Interracial Jazz Session (#22) Red Norvo and Teddy Wilson

Today, March 31 (1908), is Red Norvo's birthday-an appropriate time to post a session Norvo led that featured pianist Teddy Wilson. Wilson, a widely influential swing pianist, was in the forefront of the desegregation of live jazz.  In 1935, a year after these recordings, he became a member of Benny Goodman's trio with Gene Krupa and then Goodman's quartet when Lionel Hampton was added.

Starting in vaudeville and radio in the 1920's, Norvo was a preeminent marimba and xylophone player who switched to vibes in the 1940's. He had a long career as a leader and sideman, often recording with his wife, singer Mildred Bailey. He was an adventurous player who searched for new sounds throughout his long career, including an interesting early 1950's stint with Charles Mingus.

Trombonist  Jack Jenney was a solid swinger, although more well known for his tone on ballads. It's also interesting to hear Charlie Barnet and Artie Shaw before they became big timers.

These are the group's two sessions:

Red Norvo and his Swing Septet: Jack Jenney, tb / Artie Shaw, cl / Charlie Barnet, ts / Teddy Wilson, p /Bobby Johnson, g / Hank Wayland, sb / Billy Gussak, d / Red Norvo, x. New York, September 26, 1934.

• Old Fashioned Love- Col 3059-D, 35688, DB-5012, MC-5012;
• I Surrender, Dear- Col 2977-D, 35688, DB-5012, MC-5012

Red Norvo and his Swing Septet: Jack Jenney, tb / Artie Shaw, cl / Charlie Barnet, ts / Teddy Wilson, p /Bobby Johnson, g / Hank Wayland, sb / Billy Gussak, d / Red Norvo, x New York, October 4, 1934.

• A Tomboy- Col 2977-D, MC-3031, Par R-2110;
• The Night Is Blue- Col 3026-D, Par R-2088

All entries are from my book “As Long as They Can Blow. Interracial Jazz Recording and Other Jive Before 1935.”