Marshall Royal

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Marshal Royal (occasionally Marshal Royal ) (* 12. May 1912 in Sapulpa ( Oklahoma ); † 9. May 1995 in Los Angeles ( California )) was an American jazz - saxophonist , clarinetist of Swing .

Live and act

Marshall Royal became known for his membership in the Count Basie Band, to which he belonged for almost 20 years.

Royal is the older brother of the trumpeter Ernie Royal and first learned violin and guitar, then clarinet and saxophone. At the age of thirteen he made his first professional appearance, at the age of 18 he became a member of the Les Hite Band, of which he was a member from 1931 to 1939, and toured with Art Tatum during this time . From 1940 to 1942 he worked in Lionel Hampton's band until the Second World War interrupted his career. After his military service, in which he played in the Navy Band, Royal worked with Eddie Heywood , then he moved to Los Angeles and worked there as a studio musician. He also played with the young Charles Mingus ( Baron Mingus and his Octet - The Young Rebel , 1946). In 1950 he accompanied the singer Helen Humes with his own formation .

In 1951, Royal Buddy replaced DeFranco as clarinetist in Count Basie's septet, which Basie had formed when he broke up his big band . When the Basie Band re-emerged, Royal became lead alto saxophonist and served as musical director until 1970. He made occasional solo appearances such as in The Midnite Sun Never Stes from 1959, but was primarily head of the reeds section “Responsible for the swinging character of the band. When he left the Basie band in 1970, Royal stayed in Los Angeles permanently, playing with the Concord All-Stars , Bill Berry's Big Band, Frank Capp , Paul Quinichette , Nat Pierce , Earl Hines , Ernie Wilkins , Zoot Sims and Duke Ellington , among others .

Royal recorded an album as a soloist with Dave Frishberg in 1977 ; then another with Warren Vaché in 1978. In the 1970 / 80s he led a band with Snooky Young and accompanied Ella Fitzgerald and Gene Harris . In 1989 he played in Frank Wess ' big band.

Discographic notes

  • 1950: Helen Humes with Marshall Royal and his Orchestra ( Savoy Records )
  • 1960: Gordon Jenkins Presents (Everest)
  • 1978: First Chair (Concord Jazz)
  • 1980: Royal Blue (Concord Jazz)

literature

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personal data
SURNAME Royal, Marshall
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American jazz alto saxophonist and clarinetist
DATE OF BIRTH May 12, 1912
PLACE OF BIRTH Sapulpa , Oklahoma
DATE OF DEATH May 9, 1995
Place of death Los Angeles , California