April 29, 2010

This Week in Jazz History: April 29 to May 5

April 29
  • Composer/pianist Duke Ellington born 1899 in Washington, D.C.
  • Tenor saxophonist George Adams born 1940 in Covington, GA.
  • Harmonica player and guitarist Toots Thielemans born 1922 in Brussels, Belgium.
 April 30
  • Pianist Richard Twardzik born 1931 in Danvers. MA.
  • Bassist Percy Heath born 1923 in Wilmington, W.VA.
  • Alto saxophonist Charlie Parker makes his first commercial recording (Swingmatism) with Jay McShann’s band in Dallas 1941.
 May 1
  • Vocalist/pianist Shirley Horn born 1934 in Washington, D.C.
  • Pianist Bud Powell records Night in Tunisia 1951
  • Flutist James Newton born 1953 in Los Angeles, CA.
 May 2
  • Organist Richard "Groove" Holmes born 1931 in Camden, NJ.
  • Pianist Eddie Heywood records How High The Moon with the tenor saxophonist Don Byas, 1944.
  • Vocalist/bandleader Billy Eckstine records "A Cottage For Sale," 1945.
 May 3
  • Pianist/composer John Lewis born 1920 in La Grange, IL.
  • Vibraphonist Red Norvo Trio with Charles Mingus and Tal Farlow make their first recordings 1950.
  • Vocalist Ethel Waters records “Stormy Weather,” 1933.
 May 4
  • Duke Ellington records “Cottontail” featuring tenor saxophonist Ben Webster, 1940.
  • Bassist Ron Carter born 1937 in Ferndale, MI.
  • Vocalist Bessie Smith records “Lost Your Head Blues,” 1926.
 May 5
  • Trumpeter Jack Walrath born 1946 in Stuart, FL.
  • Drummer/bandleader Paul Barbarin born 1899 in New Orleans, LA.
  • Tenor saxophonist John Coltrane records Giant Steps with pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Art Taylor 1959.
 Source: Smithsonian Jazz

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