Alvin Tyler

Alvin "Red" Tyler (* 5. December 1925 in New Orleans , Louisiana; † 4. April 1998 ) was an American rhythm-and-blues - rock 'n' roll - and jazz - saxophonist .

Career

Alvin Tyler named the famous funeral processions typical of his hometown New Orleans as his first musical memories. He began playing the baritone saxophone while serving in the US Navy . A clause in his dismissal certificate in 1947 guaranteed him the subsequent training in a music school. There he received instruction from Clyde Kerr Sr.

His first engagement in 1946 immediately led him to the renowned band of trumpeter Dave Bartholomew, which was booked by many musicians and producers for recording sessions and concerts. Tyler described Barthomlomew's band leading as strict, extremely professional and therefore very educational for the musicians. The saxophonist also used many opportunities to play in the city's jazz clubs with greats such as the clarinetist Alvin Batiste or the pianist Ellis Marsalis .

The first recording with Dave's band was Fats Dominos Fat Man , the success of which put him on the front line of musicians who came to be known as the " Studio Band ". In addition to Earl Palmer on drums, Frank Fields on bass, Edgar Blanchard and Roy Montrell on guitars, and with tenor saxophonist Lee Allen as a congenial partner, Tyler formed the musical backbone of the recordings in Cosimo Matassa's J&M studio. In addition to Domino, Little Richard , Lloyd Price , Jimmy Clanton , Lee Dorsey , Aaron Neville and many other interpreters of rhythm and blues and rock 'n' roll recorded successful hits here. He worked with the well-known musicians and producers of the New Orleans rhythm and blues style, including Dr. John and Allen Toussaint .

In 1959 he released a collection of his own tracks in album form with Rockin 'and Rollin' on the Ace Records label by Johnny Vincent , which was followed by another collection in 1962 with Twistin 'with Mr Sax . In 1961 Tyler was involved in founding the AFO Records label with Harold Battiste , but in 1967, at the end of the rhythm and blues boom, he withdrew from the professional music business and became a liquor dealer. The decision enabled him to focus more on his real passion, modern jazz . Alvin has always been an admirer of bebop stars Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie , whom he emulated with his own band in the jazz clubs of his city. He only occasionally took part in recordings, including for Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Johnny Adams . In addition to his standard instrument, the baritone saxophone, Tyler now also used the tenor saxophone more often.

In the mid-1980s, his appearances were again more frequent, again on the side of Johnny Adams and Ellis Marsalis. In 1986 Alvin Tyler finally went back to the studio on his own and recorded the two jazz albums Heritage and Graciously for the Rounder Records label . Tyler was supported by David Torkanowski , James Singleton , Steve Masakowski , Johnny Vidacovich from the Astral Project and by Clyde Kerr Jr. , whose father he had enjoyed his instrumental training. Johnny Adams and Germaine Bazzle took over the vocal part.

Tyler died on April 4, 1998 in his hometown of New Orleans. Shortly before his death, the album Simply Red was released with Ace recordings, including some alternative versions and earlier single releases.

Discography

Singles

• 1959 - Sneaky Eyes / Walk On , Ace 556
• 1959 - Happy Sax / Junk Village , Ace 576

Albums

• 1961 - Rockin 'and Rollin' , Ace LP-1006
• 1962 - Twistin 'With Mr Sax Ace LP-1021
• 1986 - Heritage , Rounder 2047
• 1987 - Graciously , Rounder 2061
• 1988 - Simply Red , Westside 529

Web links

• Alvin Tyler at Allmusic (English)
• Alvin Tyler at Discogs (English)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ ^{a b c d e f} The Scotsman: Back To His First Love. In: Jazzhouse. 1998, accessed November 21, 2008 . 
2. ↑ ^{a b} Rose of Sharon Winter: Alvin "Red" Tyler Biography. In: All Music Guide. Retrieved November 21, 2008 . 
3. ↑ Cub Koda: Simply Red Review. In: All Music Guide. Retrieved November 21, 2008 .