Jazz / Christmas, Bop, Holidays
Al Grey Producer, Trombone
Bruce Cockburn Composer
David Braham Piano, Organ
Eileen Folson Cello
Ira Gitler Liner Notes
Jackie Williams Drums
James Pierpont Composer
Joe Cohn Guitar, Trumpet
Jon Hendricks Vocals
Judith Kirtley Cover Photo
Keith Copeland Drums
Lesa Terry Violin
Mike Grey Trombone
Norman Simmons Arranger, Piano
Rosalie Soladar Photography, Producer
Shelley Hubbard Cover Design
Steve Novosel Bass
Traditional Composer
This lesser-known set of Christmas jazz features the witty trombonist Al Grey in a variety of settings. Two songs ("Christmas Stockin' Stuffer" and "How Santa Got Thin") have humorous vocals by Jon Hendricks, and a few numbers add three strings; Grey is generally the main voice throughout the instrumentals. Among his sidemen are guitarist Joe Cohn (who takes a rare solo on trumpet), Al's son Mike Grey on second trombone and either pianist Norman Simmons or David Lee Braham on piano and organ. Among the Yuletide favorites explored on the joyful set are "Winter Wonderland," "Jingle Bells" and a closing "Auld Lang Syne." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Al Grey
Active Decades: '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s
Born: Jun 06, 1925 in Aldie, VA
Died: Mar 24, 2000 in Phoenix, AZ
Genre: Jazz
Styles: Bop, Swing, Jazz Instrument, Trombone Jazz
Al Grey's trademark phrases and often humorous use of the plunger mute long made him quite distinctive. After getting out of the service, he was with the orchestras of Benny Carter (1945-1946), Jimmie Lunceford (1946-1947), Lucky Millinder, and Lionel Hampton (off and on during 1948-1953). Grey was a well-featured soloist with the classic Dizzy Gillespie globetrotting orchestra during 1956-1957 (taking an exciting solo at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival on a blazing version of "Cool Breeze"). He was with Count Basie's orchestra on three separate occasions (1957-1961, 1964-1966, and 1971-1977), led a band with Billy Mitchell in the early '60s, and had a group with Jimmy Forrest after leaving Basie in 1977. In later years, Grey performed and recorded often with Clark Terry, made a CD with the Statesmen of Jazz, and for a time led a quintet that featured his son Mike Grey on second trombone. Al Grey recorded as a leader for Argo (1959-1964), Tangerine, Black & Blue, Stash, Chiaroscuro, and Capri, and co-led an excellent Pablo date in 1983 with J.J. Johnson. He died of complications from diabetes on March 24, 2000.
---Scott Yanow, All Music Guide |
