Leroy Vinnegar

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Leroy Vinnegar (* 13. July 1928 in Indianapolis , † 3. August 1999 in Portland in Oregon ) was an American jazz - bassist , known for his mastery of the " walking bass " style.

Life

Born in Indianapolis, Vinnegar gained his fame as a bassist in Los Angeles in the 1950s and 1960s. His special trademark was the rhythmic "walking bass" playing, a constant sequence of ascending and descending notes, which earned him the nickname "The Walker".

Vinnegar had learned to play the bass himself and began his career as a pianist in local clubs. He accompanied traveling soloists such as Charlie Parker and Sonny Stitt . From 1952 Vinnegar worked in Chicago, from 1954 in Los Angeles, there with Stan Getz , Herb Geller , Barney Kessel and 1955/56 as a permanent member of the bands of Shelly Manne , Chico Hamilton , Teddy Edwards and for decades as a duo and others Formations with the pianist Carl Perkins .

As a band leader and sideman, he made countless records; He attracted attention in the 1950s through recordings for André Previn , Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan , Hampton Hawes , Shorty Rogers , Chet Baker , Shelly Manne and Serge Chaloff . He played bass on Previn's and Mann's My Fair Lady album. In 1969 he played in the appearance of Eddie Harris and Les McCann at the Montreux Jazz Festival (appeared on the record Swiss Movement ). In addition to his work as a jazz musician, Vinnegar also appeared on a number of film soundtracks and pop albums, including Van Morrison 's 1972 album, Saint Dominic's Preview .

In 1986 Vinnegar moved to Portland. In 1995, the Oregon Parliament honored him with the proclamation of "Leroy Vinnegar Day" on May 1st.

Leroy Vinnegar died of a heart attack in a Portland hospital at the age of 71.

Discographic notes

Albums as a leader

Albums as a sideman

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Vinnegar, Leroy
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American jazz bassist
DATE OF BIRTH July 13, 1928
PLACE OF BIRTH Indianapolis
DATE OF DEATH August 3, 1999
Place of death Portland