark on that boat at Grimes' age was truly unique. Grime's rediscovery also brought marriage to Margaret Davis [see sessions: Grimes]. Grimes performed in New York City until his death on 17 March 2020. As of this writing he was recently at the 2018 Umbria Jazz Festival in Orvieto, Italy, w the Marc Ribot Trio including Chad Taylor [*]. References: 1, 2. Sessions: Fitzgerald: main, multiple versions, personnel; Grimes; J-Disc (w comps by Grimes); JDP; Lord. Discos: 1, 2. Video: live performances. Interviews: Monk Rowe w Rashied Alii Jan 2009; Alyn Shipton for BBC Jazz Library May 2009. Documentaries: 'The Life and Death and Life of Henry Grimes' (2013) directed and produced by Hank Cherry. Further reading: Margaret Grimes, Neil Strauss. Biblio: 'Music to Silence to Music' by Barbara Frenz (Northway Publications 2015): 1, 2, 3. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3.

Henry Grimes   1957

 From Lee Konitz' 'Tranquility'

Recorded 22 Oct 1957

Alto sax: Lee Konitz

Guitar: Billy Bauer

Drums: Dave Bailey

   Lennie Bird

      Composition: Lennie Tristano

   The Nearness of You

      Composition: 1938:

      Hoagy Carmichael/Ned Washington

   When You're Smiling

      Composition: 1928:

      Mark Fisher/Joe Goodwin/Larry Shay

Henry Grimes   1958

   Reunion

      Composition: Gerry Mulligan

      Mulligan LP: 'Reunion with Chet Baker'

      Baritone sax: Mulligan

      Trumpet: Chet Baker

      Drums: Dave Bailey

Henry Grimes   1959

   It Don't Mean a Thing

      Filmed live with Joe Harris & Sonny Rollins

      Music: Duke Ellington   1931

      Lyrics: Irving Mills

Henry Grimes   1962

From Gil Evans' 'Into the Hot'

Recorded Oct & Sep 1961

Gil Evans Orchestra

All arrangements: Gil Evans

   Bulbs

      Piano: Cecil Taylor

      Composition: Cecil Taylor

Henry Grimes   1966

From 'The Call'

Recorded 28 Dec 1965

Clarinet: Perry Robinson

Drums: Tom Price

   The Call

      Composition: Perry Robinson

   Fish Story

      Composition: Grimes

End 'The Call'

   Spirits

      Composition: Albert Ayler

      Ayler album 'Spirits'

      Recorded 24 Feb 1964

Henry Grimes   1967

   Japan

      Composition: Pharoah Sanders

      Sanders album 'Tauhid'

      Recorded 15 Nov 1966

Henry Grimes   2003

   Resonance Excerpt No 2

      Filmed live at the Vision Festival'

      Alto sax: Rob Brown

      Bass: Grimes

      Bass: William Parker

Henry Grimes   2004

   Live at Kerava Jazz Festival

      Filmed live

      Tenor sax: David Murray

      Drums: Hamid Drake

Henry Grimes   2011

   Live in Chicago

      Filmed live

Henry Grimes   2012

   Under_Line Benefit Concert

      With Marshall Allen & Milford Graves

Henry Grimes   2015

   Live in Poschiavo

      Marshall Allen Magic Science Quartet

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Henry Grimes

Henry Grimes

Photo: Mosaic Images

Source: Blue Note
Birth of Modern Jazz: Gary Peacock

Gary Peacock

Source: Blue Note
Born in 1935 in Burley, Idaho, Gary Peacock studied piano as a child. He was playing drums when he graduated from high school. Peacock briefly attended the Westlake School of Music in Los Angeles before being drafted into the Army. He  picked up the double bass while stationed in Germany to play in a trio. Released from duty in 1956, Peacock's initial recordings were with the Hans Koller Quintet on March 6 of 1957 at the Jazz Salon in Dormund, Germany: 'Topsy', 'Jeepers Creepers' and 'There Will Never Be Another You'. Guitarist, Attila Zoller, was in on that, with whom he next recorded in a trio with Max Bruel on tenor sax on March 17 for 'Stella by Starlight', Indian Summer' and 'Yesterdays'. Further sessions were held in Germany that year with Koller, Albert Mangelsdorff and Gary Crosby before Peacock headed to Los Angeles where he fell in with Bud Shank. Peacock backed Shank for 'Holiday In Brazil' in March of 1958. Peacock would continue working with Shank, including film scores, to 'Barefoot Adventure' in November of 1961. During that period he married composer and vocalist, Annette Peacock, in 1960 [1, 2, 3]. Traveling to New York City to engage in session work, Peacock's first recordings with Paul Bley were in April of '63, tracks that would appear on the 1970 release of 'Paul Bley With Gary Peacock'. Bley would be a major figure in Peacock's career, they appearing on several albums together through the years. One of those was 'Annette' recorded in April of '92 consisting of compositions by Annette Peacock with 'Annette' authored by Bley, Gary and Franz Koglmann (trumpet, flugelhorn). Peacock appeared on several albums by Albert Ayler in the sixties, beginning with 'Ghosts', issued in 1965. He recorded tracks for the first of more than ten albums as a leader in 1970, that released as 'Eastward' in 1974. Peacock first recorded with Keith Jarrett in February 1977, Jarrett appearing on Peacock's 'Tales of Another' that year. Along with Bley, Jarrett was the most significant of Peacock's musical associates, not counting drummer, Jack DeJohnette, his partner in the Keith Jarrett Trio. Peacock would surface on more than twenty albums by Jarrett, starting with his two volumes of 'Standards' in 1983. In 1990 Peacock made his first recordings with his trio, Tethered Moon, consisting of drummer, Paul Motian and pianist, Masabumi Kikuchi. Those wouldn't surface until 1997 on 'Frist Meeting'. The LP, 'Tethered Moon', however, appeared in 1995. Several more albums by that trio would be released. The first of three albums with pianist, Marilyn Crispell, was issued in 1997: 'Nothing Ever Was, Anyway'. 1998 saw Peacock participating in 'Endless Miles: A Tribute to Miles Davis'. Into the new millennium Peacock emerged on a few LPs by pianist, Marc Copland. 'Now This' was recorded in July of 2014 with a trio consisting of Marc Copland (piano) and Joey Baron (drums). Beyond music, Peacock has been a practicing Zen Buddhist since the sixties. He died on 4 September 2020 in Olivebridge, New York. References: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sessions: 1970-2016 JDP; Lord. Discos: 1, 2, 3. Reviews. Peacock in visual media. Other profiles: 1, 2. References for Annette Peacock: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Per below, the Keith Jarrett Trio means Jarrett at piano with Jack DeJohnette on drums.

Gary Peacock   1959

  Soupsville

      Composition: Bud Shank

      Bud Shank soundtrack: 'Slippery When Wet'

Gary Peacock   1970

  Moor

      Recorded 1963

      Composition: Gary Peacock

      Album: 'Paul Bley with Gary Peacock'

Gary Peacock   1971

  First Encounter

      Album with Mal Waldron

Gary Peacock   1980

  Last First

      Composition: Gary Peacock

      Album: 'Shift in the Wind'

Gary Peacock   1985

  Jazz Jamboree

      Filmed concert with Keith Jarrett Trio

  Standards I

      Filmed concert with Keith Jarrett Trio

Gary Peacock   1986

  Standards II

      Filmed concert with Keith Jarrett Trio

Gary Peacock   1991

  Workinoot

      Bass solo

      Composition: Gary Peacock

     Album with Paul Bley: 'Partners'

Gary Peacock   1996

  Autumn Leaves

      Filmed live with Keith Jarrett Trio

      Music: Joseph Kosma   1945

       Lyrics French: Jacques Prévert

       Lyrics English: Johnny Mercer

Gary Peacock   1998

  Opalesque

      Guitar: Ralph Towner

      Composition: Peacock/Towner

      Album: 'A Closer View'

Gary Peacock   1999

  Live in Germany

      Satiricon Theater   Essen, Germany

      Drums: Paul Motian

      Piano: Paul Bley

Gary Peacock   2009

  The Pond

      Piano: Marc Copland

      Composition: Gary Peacock

      Copland album 'Insight'

Gary Peacock   2013

  Azure

      Piano: Marilyn Crispell

      Composition: Crispell/Peacock

      Crispell album: 'Azure'

  Broadway Blues

      Keith Jarrett Trio

      Drums: Jack DeJohnette

      Recorded Seoul 2013

      Issue unidentified

      Composition: Ornette Coleman

  Deep Space/Solar

      Recorded 2009

      Keith Jarrett Trio

      Drums: Jack DeJohnette

      Album: 'Somewhere'

Gary Peacock   2015

  Gaia

      Composition: Gary Peacock

      Album: 'Now This'

 

 
  Born in 1932 in Evanston, Illinois, double bassist, then electric bassist, Bob Cranshaw, formed MJT + 3 in 1957 with Richard Abrams (piano), Nicky Hill (tenor saxophone), Walter Perkins (drums) and Paul Serrano (trumpet). That year they recorded 'Daddy-O Presents MJT+3' for release in July of 1958. That group released a few more albums into the early sixties with shifting personnel. Perkins and Cranshaw would also back other ensembles into the sixties, such as the Jaki Byard Trio for 'Out Front!' in 1964. In January of 1965 the two contributed to the soundtrack of the 1966 film, 'A Man Called Adam'. Meanwhile, in back in June of 1958 Cranshaw had recorded 'On the Chicago Scene' with Max Roach + 4. In 1959 he recorded the first of five albums with pianist, Shirley Scott: 'Great Scott!!'. 1962 was a big year for Cranshaw, beginning with the recording of 'Hush!' with pianist, Duke Pearson, on January 12th. Cranshaw recorded eight more LPs with Pearson throughout the sixties. Twelve days later Cranshaw stepped into the studio with trumpeter, Lee Morgan, to record 'Take Twelve', the initial of four albums with Morgan, though they had recorded together as early as 1960 in the Young Lions to issue the album with the same title. January 30th of 1962 saw Cranshaw's first session with Sonny Rollins for 'The Bridge'. Cranshaw backed a host of prominent names during his career, but he stuck with Rollins throughout the decades, releasing well above twenty LPs with the same into the new millennium. His last titles with Rollins aren't thought to have been until July 25 of 2012 at the Palais Longchamp in Marseille, France, for 'Patanjali', 'Don't Stop the Carnival' and 'Professor Paul'. Returning to 1962, also significant were Cranshaw's first tracks with drummer, Mickey Roker, those in support of vocalist, Billie Poole's, 'Confessin' the Blues' by the Junior Mance Trio with guitarist, Kenny Burrell. Cranshaw would continually be found with Roker into the new millennium, they attending innumerable sessions together in support of various operations. With each their careers being largely a mirror of the others for decades, their last session together per Lord's disco was in July of 2009 in support of Chuck Redd's 'The Common Thread'. Cranshaw's career were Johnny Lytle and Milt Jackson, recording the first of a few albums with each of them in 1963. The next year he laid tracks with Stanley Turrentine on 'Hustlin'', the first of six with Turrentine during the sixties. On November 26, 1966, Chambers appeared with Jazz at the Philharmonic in London and Paris. Highlighting but a few of the albums to which Cranshaw contributed are Billy Taylor's 'Impromptu' in 1962, JJ Johnson's 'The Dynamic Sound Of J.J. with Big Band' in 1964, Horace Silver's 'he Cape Verdean Blues' in 1965, Hank Mobley's 'A Caddy for Daddy' in 1966, Sonny Stitt's 'Up, Up and Away' in 1967, Sonny Rollins's 'Sonny, Please!' in 2006 and Mike LeDonne's 'AwwlRIGHT!' in 2015. Cranshaw seems never to have released an album as a leader, too busy backing above 450 sessions, also working in film and television, appearing, combined, on hundreds of scores and shows. In 1997 Cranshaw appeared in the documentary, 'The Blue Note Story'. Lord's disco has his recordings with tenor saxophonist, Eric Alexander, in Paramus, NJ, on March 14, 2016, for 'Second Impression'. Cranshaw died of cancer in Manhattan on November 2, 2016 [obits: 1, 2, 3]. Among notable others with whom he had recorded were Coleman Hawkins, Carmen McRae ('61), Joe Williams, Jimmy Heath, Eddie Harris ('64), Wes Montgomery, Burt Collins ('67) and Yoshiaki Masuo. References: 1, 2. Sessions: J-Disc; Lord (leading 0 of 462). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IA. Undated interview w Ethan Iverson. Discussion.

Bob Cranshaw   1957

 Temporarily Out of Order

      Composition:

      Muhal Richard Abrams

      Album: 'Daddy-O Presents MJT + 3'

Bob Cranshaw   1962

 Friday's Child

      Composition: Paul Mitchell

      Duke Pearson album: 'Hush!'

      Recorded 12 January 1962

      Drums: Walter Perkins

      Piano: Duke Pearson

      Trumpet: Johnny Coles

From 'Junior's Blues'

Junior Mance LP

Recorded 14 Feb 1962

Piano: Junior Mance

Drums: Mickey Roker

 Gravy Waltz

      Composition: Steve Allen/Ray Brown

 The Jumpin' Blues

      Composition: Steve Allen/Ray Brown

From 'The Bridge'

Sonny Rollins LP

Recorded Jan/Feb 1962

Tenor sax: Rolins

Drums: Mickey Roker

 Without a Song

      Composition:

      Vincent Youmans/Billy Rose/Edward Eliscu

Bob Cranshaw   1963

 Newport Romp

      Composition: McCoy Tyner

      Tyner LP: 'Live at Newport'

      Alto sax: Charlie Mariano

      Trumpet: Clark Terry

      Piano: McCoy Tyner

      Drums: Mickey Roker

Bob Cranshaw   1965

 I'm a Fool to Want You

      Composition: Jack Wolff

      Dexter Gordon LP: 'Clubhouse'

      Recorded 27 May 1965

      Issued 1979 on Blue Note LT-989 (US)

Bob Cranshaw   1967

 Aquarian Moon

      Composition: Bobby Hutcherson

      Hutcherson LP: 'Happenings'

      Recorded 8 Feb 1966

      Piano: Herbie Hancock

      Vibes: Bobby Hutcherson

      Drums: Joe Chambers

From 'Delightfulee'

Lee Morgan LP

Recorded April/May 1966

Tenor sax: Joe Henderson

Trumpet: Lee Morgan

Piano: McCoy Tyner

Drums: Billy Higgins

 The Delightful Deggie

      Composition: Morgan

 Sunrise, Sunset

      Composition: Jerry Bock/Sheldon Harnick

Bob Cranshaw   1968

 Say You're Mine

      Composition: Duke Pearson

      Pearson LP: 'The Phantom'

      Piano: Pearson

      Drums: Mickey Roker

 Up, Over and Out

      Composition: Hank Mobley

      Mobley LP: 'Reach Out!'

      Tenor sax: Mobley

      Drums: Billy Higgins

Bob Cranshaw   1972

 The Everywhere Calypso

      Composition: Sonny Rollins

      Rollins LP: 'Next Album'

      Saxophone: Rollins

Bob Cranshaw   1973

 Gingerbread Boy

      Filmed live with Dexter Gordon

      Composition: Jimmy Heath

Bob Cranshaw   1977

 The Highest Mountain

      Composition: Clifford Jordan

      Album: 'Prime Time'

      Piano: Hugh Lawson

      Drums: Ben Riley

Bob Cranshaw   1994

 Long Ago and Far Away

      Filmed live with Sonny Rollins

      Composition: Jerome Kern/Ira Gershwin

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Bob Cranshaw

Bob Cranshaw

Source: Discogs

Birth of Modern Jazz: Jimmy Garrison

Jimmy Garrison

Source: Blebop

Born in 1934 in Miami, double bassist, Jimmy Garrison, was later raised in Philadelphia, PA. He there began playing nightclubs, McCoy Tyner becoming an important early musical associate. Garrison left Philadelphia for NYC in 1958. His earliest determinable release on vinyl was in 1958 with drummer, Philly Joe Jones, on Jones's album, 'Blues For Dracula'. Garrison participated in several important sessions during 1959. In February he recorded with Lee Konitz at the Half Note in NYC, 'Lee Konitz - Live at the Half Note' issued that year. In March he laid tracks for the 1959 release of Jackie McLean's 'Swing, Swang, Swingin''. In May of 1959 Garrison laid tracks on Philly Joe Jones' 'Drums Around the World', issued that year. He also recorded 'Blues-ette' with Curtis Fuller that May for its release in February 1960. In August he performed with Tony Scott at the Showplace in NYC for the release of Scott's 'Golden Moments' that year. In November Garrison recorded four tracks on Philly Joe Jones' 'Showcase' LP, issued that year. Garrison was also in session in December of '59 for the issue of Curtis Fuller's 'Imagination' in 1960. That was a momentous occasion in that it is thought to have been his first with pianist, McCoy Tyner, who was one of the three more important figures in Garrison's career along with saxophonist, John Coltrane, and drummer, Elvin Jones. Garrison and Tyner backed Fuller on 'Images of Curtis Fuller' on June 6 of 1960 before their first mutual session with Coltrane at the Village Vanguard on November 1 of 1961 with Jones. That would get issued in 1977 as 'The Other Village Vanguard Tapes'. The next day they recorded titles toward 'Trane's Modes' at the Village Vanguard, issued in 1979. A third session at the Vanguard on the the 3rd wrought Coltrane's 'Impressions', issued in 1963. A session on the 5th at the Vanguard wrought the titles, 'India' and 'Spiritual'. During those sessions bass was performed by Reggie Workman on numerous titles, and drums by Roy Haynes ('Chasin' Another Trane'), but Garrison, Tyner and Jones would become Coltrane's major crew for several years. Titles from those sessions combined would become available in 1997 on 'The Complete 1961 Village Vanguard Recordings'. A session on 6 March of 1963 resulted in 'Both Directions at Once: The Lost Album' [1, 2, 3, 4] issued in 2018. Garrison appeared on above 20 LPs with John Coltrane, 'Ballads' appearing in 1963, also with Tyner and Jones. His last with Coltrane was 'Stellar Regions' in 1967 with Alice Coltrane on piano and Rashied Ali on drums. In 1961 Garrison had appeared on the first two of four albums he released with Ornette Coleman: 'Ornette on Tenor' (all tracks) and 'The Art of the Improvisers' (one track: 'Harlem's Manhattan'). Garrison issued only one album as a leader, 'Illumination!', with Jones and Tyner in 1963. Upon the death of Coltrane in July 1967 Garrison had little trouble finding musicians to back as those consisted of free-form tenor saxophonist, Archie Shepp, who had worked with Coltrane since 1964, and pianist, Alice Coltrane (Coltrane's wife), who had appeared on Coltrane's 'Cosmic Music' in 1966. Another tenor with whom Garrison often worked in association with Coltrane was Pharoah Sanders who had appeared on Coltrane's 'Ascension' in 1965. Lord's discography lists Garrison's last session on April 12 of 1975 for Shepp's 'There's a Trumpet in My Soul'. His own untimely death of lung cancer followed on April 7 of 1976. Jimmy had been married to dancer, Roberta Escamilla Garrison, with whom he produced two children, the dancer, Maia Claire Garrison, and electric bass player, Matt Garrison [1, 2]. References for Jimmy: 1, 2, 3. Sessions: J-Disc, Lord (152). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4. IMDb. Facebook tribute. Per 1960 below, Garrison performs on the Curtis Fuller album, 'Blues-ette'.

Jimmy Garrison   1958

From 'Blues for Dracula'

Philly Joe Jones LP

Drums: Philly Joe Jones

 Blues for Dracula

      Composition: Johnny Griffin

 Tune Up

      Composition: Miles Davis

Jimmy Garrison   1959

  Joe's Debut

      Composition: Philly Joe Jones

      Philly Joe Jones LP 'Showcase'

  Live at the Half Note

      Album w Bill Evans & Lee Konitz

Jimmy Garrison   1960

From 'Blues-ette'

Curtis Fuller LP

Recorded 21 May 1959

Trombone: Curtis Fuller

  Five Spot After Dark

      Composition: Bennie Golson

  Love Your Spell Is Everywhere

      Composition:

      Edmund Goulding/Elsie Janis

  Minor Vamp

      Composition: Bennie Golson

  Twelve-Inch

      Composition: Curtis Fuller

  Undecided

      Composition:

      Sydney Robin/Charlie Shavers

From 'Swing, Swang, Swingin'

Jackie McLean LP

Recorded 20 Oct 1959

Alto sax: Jackie McLean

  116th & Lenox

      Composition: Jackie McLean

  I Love You

      Composition: Cole Porter

  I Remember You

      Composition:

      Victor Schertzinger/Johnny Mercer

  Let's Face the Music and Dance

      Composition: Irving Berlin

Jimmy Garrison   1962

  Chasin the Trane

      Composition: John Coltrane

      Recorded in 1961 with John Coltrane

     Album: 'Coltrane Live at the Village Vanguard'

  The Inch Worm

      Composition: Frank Loesser

      John Coltrane LP 'The Paris Concert'

  Ornette on Tenor

      Ornette Coleman LP

      Tenor sax: Coleman

      Pocket trumpet: Don Cherry

      Drums: Ed Blackwell

      All comps by Coleman

Jimmy Garrison   1963

  Jazz Casual Suite

      'Jazz Casual' television broadcast

  Jazz Is My Religion

      With Ted Joans

  My Favorite Things

      Newport Jazz Festival w John Coltrane

      Music: Richard Rodgers

      Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

Jimmy Garrison   1964

From 'Illumination!'

Elvin Jones-Jimmy Garrison Sextet

Featuring McCoy Tyner

Recorded 8 Aug 1963

  Half and Half

      Composition: Charles Davis

  Nuttin' Out Jones

      Composition: Prince Lasha

Jimmy Garrison   1967

  Seraphic Light

      With John Coltrane

      Recorded 15 Feb '67

      Issued on 'Stellar Regions'   1995

Jimmy Garrison   1971

From 'Sun Ship'

John Coltrane LP

Recorded 26 Aug 1965

Tenor sax: Coltrane

Piano: McCoy Tyner

Drums: Elvin Jones

All comps by Coltrane

  Ascent

 Dearly Beloved

 

 
  Composer and bassist, Charlie Haden, had been born in Shenandoah, Iowa, in 1937. Lord's disco has him singing with his family at KMA Radio in Shenandoah at age two in 1939, his parents folk musicians [1 (1938 radio guide), 2, 3] and associates of such as the Carter Family and Chet Atkins. Haden sang w his family until stricken w polio as a teenager, having by then developed an interest in both the double bass and jazz. Honing his skills for the next few years, he acquired his first professional employment in 1955 as a house musician for 'Ozark Jubilee' [1, 2] in Springfield, Missouri. In 1957 he headed for Los Angeles to attend the Westlake College of Music. He first recorded with pianist Paul Bley in 1957 ('Solemn Meditation' '58), Haden stuck with Bley to 1958, though they would reunite in 1989 with Paul Motian on drums at the Montreal International Jazz Festival for what would get issued as 'The Montreal Tapes' in 2009. That trio reunited once again in 2000 in Milan, Italy, for 'Memoirs'. It was with Bley that Haden began recording with Ornette Coleman in October of 1958 toward Bley's 'The Fabulous Paul Bley Quintet'. The next year Bley and drummer, Billy Higgins, supported Colemans 'Coleman Classics 1'. Coleman would be one of Haden's more important associates into the seventies, appearing on several Coleman albums. 1977 saw Coleman's 'Soap Suds/Soap Suds'. 1987 saw 'In All Languages' with Don Cherry on trumpet and Higgins at drums. 1987 witnessed Coleman's 'The 1987 Hamburg Concert' recorded in Germany on October 29. It was Cherry on cornet and Higgins on drums for 'Reunion' in 1990 at the Teatro Municipale Valli in Reggio Emilia, Italy, on April 24. Another important figure came along in October of 1964 per the Denny Zeitlin Trio with Jerry Granelli on drums for 'Carnival'. That trio recorded 'Shining Hour' in March of 1965 at the Trident in Sausalito, CA. It was 'Zeitgeist' in 1966, 'Time Remembers One Time Once' in 1981, the latter a duo with Granelli out. Another important figure was pianist, Keith Jarrett, with whose trio with Paul Motian on drums 'Life Between the Exit Signs' went down in NYC on May 4 of 1967. That trio recorded 'Somewhere Before' at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Los Angeles on October 30, 1968. Haden backed Jarrett's 'Expectations' in April of 1972, and 'Fort Jawuh' in 1973 at the Village Vanguard in NYC. Among projects in 1974 were 'Treasure Island' (October in Ludwigsburg, Germany), 'Death and the Flower' and 'Backhand' (both in December in NYC). Among projects in 1975 were 'Arbour Zena', 'Mysteries' and 'Shades'. 1976 saw such as 'The Survivors Suite', 'Eyes of the Heart' and 'Byablue'. Jarrett and Haden reunited as late as 2007 for the duo album, 'Jasmine'. Of major importance to Haden's career was pianist, Carla Bley, their first mutual project thought to have been 'The Jazz Composers' Orchestra' in 1968. Bley would compose, arrange, conduct and play piano on frequent occasions for Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra (LMO) [1, 2, 3, 4]. Haden also appeared on Bley's 'Escalator Over the Hill' in '71 and 'Musique Mecanique' in 1978. Haden formed his LMO in time for its debut recordings in April of 1969 with Bley at piano, and Don Cherry at cornet and flute. That witnessed issue as 'Liberation Music Orchestra' in 1970. The LMO would be Haden's main vehicle throughout his career. It was largely a political vessel, addressing such as the Spanish Civil War, civil rights, poverty and apartheid. (Haden got himself arrested in Portugal while on tour with Ornette Coleman in 1971 after dedicating a performance of 'Song for Che' to revolutionaries in Portuguese colonies in Africa. He was released upon Coleman's complaint to the American Embassy.) Pianist, Alice Coltrane, was an important associate from 1970 to 1976. On July 4 of 1970 Haden participated in Coltrane's 'Isis and Osiris' on her album, 'Journey in Satchidananda'. July of 1972 found him recording Coltrane's 'Lord of Lords'. August of '75 found him contributing to 'Eternity'. In 1976 Coltrane performed harp on Haden's 'For Turiya' per his album, 'Closeness'. They reunited as late as 2004 for Coltrane's final studio album, 'Translinear Light', produced by her son (via John Coltrane), saxophonist, Ravi Coltrane. Guitarist, Pat Metheny (recording a touch too late for these histories which cease at 1970), also figured importantly in Haden's career, backing the former's double album, '80/81', in 1980, 'Rejoicing' in '83, 'Song X' in '85 and 'Secret Story' in '92. 1993 saw them in a quartet with tenor saxophonist, Joshua Redman, and drummer, Billy Higgins, for Redman's 'Wish'. They reunited in 1996 for the duo album, 'Beyond The Missouri Sky (Short Stories)'. Metheny supported Haden's 'Nocturne' in 2000 and 'Family & Friends: Rambling Boy' [1, 2, 3] in 2008, the latter a return to Haden's younger years performing folk music. The documentary directed by Rato Caruff, 'Rambling Boy', appeared the next year. 2008 had also been the year of the Universal Studios fire in Hollywood during which master tapes by Haden and not a few other musicians were destroyed. Haden was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2012. Haden attended well above a couple hundred sessions during his career. Some of the albums on which he appeared were Joe Pass' 'Great Motion Picture Themes' in 1964, Nana Simopoulos' 'Wings and Air' in 1986, Rickie Lee Jones' 'Pop Pop' in 1991, David Sanborn's 'Another Hand' in 1991, Toots Thielemans' 'West Coast' in 1994 and 'Jazz 1997 CalArts' for the California Institute of the Arts. Among other highlights were 'Jazz at the Opera House' in 1982 (on which he also performed the solo, 'Dedication to Conrad Silvert') and the soundtrack to 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' in 1997. Among others to employ Haden's talents were Yoko Ono ('68), Chet Baker ('74, '82), Tom Harrell ('89), Abbey Lincoln ('90) and Ginger Baker ('94). Haden died in Los Angeles on July 11 of 2014 [obits: 1, 2]. He had put down 'Come Sunday', in 2012, a duo album of Christian titles with pianist, Hank Jones. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. Sessions: JDP; Lord (leading 62 of 315). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. IMDb. Interviews: NPR 2002; Amy Goodman 2006; Ethan Iverson 2008. Tributes: Facebook; NEA. Biblio: 'Conversations with Charlie Haden' by Josef Woodard (Silman-James Press 2016). Further reading: Steven Cerra; Jeffrey St. Clair. Other profiles *. Per 1968 below, Haden shares bass with Eddie Gómez on Michael Mantler's 'The Jazz Composer's Orchestra', two of ten bassists employed on that LP.

Charlie Haden   1955

   Ozark Jubilee

      With the 'Ozark Jubilee' house band

      Aired 17 Sep '55

Charlie Haden   1958

   Live at the Hillcrest Club

      Alto sax: Ornette Coleman

      Cornet: Don Cherry

      Piano: Paul Bley

      Drums: Billy Higgins

      Recorded October '58

      Issues:

      'The Fabulous Paul Bley Quintet'

      America 30 AM 6120   '71   France

      'Paul Bley at the Hillcrest Club'

      Inner City IC 1007   '76   US

Charlie Haden   1959

   Motive for Its Use

      From 'To Whom Who Keeps a Record'

      Recorded 8 October '59

      Alto sax; Ornette Coleman

      Pocket trumpet: Don Cherry

      Drums: Ed Blackwell

      (Track 1 'Music Always': Billy Higgins)

      All comps by Coleman

      Issues:

      Atlantic ‎P-10085A   '75   Japan

Charlie Haden   1968

   AOS *

      This track recorded Feb 1968

      Vocal: Yoko Ono

      Issues:

      'Yoko Ono / Plastic Ono Band'

      Apple SW 3373   '70   US

      All comps by Ono

  Preview

      Also on bass: Eddie Gomez

      LP: 'The Jazz Composer's Orchestra'

      Production: Michael Mantler

      All comps by Mantler

Charlie Haden   1970

From 'Liberation Music Orchestra'

Recorded 27-29 April '69   NYC

  Introduction

      Composition: Carla Bley

  Song for Che

      Composition: Haden

   Song of the United Front

      Composition: Bertolt Brecht/Hanns Eisler

Charlie Haden   1972

  Comme Il Faut

      Composition: Ornette Coleman

      From Coleman's 'Crisis'

      Recorded 22 March '69

      Alto sax/trumpet/violin: Coleman

      Tenor sax/clarinet: Dewey Redman

      Cornet/flute: Don Cherry

      Drums: Denardo Coleman

Charlie Haden   1976

   O.C.

      Alto sax: Ornette Coleman

      From Haden's 'Closeness'

      All comps by Haden

Charlie Haden   1977

   Augmented

      Composition: Don Cherry

      From 'Old and New Dreams'

      Tenor sax/suona: Dewey Redman

      Pocket trumpet: Don Cherry

      Drums/gong: Eddie Blackwell

Charlie Haden   1982

   Live in Berlin

      Liberation Music Orchestra

      With the Berlin Philharmonic

Charlie Haden   1989

   New Beginning

      Composition: Haden

      From 'The Montreal Tapes'

      Recorded 7 July '89

      Piano: Paul Bley

      Drums: Paul Motian

      Issues:

      Verve 314 523 259-2   '94   US

Charlie Haden   1990

   Sandino

      Composition: Haden

      Liberation Music Orchestra

      From 'Dream Keeper'

Charlie Haden   1992

   Dream Keeper

      Live   Liberation Music Orchestra

      Composition: See *

Charlie Haden   2002

   Hello My Lovely

      Composition: Haden

      Guitar: Jim Hall

Charlie Haden   2003

   Jazzwoche Burghausen 2003

      Guitar: Pat Metheny   Filmed live

Charlie Haden   2005

   This Is Not America

      Composition:

      Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays/David Bowie

      Liberation Music Orchestra

      From 'Not in Our Name'

Charlie Haden   2007

   Not in Our Name

      Composition: Haden

      Live   Liberation Music Orchestra

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Charlie Haden

Charlie Haden

Photo: Jos L. Knaepen

Source: La Republique du Jazz

Birth of Modern Jazz: Ernest Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin

Source: Music for Maniacs

Born in 1932 in Manchester, Jamaica, guitarist Ernest Ranglin, would become the big daddy of a different kind of jazz fusion, not of jazz and rock, but jazz and reggae. An autodidact, he first worked professionally in Kingston in 1948 at hotels with the Val Bennett Orchestra. We've been unable to uncover any earlier recording sessions by Ranglin than that mentioned in Wikipedia en passant in 1956, 'Easy Snapping' with Theophilus Beckford. That wasn't released until 1959. His first appearance on vinyl would otherwise appear to be in 1958 on 'The Wrigglers Sing Calypso at the Arawak'. Tracks from that were reissued in 2010 on a collection called 'Jamaica - Mento 1951-1958'. Ranglin began working with the Jamaican Broadcasting System in 1958. He played a structural part in the wee hours of reggae upon meeting young producer, Chris Blackwell, at a club. Blackwell founded Island Records in Jamaica in 1958 with $10,000. A stipend of nearly $3000 a year from his mother in the UK kept him working without interruption and was apparently used well, as Blackwell would expand his company back in the UK where he promoted all manner of musicians through the years from Jamaican singer, Millie Small, to the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Grace Jones, Robert Palmer, Melissa Etheridge, ad infinitum. Ranglin's significance per Blackwell was his appearance on four tracks of the B side of the album, 'Lance Haywood at The Half Moon Hotel', in 1958, Island Records' debut issue. The next year Ranglin stepped aboard Clue J (Cluett Johnson - bass) and his Blues Blasters, with which outfit he recorded multiple titles. He directed the music for the red velvet-sleeved, 'The Jamaica Story Independence Souvenier', in 1963, a history of Jamaica narrated by Adrian Robinson. In 1964 he issued both 'Wranglin'' and 'Reflections'. Come 'Guitar in Ernest' [1, 2] in '65. Ranglin appeared on the first of several albums with the Jamaican ska band, the Skatalites, in 1966: 'Ska Boo-Da-Ba'. (Ska preceded reggae in Jamaica, a mix of Afro-Jamaican, calypso and R&B.) More significant to his career, Ranglin began working with pianist, Monty Alexander, in the seventies, appearing on the latter's 'Rass!' in 74. Alexander and Ranglin would see several LPs issued together into the new millennium. In the meantime Ranglin's 'Be What You Want To Be' [*] arrived in the US in 1983 on Konduko KON-1984, in the UK on 'From Kingston J.A. to Miami U.S.A.' Vista Sounds VSLP 4008 ("J.A." faithful to label and sleeve). The nineties brought 'Below the Bassline' [1, 2] in '96 w Alexander. Living in Florida, Ranglin received an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies in 2002. 'Rock Steady' [*] arrived in 2004 w Alexander at piano and melodica. Ranglin had released 12 albums by the time the tide brought 'Surfin'' [1, 2, 3] in 2005, Ranglin leading a band of 25 members. 2006 saw the release of the documentary video, 'Roots of Reggae: The Ernest Ranglin Story'. Ranglin became an honoree in the Jamaican Music Hall of Fame in 2008. Come 'Ranglin and Friends' [*] in 2009 on the Dubtonic Kru label. Ranglin's latest of at least thirty albums were the studio endeavor, 'Bless Up' [1, 2, 3], in 2014 and 'Ernest Ranglin at Side Door Records' in 2015. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, Lord (leading 12 of 29 sessions). IA. Interviews: John Williams 1998; Angus Taylor 2012; Ted Drozdowski 2014; Jimmy Leslie 2014. Further reading: Tim Perlich. Other profiles: 1, 2, 3, 4. Per below, tracks to 1960 are examples of ska, from out of which reggae developed.

Ernest Ranglin   1958

  Lance Haywood at the Half Moon Hotel

      Ranglin on tracks B1-B4

      First Island Records LP

Ernest Ranglin   1959

  Easy Snapping

      Vocals: Theophilus Beckford

      Composition: Beckford

      Recorded 1956?

  Shufflin' Jug

      With Clue J & the Blues Blasters

      Composition: Clement “Coxsone” Dodd

Ernest Ranglin   1960

  Silky

      With Clue J & the Blues Blasters

      Composition: Cluett Johnson

Ernest Ranglin   1964

From 'Wranglin'

Bass: Malcolm Cecil

Drums: Alan Ganley

  Angelina

      Composition: Ranglin

  Wranglin'

      Composition: Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin   1965

  Guitar in Ernest

      Album

      Piano: Leslie Butler

      Bass: Stephen Lauz

      Drums: Carl McLeod

Ernest Ranglin   1969

From 'Boss Reggae'

  Liquidation

      Composition: Harry Johnson

 From 'Ernie Ranglin with Soul'

  Summertime (Rock Steady)

      Composition: 1934:

      George Gershwin/Dubose Heywood

Ernest Ranglin   1971

  Psychedelic Rock

      Composition:

      Ranglin/Clement “Coxsone” Dodd

Ernest Ranglin   1976

From 'Ranglin Roots'

Produced by Ranglin

All comps and arrangements Ranglin

  Exlosion

  Ranglin Roots

From 'Ranglypso'

  Feel Like Making Love

      Composition: Eugene McDaniels

Ernest Ranglin   1996

  Below the Baseline

      Album

Ernest Ranglin   1997

From 'Memories of Barber Mack'

  Papa's Bag Juice

      Composition: Ranglin

  Stop That Train

      Composition: Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin   1998

  In Search of the Lost Riddim

      Album

Ernest Ranglin   2002

  Live in Paris

      Filmed concert

Ernest Ranglin   2010

  Surfin'

      Filmed in Belgium

      Composition: Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin   2011

  Lively Up Yourself

      Filmed at People's Place   Amsterdam

      Composition: Bob Marley

Ernest Ranglin   2012

  Jamaican Legends

      Filmed concert

  Surfin'

      Filmed at the Blue Note   Tokyo

      Piano: Monty Alexander

      Composition: Ranglin

Ernest Ranglin   2015

  Yardie

      From 'Ernest Ranglin at Side Door Records'

 

 
  Born in 1944 in Santurce, Puerto Rico, double bassist, Eddie Gómez, was raised in New York City. He began training with his instrument at age eleven. While in high school he studied with Fred Zimmerman and played professionally with local dance bands. He joined Marshall Brown's Newport Youth Band (NYB) in 1959 (age fifteen) for its first performance at Carnegie Hall, after which 'At the Newport Jazz Festival' went down on July 4 for issue that year. (Brown had formed his first youth band in 1957 as a high school teacher, that performing at the Newport that year. His International Youth Band visited Newport in 1958. The band that Gomez joined consisted of musicians in the New York region.) Gomez was also present with the NYB in January of 1960 for 'Dance Tonight'. Day and evening performances at another Newport concert on July 2 were recorded, archived as Wolfgang's Vault #209, issue unknown. By the time Gomez graduated from the High School of Music and Art to attend Juilliard he had played with Buck Clayton, Lionel Hampton, Marian McPartland and Paul Bley. In the summer of his third year at Juilliard Gomez began jamming with Gary McFarland, followed by time with Gerry Mulligan. Graduating from Juilliard in 1963, Gomez' first session to follow was on May 15, 1964, for Montego Joe's 'Arriba!' [Lord's disco]. Keyboardist, Chick Corea, was in on that, to later assume a strong presence in Gomez' career in the seventies and eighties. Gomez participated in Corea's 'The Leprechaun' ('76), 'The Mad Hatter' ('78), 'Friends' ('78) and 'Three Quarters' ('81). In 1982 Gomez and Corea joined Dannie Richmond for tenor saxophonist, Bennie Wallace''s, 'Mystic Bridge'. It was a trio in Tokyo in early 1984 with Steve Gadd at drums for Gomez' second LP, 'Gomez'. Come Gomez' 'Next Future' in 1993. They both participated in separate titles on Harvey Mason's 'With All My Heart' in 2004. Come Corea's 'Further Explorations' in 2010 with Paul Motian at drums. Returning to the sixties, after 'Arriba' per above in '64, Gomez joined Giuseppe Logan on October 5, 1964, toward 'The Giuseppi Logan Quartet' (ESP 1007) in 1965, bearing the titles, 'Tabla Suite', 'Dance Of Satan', 'Dialogue', 'Taneous' and 'Bleecker Partita'. 'Curve Eleven' and 'Wretched Saturday' were released on Logan's next album, 'More' (ESP 1013), in 1966, recorded May of 1965. Fifteen days after Gomez' first session with Logan he entered the studio with Paul Bley on October 20 to record 'Barrage', released the next year (ESP 1008). Come 'Roast' (Carla Bley) and 'Communications No 3' (Mike Mantier) for the Jazz Composer's Orchestra at Judson Hall in NYC on December 29, 1964. 'Roast' found its way onto 'Communication' in 1966. January 17 of 1965 saw titles toward 'Call It Art' by the New York Art Quartet released in 2013 amidst a set of five LPs with a 156-page book addressing the history of the NYAQ and its musicians. That was followed in May per above for Logan's 'More'. Gomez was playing at the Village Vanguard in NYC with Gerry Mulligan's quintet where pianist, Bill Evans, was also gigging with his trio. Evans hired him, replacing Teddy Kotick, for a tour to the West Coast to record what would see release in 2014 as 'Live at the Penthouse Seattle'. That was with Joe Hunt at drums. Back at the Village Vanguard it was drummer, Arnie Wise, on July 3 for titles that would see issue in 1996 in a box set of eight CDs called 'The Secret Sessions: Recorded at The Village Vanguard 1966-1975'. July 19 witnessed Mulligan's 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue' for Limelight (Mercury subsidiary). It was a gig with Mulligan on CBS television's 'Tonight Show' on August 6. Come Evans's 'A Simple Matter of Conviction' for Verve in October, his first vinyl issue with Evans. Evans was the major figure in Gomez' career for the next eleven years, Gomez supporting twenty-five albums to 'You Must Believe in Spring' in August 1977. Marty Morell was Evans' main man on drums from 'Live at Art D'Lugoff's Top of The Gate' ('12) in October 1968 to 'Switzerland 1975' ('90) on February 6 of '75, he to be replaced by Eliot Zigmund. Morell and Gomez would reunite in June 1997 for Don Sebesky's tribute to Evans, 'I Remember Bill'. Zigmund was to play a major role in Gomez' career as well, having first joined Evans on January 26 of '75 at the Village Vanguard for titles that would see issue on 'The Secret Sessions' per above in '96. Replacing Morell in Europe, Zigmund and Gomez stayed together in Evans' trio to 'You Must Believe In Spring' in 1977. In the meantime Zigmund had supported Gomez' first LP as a leader in Tokyo in a trio with Takehiro Honda (keyboards): 'Down Stretch'. Gomez and Zigmund would reunite in trios in Denver, CO, in 1995 and 1996 for 'Live at Vartan Jazz: Stefan Karlsson Trio Vol 1' and 'Live at Vartan Jazz: Andrei Kitaev Trio'. Well to mention here another of the more important drummers along Gomez' path, that Steve Gadd with whom Gomez had held his first session in 1975 for Chick Corea's 'The Leprechaun' above. Working together with Corea, they also supported numerous other operations such as vibraphonist, Mike Mainieri's, Steps Ahead in December 1980 and pianist, Masahiko Satoh, in 1985. Along the way Gadd had joined Gomez and Corea for 'Gomez' in Tokyo in early 1984. Come Gomez' 'Discovery' in Tokyo the next year, 'Power Play' in November of 1987 and 'Street Smart' in 1989. Gomez had supported 'The Gadd Gang' in summer of 1986 and the Gadd Gang's 'Here & Now' in March of 1988. Their last title together in the nineties was in the Manhattan Jazz Quintet in May of 1994 for 'Concierto de Aranjuez'. A reunion in February 2002 witnessed Bob Mintzer's 'Bob Boy'. It was the Manhattan Jazz Quintet again in 2008 for 'V.S.O.P.'. Another of the important pianists in Gomez' career was Joane Brackeen. Along with titles in other ensembles Gomez backed Brackeen on seven of her albums from 'Prism' in August of 1978 to 'Take a Chance' in June 1993. Gomez has released no less than fourteen albums as a leader or co-leader. Trios among those include 'Trio' in 1986 with Aydin Esen (piano) and Marcello Pellitteri (drums), 'Palermo' in Italy in 1996 with Stefan Karlsson (piano) and Nasheet Waits (drums), and 'Live in Italy' with Dado Moroni (piano) and Marco Valeri (drums) in 2010. It was the Eddie Gomez Quintet in Italy in December 2009 that resulted in 'Per Sempre' in 2014. Duo albums by Gomez were 'Ace of the Heart' in 2004 w pianist, Mark Kramer, 'Forever' in 2010 w pianist, Cesarius Alvim, and 'Live at Montmartre' in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2011 w pianist, Carsten Dahl. Lord's disco leaves Gomez with that session, preceded by a string of duets in 2011 for pianist and vocalist, Tania Maria's 'Tempo'. Gomez has taught or lived as an artist in residence at several conservatories and universities in Europe and the States. In May of 2013 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain. He currently serves as Artistic Director at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and is a resident artist at Berklee [*]. Approaching 500 sessions [Lord] during his career, among the myriad of names with whom Gomez has recorded are Joachim Kuhn, Hank Jones, Kimiko Itoh, Terumasa Hino, Ernie Watts, Paul Mousavi, Herbie Mann, Jeremy Steig, John Ellis and Jimmy Cobb. References: Wikipedia, All Music. Gomez website. Discos: Discogs, Lord, RYM. 2014 interview w Chris Jisi. Analysis/criticism: Clay Corso. Further reading: David Adler. Gomez at Facebook and Twitter. See also 'Algorithmic Society' by the Gershevich Trio (Tapestry 2016): 1, 2.

Eddie Gómez   1965

  Barrage

      Composition: Carla Bley

      Paul Bley album: 'Barrage'

From 'The Giuseppi Logan Quartet'

Recorded 5 Oct 1964   NYC

ESP Disc 1007

Sax/oboe: Logan

Piano: Don Pullen

Drums: Milford Graves

All comps by Logan

 Bleecker Partita

 Dance of Satan

 Dialogue

 Table Suite

 Taneous

Eddie Gómez   1966

  Autumn Leaves

      Filmed live

      Drums: Alex Riel

      Piano: Bill Evans

       Music: Joseph Kosma   1945

       Lyrics French: Jacques Prévert

       Lyrics English: Johnny Mercer

  More

       'Mantu'

       Bass: Reggie Johnson   Gomez out

       'Shebar'

       Bass: Reggie Johnson   Gomez out

       'Curve Eleven'

       Bass: Gomez   Johnson out

       'Wretched Saturday'

       Bass: Gomez   Johnson out

       Alto sax all: Giuseppi Logan

       Piano all: Don Pullen

       Drums all: Milford Graves

       Comps all: Logan

       Recorded 1 May 1965

       Town Hall in NYC

       ESP Disc 1013

Eddie Gómez   1967

  Airegin

       Music: Sonny Rollins   1954

       Lyrics: Jon Hendricks   1958

      Recorded at Village Vanguard

      Not released until 1996:

      'The Secret Sessions'

Eddie Gómez   1968

 Preview

      LP: 'The Jazz Composer's Orchestra'

       Also on bass: Charlie Haden

       All compositions: Michael Mantler

  The Shadow of Your Smile

       Music: Johnny Mandel   1965

       Lyrics: Paul Francis Webster

      Recorded at Village Vanguard

      Not released until 1996:

      'The Secret Sessions'

Eddie Gómez   1976

  Down Stretch

      Composition: Jan Hammer

      Album: 'Down Stretch'

      Recorded 22 & 23 Jan 1976   Tokyo

        Piano: Takehiro Honda

        Percussion: Elliot Zigmund

        Engineer: Elliot Zigmund

        Production:

        Kazuo Harada/Kuniya Inaoka

Eddie Gómez   1990

  Live on Ohne Filter

      Television broadcast

Eddie Gómez   2007

  Waltz for Debby

       Music: Bill Evans   1956

       Lyrics: Gene Lees

      Album: 'The Boston Three Party'

      Piano: Chick Corea

      Drums: Airto Moreira

Eddie Gómez   2008

  Jazzfestival Viersen

      Filmed live

      Piano: Stefan Karlsson

      Drums: Duduka Da Fonseca

Eddie Gómez   2010

  All Blues

       Music: Miles Davis   1959

       Lyrics: Oscar Brown Jr.

      Filmed live in Mexico City

      Piano: Stefan Karlsson

      Drums: Rodrigo Villanueva

Eddie Gómez   2013

Honorary Doctorate Ceremony

Filmed at Berklee Valencia Campus

  Arianna

       Composition: Teo Ciavarella

  Stella by Starlight

       Composition:

       Victory Young/Ned Washington

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Eddie Gomez

Eddie Gomez

Photo: JZ Club

Source: Global Times
 

Guitarist, Grant Green, was born in 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri, beginning his career in bars. He apparently made a trip to Chicago at age 21 to record unissued titles with organist, Tommy Dean, and vocalist, Jim Buckner, on October 23 of 1956 for Vee-Jay: 'Boogie Googie' (1 & 2), 'Ain't No Justice', 'Let Me Alone' and 'Come On'. Grant's next session may have been on an unknown date in late 1959 in Chicago toward Sam Lazar's 'Space Flight' (Parts I and II) on Cawthron 507. The year that was issued is moot, discographies differing between '59 and '60. A tentative first issue date is used in this history due to 45Cat, JDP (Jazz Discography Project), et al, and discussion at 1, 2. Albeit 'The Billboard' magazine has Cawthron 507 advertised as a new release in its 9 May 1960 issue, Armin Büttner believes that refers to a third release down the road a bit from the actual first [1, 2]. Howsoever, Tom Lord (no mention of Cawthron) otherwise gives a first certain session date of December 10 of 1959 for titles toward Jimmy Forrest's 'Black Forrest' issued in 1972 with Elvin Jones on drums. Also recorded on December 10 were titles toward Forrest's 'All the Gin Is Gone' issued in '97. Green was back in St. Louis for sessions on December 25 and February 20 at the Holy Barbarian Coffee House resulting in 'The Holy Barbarian' issued in 2012. Joining him on that were Bob Graf (tenor sax), Sam Lazar (organ) and Chauncey Williams (drums). Another trip to Chicago found Green with Lazar, on June 1 of 1960 recording 'Space Flight' again toward issue that year. Joining them on that were Willie Dixon (bass) and Chauncey Williams (drums). About that time he began touring with Lou Donaldson, getting Green deposited in New York City. He there (Englewood Cliffs, NJ) held his initial session as a leader on November 26, 1960, for Blue Note with Wynton Kelly (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Philly Joe Jones (drums). Those wouldn't see issue until 2001 on 'First Session' [*]. Come Lou Donaldson's 'Here 'Tis' on January 23 of 1961. Five days later he put down 'Grant's First Stand' [*]for issue that year with Baby Face Willette (organ) and Ben Dixon (drums). He and bassist, Wilbur Ware, joined one another on 29 August of 1961 w drummer, Al Harewood. toward 'Remembering' [*], not released until 1980. The next year he joined Herbie Hancock at piano on 21 Dec of '62 toward 'Feeling the Spirit' [1, 2]. A couple of Green's more favored releases were w Joe Henderson at tenor sax on 'Idle Moments' and 'Solid', recorded respectively in Nov of '63 and 12 June of '64. Jumping ahead into the seventies, Green recorded Wade Marcus's soundtrack, 'The Final Comedown' [*] in December 1971. 'Live at the Lighthouse' followed on 21 April 1972 in Hermosa Beach, California. Come 'The Main Attraction' in 1976 prior to Green's final of above thirty albums as a leader in 1978: 'Easy'. He collapsed of heart attack on January 31 of 1979 during a performance with George Benson at the Breezin' Lounge in NYC. Amidst the numerous Green supported along the way were Sonny Red, Don Wilkerson, Jimmy Smith, George Braith, Johnny Hodges, Don Patterson and Houston Person. Among the drummers with whom he had worked most frequently were Ben Dixon and Elvin Jones, both appearing on several of Green's LPs. Among Green's own titles on which he performed in trios were 'Green Street' in '61, 'Blues for Lou' in '63 (issued '99), 'Talkin' About' in '64 and 'Iron City' in '67 (issued '72). Grant had used Gibson guitars during his career, as well as an Epiphone Emperor and a custom D'Aquisto. References: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sessions: Atushi atchan Ueda; JDP; Lord (leading 50 of 129). Discos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Compilations: 'The Best of Grant Green Vol I' 1961-64 by Blue Note 1993; 'The Best of Grant Green Vol II' 1971-72 by Blue Note 1996. YouTube. Reviews: 1, 2, 3. Instruction. Further reading: David Adler, James Martin. Biblio: 'Essential Jazz Lines in the Style of Grant Green for Guitar' by Corey Christiansen (Mel Bay 2003); 'Rediscovering the Forgotten Genius of Jazz Guitar' by Sharony Andrews Green (Freeman 1999).

Grant Green   1959

  Caravan

      Saxophone: Jimmy Forrest

      Music: Juan Tizol/Duke Ellington   1936

      Lyrics: Irving Mills

      Recorded Dec 1959

      Issued 2007 on 'First Recordings'

From 'First Recordings'

From 'The Holy Barbarian: St. Louis 1959'

Recorded 1959/60

Issued 2012 on UptUptown UPCD 27.68

Tenor sax: Bob Graf

Organ: Sam Lazar

Drums: Chauncey Williams

  The Holy Barbarian Blues

      Composition: Sam Lazar or Grant Green

   Out of Nowhere

      Composition: Johnny Green/Edward Heyman

   There Will Never Be Another You

      Composition: Harry Warren/Mack Gordon

'Space Flight'

Recorded late 1959

Issued 1959 per 45Cat and JDP

Organ: Sam Lazar>

Composition: Sam Lazar

  Space Flight Part I

  Space Flight Part II

Grant Green   1964

    Idle Moments

      Composition: Duke Pearson

    My Favorite Things

      Music: Richard Rodgers

      Oscar Hammerstein II

Grant Green   1972

    The Windjammer

       Music: Richard Rodgers

       LP: 'Live at The Lighthouse'

Grant Green   1978

    Easy

       Final LP

 

Birth of Modern Jazz: Grant Green

Grant Green

Source: Record Collector News

 

We suspend this Birth of Modern Jazz Strings at the cusp of the sixties with guitarist, Grant Green.

 

 

Black Gospel

Early

Modern

Blues

Early Blues 1: Guitar

Early Blues 2: Vocal - Other Instruments

Modern Blues 1: Guitar

Modern Blues 2: Vocal - Other Instruments

Classical

Medieval - Renaissance

Baroque

Galant - Classical

Romantic: Composers born 1770 to 1840

Romantic - Impressionist

Expressionist - Modern

Modern: Composers born 1900 to 1950

Country

Bluegrass

Folk

From without the U.S.

Folk

Old

New

From without the U.S.

Jazz

Early Jazz 1: Ragtime - Bands - Horn

Early Jazz 2: Ragtime - Other Instrumentation

Swing Era 1: Big Bands

Swing Era 2: Song

Modern 1: Saxophone

Modern 2: Trumpet - Other

Modern 3: Piano

Modern 4: Guitar - Other String

Modern 5: Percussion - Other Orchestration

Modern 6: Song

Modern 7: Latin Jazz - Latin Recording

Modern 8: United States 1960 - 1970

Modern 9: International 1960 - 1970

Latin

Latin Recording 1: Europe

Latin Recording 2: The Caribbean

Latin Recording 3: South America

Popular Music

Early

Modern

Rock & Roll

Early: Boogie Woogie

Early: R&B - Soul - Disco

Early: Doo Wop

The Big Bang - Fifties American Rock

Rockabilly

UK Beat

British Invasion

Total War - Sixties American Rock

Other Musical Genres

Musician Indexes

Classical - Medieval to Renaissance

Classical - Baroque to Classical

Classical - Romantic to Modern

Black Gospel - Country Folk

The Blues

Bluegrass - Folk

Country Western

Jazz Early - Ragtime - Swing Jazz

Jazz Modern - Horn

Jazz Modern - Piano - String

Jazz Modern- Percussion - Latin - Song - Other

Jazz Modern - 1960 to 1970

Boogie Woogie - Doo Wop - R&B - Rock & Roll - Soul - Disco

Boogie Woogie - Rockabilly

UK Beat - British Invasion

Sixties American Rock - Popular

Latin Recording - Europe

Latin Recording - The Caribbean - South America

 

About the VF History

Art        Internet        Music        Poetry

Site Map

 

vfssmail (at) gmaill (dot) com