The Black Big Bands: Four Swinging Big Bands from a Bygone Era

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: July 12, 2004

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Personnel:Cab Calloway and His Orchestra: Cab Calloway- leader, vocals; Lammar Wright, Doc Cheatham, Edwin Swayzee- trumpet; DePriest Wheeler, Harry White- trombone; Eddie Barefield, Andrew Brown, Arville Harris, Walter "Foots" Thomas- saxophone; Bennie Payne- piano; Morris White- guitar; Al Morgan- bass; Leroy Maxey- drums. Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra:Lucky Millinder- leader, vocals; John Bello, Harold Johnson, Archie Johnson, Leon Meriam- trumpet; Alfred Cobbs, Gene Simon, Frank Mazzoli- trombone; Burnie Peacock, Sam Hopkins, George Nicholas- alto saxophone; Clarence "Bullmoose" Jackson- tenor saxophone, vocal on "I Love You, Yes I Do;" Sam "The Man" Taylor- tenor saxophone; Ernest Pruce- baritone saxophone; Sir Charles Thompson- piano; Bernard Mackey- guitar; Jerry Cox- bass; Panama Francis- drums; Paul Breckenridge- vocal on "Sweet Slumber;" Annastine Allen- vocal on "Let it Roll." Andy Kirk and His Orchestra: (personnel unknown). Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra: Billy Eckstine- vocals, valve trombone; Hobart Dotson, King Kolax, Rostelle Reese- trumpet; Chippy Outcalt, Gerald Valentine, Howard Scott- trombone; Junior Williams- alto saxophone; Gene Ammons, Frank Wess- tenor saxophone; Leo Parker- baritone saxophone; Jimmy Golden, Louis Dunlop- piano; Connie Wainwright- guitar; Bill McMahon- bass; Art Blakey- drums.

Special Features:

Biographies of Cab Calloway, Lucius "Lucky" Millinder, Andy Kirk, and Billy Eckstine

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