Al Gray

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Al Gray (1980s).
Photography by William P. Gottlieb .

Albert Thornton "Al" Gray (born June 6, 1925 in Aldie, Virginia , † March 24, 2000 in Phoenix, Arizona ) was one of the leading jazz trombonists of the 20th century. As a member of the Count Basie Big Band, he contributed to some of their greatest successes. Al Gray mastered the use of the plunger damper like no other.

Live and act

Gray grew up in Pottstown , Pennsylvania . During World War II he served in the US Navy. During this time he developed his trombone playing , which enabled him to join Benny Carter as a band member after the end of the war . As a result, he played with various formations, including Lionel Hampton and the big band of Dizzy Gillespie . Count Basie discovered him by chance in October 1957 and hired him for the imminent European tour. His trombone solos can be heard on many Count Basie recordings. But the melody support for Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra are also legendary.

After 1961, Gray only appeared sporadically with the Count Basie Orchestra . He founded his own formations and worked with many jazz greats, including Herbie Hancock , Quincy Jones and Ray Charles . With John Gordon and other trombonists he formed ensembles such as Trombones Incorporated and Trombone Summit . Al Gray has been touring tirelessly and can also be found regularly in clubs and festivals in Europe. He was very popular with his audience because of his humor and his ability to carry it away.

Discographic notes

  • 1957: Dizzy's blues (with Dizzy Gillespie)
  • 1958: I needs to be bee'd with (with Basie)
  • 1960: Rare Butterfly (with Basie)
  • 1988: The New Al Gray Quintet
  • 1991: Live At the Floating Jazz Festival
  • 1992: Things Are Getting Better All the Time (with JJ Johnson )
  • 1995: Me N 'Jack
  • 1995: Truly Wonderful

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Gray, Al
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Gray, Albert Thornton (full name)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American trombonist
DATE OF BIRTH June 6, 1925
PLACE OF BIRTH Aldie , Virginia
DATE OF DEATH March 24, 2000
Place of death Phoenix , Arizona