Dizzy Gillespie

Dizzy Gillespie was born John Birks Gillespie on October 21, 1917 in Cheraw, South Carolina. He started playing the piano at the age of four and by the age of twelve he had taught himself to play the trombone and trumpet.

Dizzy's first professional job was with the Frank Fairfax Orchestra in 1935, after which he joined the bands of Edgar Hayes and , in 1937, the Teddy Hill Orchestra. He made his first recording with the Teddy Hill Band. In 1939, Dizzy joined the Cab Calloway  Orchestra and stayed with them till 1941.

In 1943 Gillespie joined the Earl Hines Band after which he was with the famous Billy Eckstine Big Band. He left Eckstine because he wanted to play with a small combo and lead a big band himself. In 1956 he organized a band to go on a State Department tour of the Middle East. This was very well received and earned him the nickname "The Ambassador of Jazz."

In 1960, Dizzy was inducted into the Down Beat magazine's Jazz Hall of Fame. In the 1980's he led the United Nations Orchestra and in 1989 was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dizzy Gillespie died of pancreatic cancer on January 6, 1993, at the age of 75, in Englewood, New Jersey.

Earlier this evening I listened to Dizzy Gillespie "At Newport." This was recorded on July 6, 1957 and is on the Verve label. The band includes Dizzy, Lee Morgan, Ermet Perry, Carl Warwick, and Talib Dawud on trumpets; Al Grey, Melba Liston, and Chuck Connors, on trombones; Benny Golson and Billy Mitchell on tenor sax; Ernie Henry and Jimmy Powell on alto sax; Pee Wee Moore on baritone sax; Wynton Kelly and guest Mary Lou Williams on piano; Paul West on bass; and Charlie Persip on drums.

Scott Yanow of AllMusic Guide has rated this album 5 stars and writes "This brillant CD captures one of the high points of Dizzy Gillespie's remarkable career and is highly recommended."

Here is a video of Dizzy playing "Salt Peanuts."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=TvIXzeDLpMw

Shelly Manne

Shelly Manne was born Sheldon Manne on June 11, 1920 in New York City. His father and uncles were drummers and it was natural for him to become one too. In the late 1930's and 1940's he developed his style in the clubs on 52nd street. His first professional job with a big band was with the Bobby Byrne Orchestra in 1940.

In the late 1940's and 1950's Shelly was part of the Woody Herman Band and then the Stan Kenton Band. In the early 1950's he left New York and settled on a ranch in outlying Los Angeles. From this point on he played an important role in the West Coast school of Jazz.

During the 1960's and early 1970's Manne was part owner of Shelly's Manne Hole, a nightclub in Hollywood. The house band was known as "Shelly Manne and His Men." He was also part of the group known as "The Poll Winners" with Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Brown on bass. From 1974-77 he was a member of "The L.A. Four" with Laurindo Almeida on guitar, Bud Shank on saxophone and flute, and Ray Brown on bass.

West Coast jazz represented only a small part of Manne's playing. He recorded with musicians from all schools and styles. He became known for his versatility.

Shelly Manne died suddenly of a heart attack on September 26, 1984 in Los Angeles.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to "Shelly Manne & His Men at the Manne-Hole vol I" The line up is comprised of Conte Candoli on trumpet, Richie Kamuca on tenor sax, Russ Freeman on piano, Chuck Berhofer on bass and Shelly Manne on drums.

The tunes include "Love For Sale," "How Could it Happen to a Dream," "Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise," and "The Champ."




Here's a video of Shelly Manne and His Men playing "Speak Low"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=gOokrsEAJ6Q

Chris Connor

Chris Connor was born Mary Loutsenhizer on November 8, 1927 in Kansas City, Missouri. Her first professional singing job was with the University of Missouri college band.

In 1948, Connor moved to New York City. She successfully auditioned for Claude Thornhill's Snowflakes and toured around the United States. She stayed with the group until March 1952.

In February 1953 Chris auditioned for Stan Kenton's Band and began touring with them. She recorded "All About Ronnie" which became her signature song. By the fall of 1953 she had left Kenton and was back in New York City pursuing a solo career. She signed with Bethlehem Records.

When time came for her contract to expire, Chris signed a deal with Atlantic Records. She was with Atlantic from 1956 to 1962. She spent the remainder of the 1960's and 1970's recording for various labels. Her final recording session was in May 2002.

Chris Connor died from cancer on August 29, 2009 at the age of 81.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to the album "Chris in Person" on Atlantic. This is a live session at the Village Vanguard on September 13, 1959. Chris is accompanied by Kenny Burrell on guitar, Bill Rubenstein on piano, Eddie DeHaas on bass, and Lex Humphries on drums.

The tunes include "Strike Up the Band," "Misty," "Senor Blues," "Angel Eyes," " Round Midnight," "All About Ronnie," "Don't Worry About Me," and "Chinatown My Chinatown," among others

Here's a video of Chris in Osaka 1992 singing "Angel Eyes."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=-apn0N0wS1I

Erroll Garner

Erroll Garner was born Erroll Louis Garner on June 15, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He began playing piano at the age of three and at the age of seven he began appearing on a Pittsburgh radio station. At the age of eleven he was playing on the riverboats.

Erroll moved to New York City in 1944 and worked briefly with Slam Stewart. In 1947 he played with Charlie Parker on the famous "Cool Blues" session.

Garner was only 5 ft. 2 in. tall and he performed sitting on multiple telephone directories. He was self-taught and remained an "ear player" all his life. He never learned to read music. He helped to bridge the gap between nightclubs and the concert hall.

Garner's best known composition is "Misty" which rapidly became a jazz standard and was featured in Clint Eastwood's 1971 film "Play Misty for Me."

Erroll Garner died from a cardiac arrest on January 2, 1977 at the age of 53. He is buried in Pittsburgh's Homewood Cemetary.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to Erroll's album "Concert by the Sea." This is a 1955 live concert given at the Sunset Center in Carmel by the Sea, California. He is accompanied by Eddie Calhoun on bass and Denzil Best on drums. The album is rated at 5 stars by AllMusic Guide.

The tunes include "I'll Remember April," "Teach Me Tonight," "Autumn Leaves," "April in Paris," "They Can't Take That Away From Me," and "Where or When," among others.



Here's a video of Erroll playing "Misty"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88b0DCEBLcU&feature=player_detailpage

Paul Desmond

Paul Desmond was born Paul Emil Breitenfeld on November 25, 1924 in San Francisco, California. He began playing clarinet at the age of twelve but it was not until he was a freshman at San Francisco State College that he began playing the alto saxophone. He was drafted into the U. S. Army and joined the Army Band while stationed in San Francisco. He served three years in the military.

Desmond first met Dave Brubeck in 1944 while still in the military. Their association in the Dave Brubeck Quartet began in 1951 and ended in 1967. They are best known for their greatest hit "Take Five," a Desmond composition, on the album "Time Out."

In June 1969 Paul appeared at the New Orleans Jazz Festival with Gerry Mulligan and in 1971 he played at the Half Note in New York City with guitarist Jim Hall. In 1976 he reunited with Brubeck to play 25 shows in 25 nights, touring the U.S. by bus.

Paul Desmond died on May 30, 1977 from lung cancer. He had specified in his will that all proceeds from "Take Five" would go to the Red Cross upon his death.

I just finished listening to "Desmond Blue" a 1961 RCA Victor release. Paul is accompanied by a string orchestra arranged and conducted by Bob Prince. Shawn M. Haney of All Music Guide writes "The tone of the album: lush, reflective, thought-provoking, and soul-stirring. This work is quite a plus for any listener and especially those who consider themselves avid fans of Paul Desmond."

The tunes included on this album include "My Funny Valentine," "Desmond Blue," "Then I'll Be Tired of You," "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Late Lament," "I Should Care," "Like Someone in Love," "Ill Wind," and "Body and Soul."


Here's a video of Paul with the Dave Brubeck Quartet playing "Take Five."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=faJE92phKzI

Lester Young

Lester Young was born Lester Willis Young on August 27, 1909 in Woodville, Mississippi. His family moved to New Orleans, La. before settling in Minneapolis, Mn. His father taught him to play the trumpet, violin, drums, and saxophone and he played in the family band in the vaudeville and carnival circuits until he was 18.

In 1933 Young moved to Kansas City, Mo. and played in several bands before joing Count Basie. He left Basie to replace Coleman Hawkins in Fletcher Henderson's Band. Then he played in Andy Kirk's band for six months before returning to Count Basie.

Lester left Basie late in 1940 and with his brother, drummer Lee Young, led small group sessions. During this period he accompanied Billie Holiday in a couple of studio sessions and she gave him the nickname "Prez," short for President.

In September 1944, after rejoining the Basie Band the previous year, Young was inducted into the U.S. Army. In late 1945, after serving a year in the Detention Barracks, he was dishonably discharged for possession of marijuana and alcohol.

In 1946, he joined Jazz at the Philharmonic and toured regularly with them for the next 12 years. In November 1955 hhe was admitted to the hospital for a nervous breakdown and upon discharge he soon returned to drinking alcohol. He suffered from liver disease and malnutrition.

Lester made his final studio recordings and live performances in Paris in March 1959. He died in the early morning on March 15, 1959, only hours after arriving back in New York, at the age of 49.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to "Lester Young with the Oscar Peterson Trio." The group includes Lester Young on tenor sax, Oscar Peterson on piano, Barney Kessel on guitar, Ray Brown on bass, and J.C. Heard on the drums. Scott Yanow of AllMusic Guide gave this album a 5 star rating and called it "Essential music."

There are 14 tracks on this CD which include "I Can't Get Started," "Just You, Just Me," "Tea for Two," "Indiana," "I'm Confessin'," "Stardust," and "These Foolish Things," among others.


Here's a video of Prez playing "Polka Dots and Moonbeams."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=A6ogRiaWXaU

June Christy

June Christy was born Shirley Luster on November 20, 1925 in Springfield, Illinois. After high school she moved to Chicago, changed her name to Shirley Leslie, and sang with the Boyd Raeburn band.

In 1945, after Anita O'Day had left the Stan Kenton Orchestra, she auditioned and was chosen as the vocalist. During this time she changed her name again to June Christy. She had a million selling hit called "Tampico" with the Kenton Band.

From 1947 she started working on her own records, primarily with arranger and bandleader Pete Rugolo. In 1954 she released "Something Cool" which helped launch the cool movement of the 1950's. She married multi-instrumentalist Bob Cooper and in 1954 gave birth to a daughter.

In the 1950's and 1960's June appeared on numerous television programs and embarked on dozens of concert tours. In 1972 she sang at the Newport Jazz Festival, reuniting with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Her final album "Impromptu" was recorded in 1977 and her final public performance was in 1988.

June Christy died at her home in Sherman Oaks, California on June 21, 1990 from kidney failure.  Her remains were cremated and scattered off the coast of Marina Del Rey.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to "The Best of June Christy: The Jazz Sessions." This 1996 Capitol release is an excellent compilation for those who want to sample June's singing throughout her career.

The album has 18 tracks which include "Something Cool," "I Want to be Happy," "My Ship," "Daydream," "Baby All The Time," "Midnight Sun," "Get Happy," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "Make Someone Happy," and "How High the Moon," among others.



Here's a video of June sing "Something Cool."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4GkUM4jE-ZE

Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery was born John Leslie Montgomery on March 6, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He started learning the six string guitar at the age of 20 and although he was not skilled at reading music, he could learn melodies and riffs by ear.

Montgomery toured with Lionel Hampton from July 1948 to January 1950, but the stress of touring and being away from his family brought him back home to Indianapolis. He worked in a factory by day to support his family of eight and performed in local clubs at night. Cannonball Adderley heard Wes at one of these clubs and called Orrin Keepnews who signed him to a contract with Riverside Records. He remained there until late 1963.

The recordings made during this perid are considered to be Montgomery's best and most influential. Two sessions in January 1960 yielded "The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery." This album earned him Down Beat magazine's "New Star" award in 1960. In addition, he won the Down Beat Critic's Poll award for Best Jazz Guitarist in 1960, '61, '62, '63, '66, and 1967. He was nominated for numerous Grammy's and won a Grammy for his album "Goin' Out Of My Head" in 1966.

Wes didn't have long to enjoy his commercial success. On June 15, 1968, at the age of 45, he died of a heart attack at his home in Indianapolis.

"The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery" is the album which started it all for Wes Montgomery. He is backed up by a rhythm section of Tommy Flanigan on piano, Percy Heath on bass, and Albert Heath on drums.

The tunes include "Airegin," "D-Natural Blues," "Polka Dots and Moonbeams," "Four On Six," "West Coast Blues," "In Your Own Sweet Way," "Mr. Walker," and "Gone With the Wind."




Here's a video of Wes playing "Round Midnight."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOm17yw__6U&feature=player_detailpage

Woody Herman

Woody Herman was born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herman on May 16, 1913 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As a child he worked as a singer in Vaudeville and at the age of fifteen he was playing saxophone as a professional. He performed with the Tom Gerun Band, Harry Sosnick Band, Gus Arnheim Band, and Isham Jones. When Jones retired to live off royalties, Woody took over his band.

Herman's first recording was "Wintertime Blues" on November 6, 1936 for the Decca label. His first hit was "Woodchoppers Ball" in 1939.

In February 1945, the band signed with Columbia Records. This was the time of the "First Herd." On February 26, 1945  the band recorded "Caldonia." In 1946, the band won the Downbeat, Metronome, Billboard, and Esquire polls for best band. After this Woody disbanded his band to spend more time with his wife and family.

In 1947, Herman formed the "Second Herd," which was also known as the "Four Brothers Band." On December 27, 1947 the band recorded "Four Brothers" written by Jimmy Giuffre. the four brothers were Zoot Sims, Herbie Stewart, and Stan Getz on tenor saxophones, and Serge Chaloff on baritone sax.

Herman's other bands include the "Third Herd" from 1950-1956 and the "New Thundering Herd" from 1959-1987. He continued to perform into the 1980's despite the death of his wife and his own declining health.He was awarded the Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 1987.

Woody Herman died on October 29, 1987 in West Hollywood, California.

I just finished listening to one of my favorite live Herman recordings. It is "Big New Herd at the Monterey Jazz Festival." Woody leads an all-star band at this 1959 festival. The line-up includes Woody on clarinet; Zoot Sims, Don Lanphere, Bill Perkins, and Richie Kamuca on tenor saxes; Med Flory on baritone sax; Al Porcino, Conte Candoli, Bill Chase, and Ray Linn on tumpets; Urbie Green and Si Zentner on trombones; Victor Feldman on piano and vibes; Charlie Byrd on guitar; Monty Budwig on bass; and Mel Lewis on drums.

The tunes include "Four Brothers," "Like Some Blues Man," "Skoobeedoobee," "Monterey Apple Tree," "Skylark," and "The Magpie."



Here's a video of Woody and his band playing "Four Brothers."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUhnGNHQEFA&feature=player_detailpage

Gerry Mulligan

Gerry Mulligan was born Gerald Joseph Mulligan on April 6, 1927 in Queens, New York. His father was an engineer which caused the family to move frequently throughout Gerry's childhood. He started playing the clarinet and saxophone at the age of fourteen and he also started arranging for Big Bands. When he was sixteen, Mulligan was arranging for the house band at a Philadelphia Radio Station. He dropped out of high school in his senior year and got a job arranging for the Tommy Tucker Band.

In January 1946, Gerry moved to New York City and started arranging for Gene Krupa's Band. After this he arranged for Claude Thornhill.

In September 1948, Miles Davis formed a nonet with Mulligan playing baritone sax and composing and arranging three songs and arranging another three songs. The resulting album was titled "The Birth of the Cool."

In Septenber 1951, Gerry recorded his first album under his own named titled "Mulligan Plays Mulligan."

In the spring of 1952, he moved to Los Angeles where he started arranging for Stan Kenton's Band. He was also performing at a jazz club called "The Haig" where he met Chet Baker. They formed a pianoless Quartet which became very popular and produced recordings which were major sellers. This, however, came to an end in mid 1953, when Mulligan was arrested on Narcotics charges and spent six months on an "Honor Farm."

Gerry formed his first "Concert Jazz Band" in the spring of 1960. The band toured and recorded through the end of 1964. After this he teamed up with Dave Brubeck and appeared regularly with him through 1973.

During the 1970's and 1980's he worked at promoting a repertoire of baritone saxophone music for orchestra. He had his compositions played by orchestras throughout the world.

Mulligan's final recording was a quartet album in the summer of 1995 and his final public performance was on November 9th of that year. He died on January 20, 1996 in Darien, Connecticutt from complications from knee surgery.

Earlier today I listened to "Re-Birth of the Cool." This is a 1992 GRP release. The band includes: Gerry Mulligan on baritone sax, Wallace Roney on trumpet, Phil Woods on alto sax, Dave Bargeron on trombone, John Clark on french horn, Bill Barber on tuba, John Lewis on piano, Dean Johnson on bass, and Ron Vincent on drums. Mel Torme supplied the vocals.

The tunes include "Israel," "Deception," "Move," "Rocker," "Venus De Milo," "Boplicity," "Darn That Dream," and "Jeru" among others.

Here's a video of Gerry playing "Satin Doll."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=25yQ9C4E79w

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Jane Fitzgerald was born on April 25, 1917 in Newport News, Virginia.

In 1934, Ella competed in Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem where she met Benny Carter and in 1935 she won the chance to perform with the Tiny Bradshaw Band at the Harlem Opera House where she met bandleader Chick Webb.

In 1936, Ella recorded her first single "Love and Kisses" for the Decca label. She was performing with the Chick Webb Band at this time and in 1938 she recorded "A-Tisket, A-Tasket." It was an instant hit and sold over a million copies. Ella became famous.

On June 16, 1939, Chick Webb died and Ella took over as leader of the Band.

While on tour with Dizzy Gillespie in 1946, Ella met the bassist Ray Brown, whom she married the following year. Brown was working for the producer and manager Norman Granz who convinced Ella to join Jazz at the Philharmonic. It was at this time that Granz became her manager. She recorded with Louis Armstrong on several albums and she began her Songbook series in 1956 on Granz's Verve label.

Ella continued to record and perform. In 1979 she was inducted into Down Beat Magazine's Hall of Fame. In 1987, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Ronald Reagan and she also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George H. W. Bush. Ella has recorded over 200 albums and won 13 Grammy Awards, including the one for Lifetime Achievement. She made her last recording in 1991 and made her last public performance in 1993.

Ella had been diagnosed with Diabetes in 1986 and as the disease worsened, she had to have her legs amputated below the knee in 1993. On June 15, 1996 she died in her Beverly Hills home.

Ella Fitzgerald is known throughout the world as "The First Lady of Song."

Earlier today I listened to "Ella Fitzgerald at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1975." She is accompanied by Tommy Flanagan on piano, Keter Betts on bass, and Bobby Durham on drums.

The tunes include "Caravan," "Satin Doll," "Teach Me Tonight," "Wave," "How High the Moon," "The Girl From Ipanema," among others.





Here's a video of Ella singing "It Don't Mean a Thing (If You Ain't Got That Swing)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMFIejZgJSM&feature=player_detailpage

Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins was born Coleman Randolph Hawkins on November 21, 1904 in Saint Louis, Missouti. He started out playing piano and cello and switched to the saxophone at the age of nine. He attended high school first in Chicago and then in Topeka, Kansas.

In 1923 Coleman settled in New York City and joined Fletcher Henderson's Band. He remained with Henderson until 1934. In late 1934 he played with Jack Hylton's Band in London and toured Europe as a soloist until 1939. Hawkins returned to the U.S. and on October 11, 1939 he recorded "Body and Soul" which would become his signature song.

During the early 1940's "Hawk" led a combo at Kelly's Stables on New York's famous 52nd Street which consisted of Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Oscar Pettiford, and Max Roach. He later toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic.

In the 1950's Hawkins performed with more traditional musicians, such as Henry "Red" Allen and Roy Eldridge with whom he appeared at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. That same year he recorded "Coleman Hawkins Encounters Ben Webster." Coleman continued to record during the 1960's and his last recording was in 1967.

Coleman Hawkins died from Pneumonia on May 19, 1969 and is buried at Woodlawn Cemetary in the Bronx.

Earlier today I listened to a Coleman Hawkins' compilation titled "Greatest Hits," a RCA Victor release. This is a very nice sampler of the "Hawk" playing with both small groups and big bands.

The selections include "Body and Soul," "April in Paris," "There Will Never Be Another You," "Sugar Foot Stomp," "When The Lights Are Low," "My Blue Heaven," "I Love Paris," and "Sweet Lorraine," among others. There are 16 tracks on this album.




Here's a video of Coleman Hawkins playing "Body and Soul
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJ5UtPoMcg&feature=player_detailpage

Lionel Hampton

Lionel Hampton was born Lionel Leo Hampton on April 20, 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky. His family moved to Chicago in 1916 where he started out playing drums.

Hampton moved to California in the late 1920's and made his recording debut with Paul Howard's Quality Serenaders. After leaving Howard, he played drums with the Les Hite band and it was during this period that he learned the vibraphone. In 1930, Louis Armstrong asked Lionel to play vibraphone on two songs and his career as a vibraphonist began.

In 1936, Benny Goodman heard Hampton and asked him to join his now famous Benny Goodman Quartet. But in 1940 he left Goodman to form his own Band. During the 1940's and 1950's Hampton"s Band became very popular.

Hamp continued to perform and record actively right up until he had a stroke on stage at a Paris concert in 1991. He died from Congestive Heart Failure on August 31, 2002 in New York City.

Earlier today, I listened to "Live At the Muzeval." This concert took place in Emmen, Holland on May 13, 1978. The Band members include Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Joe Newman and Victor Paz on trumpets, Eddie Chamblee on alto sax, Paul Moen on tenor sax, Wild Bill Davis on piano and organ, Bill Mackel on guitar, Barry Smith on bass, and Frankie Dunlop on drums.

The tunes include "Airmail Special," "Moments Notice," "Giant Steps," "Flying Home," and "Hamp's Boogie Woogie," among others.

This is a very nice swinging session and is highly recommended.

Here is a video of Lionel Hampton and his All Star Big Band playing "Moments Notice" at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1978.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4MDTtya4tc&feature=player_detailpage

Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney was born on May 23, 1928 in Maysville, Ky. With her sister, Betty, they won an audition for a Cincinnati radio station and were paid $20 a week each for a regular nightly spot. "The Clooney Sisters" began there singing career in 1945 and they were hired by Tony Pastor, touring with his band for a couple of years.

When she was 21, Rosemary went on her own and went to New York City. She signed with Columbia and began an association with Mitch Miller. She recorded "Come On A My House" and it was an immediate success. It made her a star.

Rosemary eloped in the summer of 1953 with Jose Ferrer, the actor. Between 1955 and 1960 they had five children. In 1954 she co-starred with Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby in the movie "White Christmas."

Clooney became the star of her own television show in 1956. But the responsibilities of raising a family and pursuing a career were taking its toll. She became addicted to tranquilzers and sleeping pills. Clooney and Ferrer filed for divorce in 1961 and it became final in 1967. Her world came crashing down and she had a nervous breakdown.

She made a comeback in 1976, doing a show with Bing Crosby. In 1977, she signed a recording contract with Concord Jazz. Rosie recorded 25 albums with them and maintained a busy touring schedule.

Clooney underwent Lung Cancer surgery in January, 2002. She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She died on June 29, 2002 at her home in Beverly Hills, Ca.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Earlier today, I listened to "Everything's Coming Up Rosie". This was Clooney's first Concord recording in 1977. She is accompanied by Scott Hamilton on tenor sax, Bill Berry on trumpet, Nat Pierce on piano, Monty Budwig on bass and Jake Hanna on drums.

There are 10 tunes on this album, 8 vocals and 2 instrumentals. Some of the vocals are: "I Cried for You," "I Can't Get Started," "A Foggy Day," "Hey There," and "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans."

Here's a video of Rosie with the Concord All Stars doing "I Can't Get Started" and "Our Love Is Here To Stay" at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1981.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKsWgAN8lF0&feature=player_detailpage

Stan Getz

Stan Getz was born Stanley Gayetsky on February 2, 1927 in Philadelphia, Pa. His parents were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. His father bought him his first saxophone at the age of thirteen.

At the age of 16, Stan dropped out of high school to join Jack Teagarden's Band. His big band experiences continued, playing with Stan Kenton, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. From 1947 to 1949, Getz played with the Woody Herman Band and was one of the original "Four Brothers." While he was with Herman he had a hit single called "Early Autumn" which helped launch a solo career.

From the mid 1950's to 1961 Getz worked from Scandinavia. Upon returning to the U.S. he became the central figure in introducing Bossa Nova to Americans. In 1962, his album "Jazz Samba" sold over a million copies and he won the Grammy For Best Jazz Performance of 1963 for "Desafinado." This was followed by "Jazz Samba Encore" which also sold over a million copies. In 1963, the album "Getz/Gilberto" sold over a million copies and the hit single "The Girl From Ipanema" won for him a Grammy.

In the mid-1980's, Stan worked in the San Francisco Bay area and taught at Stanford University. In 1986, he was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame.

Stan Getz died from liver cancer on June 6, 1991. His body was cremated and the ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of Malibu, Ca.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to "Jazz Samba" for the umpteenth time. It is my favorite Bossa Nova album and whenever I'm in the mood for Bossa Nova I listen to it. It features Stan on tenor sax and Charlie Byrd on Guitar. They are joined by two bassists, Keter Betts and Joe Byrd, and two drummers, Buddy Deppenschmidt and Bill Reichenbach. It is a 1962 Verve release.





Here's a video of Stan with Astrud Gilberto doing "The Girl From Ipanema"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA&feature=player_detailpage

Dexter Gordon

Dexter Gordon was born on February 27, 1923 in Los Angeles, Ca. At thirteen he started out playing clarinet, later switching to alto sax and then tenor. At 17 he was playing in Lionel Hampton's Band.

In 1943 he made his first recordings under his own name. From 1943-1945 he played with Louis Armstrong's Band, Fletcher Henderson's Band, and Billy Eckstine's Band.

By 1961 Gordon was recording for Blue Note. "Doin' Alright" was his Blue Note debut. From 1962 -1976 he moved to Europe, living in Paris and Copenhagen, making occasional returns to the States for recording sessions. From 1963-1973 he recorded for the Prestige label.

Dexter finally returned to the U.S. in 1976. He appeared at the Village Vanguard and recorded "Homecoming." This, plus promotions from his new label, Columbia Records, made him very popular.

In 1986, Gordon was nominated for an Academy Award for his starring role in the movie 'Round Midnight. He died from Kidney Failure in Philadelphia, Pa. on April 25, 1990.


Earlier this afternoon I listened to Dexter's album "Go." This is a 1962 Blue Note release. The personnel include Dexter Gordon on tenor sax, Sonny Clark on piano, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums.

The tunes include "Cheesecake," "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry," "Second Balcony Jump," "Love For Sale," "Where Are You?" and "Three O'clock In The Morning.
This album received a 5 star rating on All Music Guide. Stacia Proefrock says "Gordon had many high points in his five decade-long career, but this is certainly the peak of it all."


Here's a video of Dexter playing "Green Dolphin Street."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPOBJBKthd8&feature=player_detailpage

Ron Carter

Ron Carter was born Ronald Levin Carter on May 4, 1937 in Ferndale, MI. He began playing cello at age 10 but switched to double bass. Carter earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Eastman School in 1959 and a Masters Degree in Double Bass from the Manhattan School of Music in 1961.

Ron cut his first record in 1960 with Eric Dolphy and Don Ellis. From 1963-1968  he was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet teaming up with Herbie Hancock on piano and Tony Williams on drums in the rhythm section.

In 1993 Carter won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Group, The Miles Davis Tribute Band. And in 1998 he won another Grammy for an instrumental composition from the film 'Round Midnight.

After more than 20 years on the faculty, Ron is Professor Emeritus at the City College of New York. He has played on over 2000 albums.


I'm listening to Ron Carter's tribute to Miles Davis called "Dear Miles." This is a 2007 Blue Note release. The personnel are Stephen Scott on piano, Payton Crossley on drums, and Roger Squitero on percussion.

Some of the familiar tunes include "Gone," "Seven Steps to Heaven," "My Funny Valentine," "Someday My Prince Will Come," "Stella By Starlight," and "Bye Bye Blackbird" among others.





Here is a video of Ron playing "Autumn Leaves."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfUqggDylJU&feature=player_detailpage

Carmen McRae

Carmen McRae was born Carmen Mercedes McRae on April 8, 1920 in Harlem to Jamaican immigrant parents. She began playing piano at eight and when she was seventeen she met Teddy Wilson's wife, Irene Kitchings Wilson, who introduced her to all the jazz stars including Billie Holiday. Billie was to become Carmen's main influence.

In her late teens and early twenties Carmen played piano at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem where she met the drummer Kenny Clarke who would become her husband. She sang with Benny Carter's Big Band and then with Count Basie in 1944. She played piano with Mercer Ellington's Band and made her first recording.

In the late 1940's and early 1950's Carmen is in Chicago playing piano and singing. She moves back to New York in 1952 and records for the Bethlehem, Venus, and Stardust labels. In 1954 Downbeat magazine votes her Best New Female Vocalist and in 1955 she signs with Decca and records the first of 12 albums for that label. In the late 1950's her and Kenny Clarke are divorced and she marries her bassist Ike Isaacs. However, by 1961 they divorce.

In 1967 Carmen moves to Los Angeles and she enjoyed bookings in clubs, festivals and concert halls. She was a performer at the Monterey Jazz Festival in 1961, 62, 63, 66, 71, 73, and 82. Her last public performance was in May 1991 at the Blue Note in New York. She was awarded a Master's of Jazz award  for lifetime achievement from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1994 and on November 10th of that year she passed away at her home.

My favorite recording of Carmen's is "The Great American Songbook" recorded live at Donte's in Los Angeles. She is backed by Jimmy Rowles on piano, Joe Pass on guitar, Chuck Domanico on bass and drummer Chuck Flores.

The songs include "Satin Doll," "At Long Last Love," "Day by Day," "I Only Have Eyes For You," "Sunday," "I Cried For You," "Three Little Words," and "I Thought About You" among others.





Here's a video of Carmen singing "Body and Soul"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zOEMym54XQY

Scott Hamilton

Scott Hamilton was born on September 12, 1954 in Providence, RI. He never had any formal training but tried out several instruments, drums, piano, and mouth-organ, before settling on the saxophone at age sixteen.

In 1976 he moved to New York and through Roy Eldridge got a six week gig at Michael's Pub. In 1977 Scott formed his own quartet and started to record for Concord Records. More than forty albums later he is still recording for them both under his own name and as one of the Concord Jazz All-Stars. He can be heard backing Rosemary Clooney on her Concord releases and as a member of Ruby Braff's New England Song Hounds in the 1980's.

For some years Scott was based in London but now travels the world from Italy. He regularly tours Europe and Japan and returns to America three or four times a year to play at festivals.


I just finished listening to "Nocturnes and Serenades" This is a 2006 Concord release. Scott's on tenor sax with his U.K. rhythm section comprised of John Pearce on piano, Dave Green on bass and drummer Steve Brown.

There are 10 tracks on this CD which include "Man With a Horn," "Autumn Nocturne," "Flamingo," Serenade in Blue," "You Go to My Head," and "Chelsea Bridge" among others.



Here's a video of Scott playing "East of the Sun,West of the Moon."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RPulo4KMYo&feature=player_detailpage

Horace Silver

Horace Silver was born Horace Ward Martin Tavares Silva on September 2, 1928 in Norwalk, CT. His father was of Portuguese descent and his mother was of Irish and African descent. He was introduced to Portuguese music through his father.

Horace began playing the saxophone and switched to the piano in high school. After high school he led trios in Connecticut and he was discovered by Stan Getz in 1950. Getz brought him on the road and it was with Getz that Silver made his first recording.

In 1951 he moved to NYC where he met Art Blakey. They were to form the Jazz Messengers and in 1953-56 they recorded some fine albums. Horace branched out in 1956 and started leading his own groups. He began recording for Blue Note and would stay with them until 1980. He stayed very busy recording and composing.

After leaving Blue Note in 1980 Silver recorded on his own label (Silveto). He continued to record and tour throughout the 1980's and 1990's. He is the composer of such tunes as "Blowin' the Blues Away," "Sister Sadie," "Peace," "Song for my Father," and "The Tokyo Blues." He was a pioneer in the style known as "hard bop" and presently lives in California.

I just finished listening to "Blowin' the Blues Away." This is a 1959 Blue Note release. It includes Silver's compositions "Blowin' the Blues Away," "Peace," "Sister Sadie," and "Melancholy Mood."

The quintet lineup includes Horace Silver on piano, Blue Mitchell on trumpet, Junior Cook on tenor saxophone, Gene Taylor on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums.





Here's a video of the young Horace playing "Song for my Father."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=8B2GZ0MfuPQ

Billy Eckstine

Billy Eckstine was born William Clarence Eckstein on July 8, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pa. His grandparents were a mixed race lawfully married couple. He changed the spelling of his last name at the request of a club owner because it looked Jewish.

Moving to Washington, DC, Billy began singing at the age of seven. He had wanted to be a football player but a broken collar bone changed his career plans to music. He attended Howard University but left after winning an amateur talent contest.

In 1939 Eckstine signed on with the Earl Hines Orchestra as the male vocalist. He recorded such jukebox hits as "Stormy Monday Blues," "Jelly,Jelly," and "You Don't Know What Love Is." He left the Hines Band in 1943.

In 1944 Billy formed his own Orchestra, becoming a vehicle to showcase his rich baritone voice and also as a training ground for young Bebop musicians. His band included such future stars as Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker and Art Blakey. His hits included "Cottage For Sale," "Prisoner of Love," and "I'm in the Mood For Love." It became apparent that it was Billy's voice the people wanted to hear and so in 1947 he disbanded his orchestra and became a solo performer.

Eckstine won Esquire Magazine's "New Star Award" in 1946, the Downbeat readers' poll from 1948 to 1952, and the Metronome award for "Top Male Vocalist" from 1949 to 1954.

Billy signed on with MGM Records and he recorded such hits as "My Foolish Heart," and "I Apologize" both reported to be million sellers. He maintained a successful career into the early 1990's with nightclub and concert performances and he also continued to record. In 1986 he recorded his final album "Billy Eckstine Sings with Benny Carter" which was nominated for a Grammy.

Billy Eckstine was known as "Mr. B." He died March 8, 1993 in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Earlier today I listened to "Billy's Best" a 1958 Mercury release. Arrangers are Henry Mancini and Pete Rugolo. Eckstine's baritone and vibrato are in top form.

There are 18 tracks on this recording. The tunes include "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Stella by Starlight," "You Don't Know What Love Is," "A Sunday Kind of Love," "That Ole Devil Called Love," "Prisoner of Love," and "Vertigo."




Here's a video of Billy and his Orchestra doing the hit "Prisoner of Love."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWuGF-Xh-RM&feature=player_detailpage

Harry "Sweets" Edison

Harry "Sweets" Edison was born on October 10, 1915 in Columbus, Ohio. At the age of 12 he was playing trumpet with local bands. When he was 18 he joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra in Cleveland.

In 1937 Edison moved to New York and joined the Count Basie Orchestra. This is when he got the nickname "Sweets" from Lester Young. He stayed with the Basie Band until it broke up in 1950.

In the 1950's "Sweets" toured with Jazz at the Philharmonic. He moved to Los Angeles and played as a studio musician, most notably for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. In the 1960's and 1970's he worked with many orchestras on TV and on Count Basie reunions.

During the 1980's and 1990's he led groups and toured in Europe and Japan. Harry "Sweets" Edison died July 27, 1999 in Columbus, Ohio.

Earlier this afternoon I listened to "Live at the Iridium." This is a 1997 Telarc release. The personnel are Harry "Sweets" Edison on trumpet, Clark Terry on trumpet and fluglehorn, Frank Wess on flute and tenor sax, Junior Mance on piano, Marcus McLaurine on bass, and David Gibson on drums.

There are four Edison originals including the well known "Centerpiece." The other four tunes on this recording include the standard "Emily," "I Wish I Knew," "Midgets," and "Doggin' Around."

Here's a video of "Sweets" playing "There Is No Greater Love."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDkduz8gmQ&feature=player_detailpage

Benny Carter

Benny Carter was born Bennett Lester Carter on August 8, 1907 in Harlem, NY. He learned to play the piano from his mother and eventually took up the trumpet and then the saxophone. By the age of 15, Carter was playing in Harlem's night clubs.

His first recording was with Charlie Johnson's Orchestra, also being the arranger, in 1928. He played and arranged for Fletcher Henderson in 1930 and 1931. He led the Detroit based Mckinney's Cotton Pickers before returning to New York to lead his own band in 1932-1934.

Carter moved to Europe in 1935 and played trumpet with Willie Lewis's orchestra and he became the arranger for the BBC dance orchestra. He returned to Harlem in 1938 and formed another orchestra which played at the Savoy Ballroom through 1940.

Benny relocated to Los Angeles in 1943 and started arranging for the film and television industries. With a few exceptions, he gave up leadership of a full time orchestra in 1946.

In 1969 Carter turned his talents to education. In 1974 Princeton awarded him a honorary masters of humanities degree.He won a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement in 1987. In 1990 he was named "Jazz Artist of the Year" by Downbeat and Jazz Times Critics' polls.

Carter is the receipient of numerous awards including the Golden Score Award of the American Society of Music Arrangers. He composed such standards as "Blues in My Heart," "When Lights are Low," "Cow-Cow Boogie" "Key Largo," "All That Jazz," and "Only Trust Your Heart."

Benny Carter's career spanned eight decades. He played the alto sax and trumpet. He was a composer, an arranger, a bandleader and an educator. He was known as "The King." He died on July 12, 2003 in Los Angeles, Ca.

This afternoon I listened to "All That Jazz-Live at Princeton." The line-up includes Benny Carter on alto sax, Clark Terry on flugelhorn, Kenny Barron on piano, Rufus Reid on bass, and Kenny Washington on drums. Billy Hill is on vocals on four of the tracks.

The tunes include "Hackensack," "I'm Beginning to See the Light," "Misty," "Now's the Time," "When Sunny Gets Blue," "All That Jazz," "We Were in Love," "All of Me," and more.

This was a very enjoyable live concert date and would be a nice addition to every jazz library.

Here's a video of Benny playing "When Lights are Low" in Copenhagen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ighsUS177QY&feature=player_detailpage

Art Farmer

Art Farmer was born Arthur Stewart Farmer on August 21, 1928, along with his twin brother Addison, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The family moved to Phoenix, Arizona when Art was four years old. Art played the piano and violin in elementary school and by the age of 15 he was playing trumpet.

At the age of 16, Art and his brother moved to Los Angeles and during the late 1940's performed with the bands of Johnny Otis and Jay McShann among others. Art joined Lionel Hampton in 1952 and toured Europe.

After leaving Hampton's band, Art settled in New York City. In 1953 he recorded his first album as a leader and during the mid 1950's performed with Art Blakey, Horace Silver and Gerry Mulligan. It was in 1959 that Art formed the "Jazztet" along with saxophonist Benny Golson. The "Jazztet" lasted till 1962 and it was during this period that Art started playing Flugelhorn.

In 1968 Art moved to Vienna where he joined the Austrian Radio Orchestra. He continued to tour around the U.S. and in 1982 Art and Benny Golson re-formed the "Jazztet." This lasted until the late 1980's.

Art maintained a residence in Manhattan as well as Vienna and during his late career he continued to perform with quartets and quintets. Art Farmer died October 4, 1999 in NYC.

This afternoon I listened to "Blame It On My Youth" on the Contemporary label. It was recorded and released in 1988. The personnel include Art Farmer on flugelhorn, Clifford Jordan on tenor saxophone, James Williams on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and Victor Lewis on drums.

The tunes include "Blame It on My Youth," "Fairy Tale Countryside," "The Smile of the Snake," "Third Avenue," "Summer Serenade," Progress Report," and "I'll Be Around."

Art Farmer is in top form and this recording was very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Here's a video of Art and his quintet playing "Summer Serenade."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=q_tHol39Jrw

Cal Tjader

Cal Tjader was born Callen Radcliffe Tjader, Jr. on July 16, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri to Swedish American vaudevillians. When he was 2 the family moved to San Mateo, Ca and opened a dance studio. His mother taught him piano and his father taught him to tap dance. At age 16 he won a Gene Krupa drum solo contest.

After high school and a tour in the Navy as a medic, Cal went to San Francisco State College and met Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. They formed the Dave Brubeck Octet and Cal played drums. When the Octet broke up, Tjader and Brubeck formed a trio and it was during this period that he taught himself the vibraphone.

In 1953 he joined George Shearing's group. They made frequent trips to New York and Cal would go and see the Latin Bands of Tito Puente and Machito. When he left the Shearing band the following year, he formed his own group, The Cal Tjader Modern Mambo Quintet, and started recording for Fantasy. He also had several straight ahead bebop groups and was part of San Francisco's jazz scene. He recorded prolifically for Fantasy until 1962.

Tjader signed on with Verve and in 1963 he experimented with combining Jazz and Asian music, recording two albums. In 1964, returning to Latin Jazz he had a hit album called "Soul Sauce."

During the 1970's Cal returned to the Fantasy label. He experimented with Rock music and added electronic instruments to his band. In 1979 he signed on with Concord Picante and again returned to all Latin Jazz. His first album "La Onda Va Bien" won a Grammy award. On May 5, 1982 Cal died from a heart attack while on tour in Manila, Philipines.

I'm listening to the CD "Monterey Concerts." This is a 2 LP reissue of "Concerts by the Sea Vol 1&2." This is a live concert date on April 20, 1959 for the Monterey Jazz Festival.

The band is composed of Tjader on vibes; Paul Horn on flute and alto sax; Lonnie Hewitt on piano; Al Mckibbon on bass; Willie Bobo on drums and timbales; and Mongo Santamaria on percussion.

This recording is a mixture of straight ahead Jazz and Latin Jazz. The tunes include "Doxy," Afro-Blue," "Laura," "'Round Midnight," "A Night in Tunisia," "Lover, Come Back to Me," and "Tumbao."

Here's a video of Cal Tjader playing "Guachi Guara"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JQMvidVo5Y&feature=player_detailpage