Jazz Articles about Louie Bellson

Louie Bellson's Big Band Explosion!: The Art of the Chart

by Jim Santella
May 1, 1998

At the age of seventy-three, drummer Louie Bellson shows no signs of slowing down; his drum set propels his Big Band Explosion! here today as it has in the past for the bands of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and others. Bellson's casual, friendly manner off the stage shows up in the performances as well; the bandleader encourages all band members to exhibit their wares and allows space for each.

Bellson co-composed nine of ...