1948

Wardell Gray Chronology

 

 

 

Created by Leif Bo Petersen

 

Last updated: August 3, 2020, 2020.

 

Date

 

Event

References/Further Details

Early

AFRS Jubilee show

Benny Carter and His Orchestra.

Including Wardell Gray (ts).

Pete Dailey and His Chicagoans

Peggy Lee

Deep River Boys

McCormack General Hospital, Pasadena, CA.

John Beal (mc).

Material from this show was used on AFRS Jubilee ## 276 and 284.

 

R. E. Lotz and U. Neuert, The AFRS “Jubilee” Transcription Programs (1985), no. 284: Dates March 3, 30 or c. May 1948.

I suggest early 1948, as the Jubilee production at McCornack seem to have stopped early in March (“Entertainment Calendar,” Needle, March 25, 1948, 3: 19:00: AFRS Jubilee). Gray joined Goodman in March and left for New York late in the month.

See discography for details.

January?

Charlie Parker All Stars

Release of Dial 1013.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded February 26, 1947.

Charlie Parker All Stars

Dial 1013-A

Cheers

Dial 1013-B

Carvin’ the Bird

 

“Sing it Together,” Pittsburgh Courier, January 17, 1948: The photo caption here mentions the record of Dark Shadows (Dial 1014).

Ad for Idessa Malone distributors, Billboard, April 3, 1948, 48: mentions this record as a “late release.”

 

January

Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra

Release of National 9041.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded April 21, 1947.

Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra

National 9041-A

All of Me

National 9041-B

She’s Got Blues for Sale

 

Advance Record Releases,” Billboard, January 17, 1948, 33.

“Record Reviews,” Billboard, February 14, 1948, 120: positive review.

 

 

February early

Various Artists

Release of Dial D2.

Bebop Jazz Volume Two.

3 10” 78 rpm. records albums.

The records were probably also sold as singles.

Wardell Gray only appears on Dial 1022-A.

 

Recorded September 21, 1946

Sonny Berman Big Eight

Dial 1020-A

Moon Burns (= Nocturne)

Recorded July 29, 1946

Howard McGhee Quartet

Dial 1020-B

Thermodynamics

 

Recorded November 4, 1947.

Charlie Parker Quintet

Dial 1021-A

Scrapple from the Apple

Dial 1021-B

Don’t Blame Me

 

Recorded February 26, 1947.

Charlie Parker All Stars

Dial 1022-A

Stupendous

Dexter Gordon Quartet

Dial 1022-B

Blues Bikini

 

 “New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 18, 1948, 4D: album review. Very favorable.

February/March

AFRS Jubilee show

International All Stars

Stan Hasselgard (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Dodo Marmarosa (p); Al Hendrickson (el-g); prob. Harry Babasin (b); Frank Bode (Uffe Baadh) (d); Frances Wayne (voc).

Frances Wayne

Pete Dailey and His Chicagoans

Bill Doggett Trio

McCornack General Hospital, Pasadena, CA.

Gene Norman (mc).

Material from here was used on Jubilee #278.

 

R. E. Lotz and U. Neuert, The AFRS “Jubilee” Transcription Programs (1985), no. 278: Dates February 9 or c. March 1948.

See discography for details.

 

March mid

Benny Goodman Sextet

Goodman plans to take sextet and big band into White Plains, NY, in the summer.

 

“BG to Lease Spot for W-E Full Orchestra Dates,” Billboard, March 20, 1948, 35.

March 26

Just Jazz Concert

Including Benny Goodman (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Johnny White (vib); Mel Powell (p); Charlie Drayton (b): Billy Drayton (d); Joe Alexander (voc).

Russ Auditorium, San Diego, CA.

 

“Out of the Horn’s Mouth,” Variety (Daily), March 25, 1948, 8: Concerts Friday and Saturday.

“2 Bashes Bag 7G for Gene Norman,” Variety, March 29, 1948, 9.

 

March 27

Just Jazz Concert

Including Benny Goodman (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Johnny White (vib); Mel Powell (p); Charlie Drayton (b): Billy Drayton (d); Joe Tony Harper (voc).

Civic Auditorium Pasadena, CA.

 

“Out of the Horn’s Mouth,” Variety (Daily), March 25, 1948, 8: Concerts Friday and Saturday.

“2 Bashes Bag 7G for Gene Norman,” Variety, March 29, 1948, 9.

“Toni Harper Scores in Norman’s Jazz Bash,” Pittsburgh Courier, April 10, 1948, 1: review.

April

Wardell Gray Quartet

Wardell Gray (ts); Al Haig (p); Clyde Lombardi (b); Tiny Kahn (d).

Unidentified studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Sittin’ In With.

 

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

May

J. C. Heard and His Orchestra

Joe Newman (tp); Bennie Green (tb); Wardell Gray (ts); Tate Houston (bar); Al Haig (p); Al McKibbon (b); J.C. Heard (d).

Unidentified studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Apollo.

 

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

May early

Benny Goodman Septet

NYC.

Goodman starts rehearsing a septet including Wardell Gray and Stan Hasselgard.

 

D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 191.

May 10

Benny Goodman Septet

Including Teddy Wilson, Wardell Gray, Joe Bushkin, and Muriel Jayne (voc)

Carnegie Hall, New York, NY.

The planned concert was cancelled 4 days before the date because trouble putting together a suitable combo and also lacking ticket sales

 

“Benny Back,” Daily News, April 28, 1948, 51: Benny Goodman concert at Carnegie Hall planned.

“BG’s Carnegie Date Cancelled,” Billboard, May 15, 1948, 4.

May 24

Benny Goodman Septet

Benny Goodman, Stan Hasselgard (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Teddy Wilson (p); Billy Bauer (el-g); Arnold Fishkin (b); Mel Zelnick (d); Patti Page (voc).

Click Restaurant, Philadelphia, PA.

May 24–June 6.

WCAU (CBS) and KYW (NBC) had broadcasts during most of the engagement.

Recordings exist.

 

“Click Roster,” Billboard, March 13, 1948, 17.

“BG’s Carnegie Date Cancelled,” Billboard, May 15, 1948, 4.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 24, 1948, 23: KYW (NBC): 12:05–12:25 am: Benny Goodman.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 27, 1948, 29: 11:30–12:00: WCAU (CBS): Benny Goodman.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 28, 1948, 29: 12:00–12:30: WCAU (CBS): Benny Goodman.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 29, 1948, 15: KWCAU (CBS): 4:00–4:45 pm.: Spotlight show (maybe a Goodman show.)

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 29, 1948, 15: KYW (NBC): 12:05–12:30 am.

 “Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, May 31, 1948, 17: KYW (NBC): 12:05–12:30 am: Benny Goodman.

 “Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 3, 1948, 27: 11:30–12:00: WCAU (CBS): Benny Goodman.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 4, 1948, 31: 12:05–12:30: WCAU (CBS): Benny Goodman.

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 1948, 15: KWCAU (CBS): 4:00–4:45 pm.: Spotlight show (maybe a Goodman show.)

“Radio Features on the Air Today,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 5, 1948, 15: 12:05–12:30: KYW (NBC): Benny Goodman.

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

June

Wardell Gray

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

June–August.

Wardell Gray is reported sitting in here.

 

Claus Dahlgren: Mitt i Be-bopnästet,” Orkester Journalen, August 1948, 11.

June 18

Benny Goodman Septet

Red Rodney (tp); Benny Goodman, Stan Hasselgard (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Teddy Wilson (p); Bill Bauer (el-g); Arnold Fishkin (b); Mel Zelnick (d); Patti Page, Jackie Searle (voc).

Local Band

Unidentified personnel.

Westchester Community Center, White Plains, NY.

June 18–19.

Ted Husing, Fred Robbins (mc).

 

Ad in Dobbs Ferry Register, Friday, June 18, 1948, 5: Opening tonight.

 “Ben Goodman Dance Series at Center,” Dobbs Ferry Register, Friday, June 25, 1948, 7: Series of weekend concerts opened June 18.

“Bop-Styled BG Septet Stars All but Goodman,” Down Beat, July 14, 1948, 6: Review on opening night.

G. Hoefer, “Benny and the Boppers,” Down Beat, July 26, 1966, 22: The engagement covered 3 weekends.

 

June 25

Benny Goodman Septet

Benny Goodman, Stan Hasselgard (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Mary Lou Williams, Bill Bauer (el-g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Mel Zelnick (d); Jackie Searle; Dolly Houston (voc). Teddy Wilson appears as a guest. Red Rodney (tp) and Babs Gonzales are also reported appearing in this or the following dances.

Also on the bill: Ronny Rommel’s band.

Westchester Community Center, White Plains, NY.

June 25–26.

Fred Robbins (mc).

June 26:

WNEW broadcast: 8–8:30 p.m. Glen Adams (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

Ad in Dobbs Ferry Register, Friday, June 25, 1948, 5.

“Ronny With Goodman,” Bridgeport Telegram, June 25, 65.

”Music–As Written,” Billboard, June 19, 1948, 21: An amateur contest is held in Connecticut in order to find a vocalist for the June 25–26 performance.

”Music–As Written,” Billboard, July 3, 1948, 36: Broadcasts are starting June 26.

“The Radio Today,” New York Times, June 26, 1948, 30: WNEW 8:00–8:30 pm: Benny Goodman Show (premiere).

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

July

Wardell Gray & Vido Musso

Release of Modern Music 20-611.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded December 27, 1947.

Wardell Gray & Vido Musso

Modern Music 20-611 A

Sweet Georgia Bop

Modern Music 20-611 A

Sweet Georgia Brown

 

 “Record Reviews,” Billboard, July 31, 1948 167: friendly review.

“Most Played Juke Box Records,” Billboard, January 8, 1949, 25: Number 18.

“Records Most Played by Disc Jockeys,” Billboard, January 8, 1949, 90: Number 28.

“Most Played Juke Box Records,” Billboard, February 5, 1949, 29: Number 14.

“Records Most Played by Disc Jockeys,” Billboard, February 5, 1949, 105: Number 29.

“Most Played Juke Box Records,” Billboard, February 26, 1949, 34: Number 14.

“Best-selling Popular retail Records,” Billboard, February 26, 1949, 32: Number 16.

 

July

Billy Eckstine

Release of National 9049.

10” 78 rpm. record.

Wardell Gray does not appear on 9049-B.

 

Recorded April 21, 1947.

Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra

National 9049-A

Sophisticated Lady

Recorded January 3, 1946.

Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra

National 9049-B

Jitney Man

 

Advance Record Releases,” Billboard, July 3, 1948, 35.

 

July 3

Benny Goodman Septet

Benny Goodman, Stan Hasselgard (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Mary Lou Williams, Teddy Wilson (p); Bill Bauer (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Mel Zelnick (d); Jackie Searle; Dolly Houston (voc).

Westchester Community Center, White Plains, NY.

July 3–4.

July 3:

WNEW broadcast 8–8:30 p.m. Glen Adams (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

“On the Radio Today,” New York Times, July 3, 1948, 26: WNEW 8:00 –8:30 pm: Benny Goodman Show.”

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

July 10

Benny Goodman Septet

Westchester Community Center, White Plains, NY.

July 10–11.

July 10:

WNEW broadcast 8–8:30 p.m. Glen Adams (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

“On the Radio Today,” New York Times, July 10, 1948, 26: WNEW 8:00 –8:30 pm: Benny Goodman Show.”

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

July 16

Freddie Slack and His Band

Probably including: Red Rodney (tp); Wardell Gray (ts); Paul Lopez (tp); Jimmy Knepper (tb); Hank Horn (as & bs); Freddie (p & dir); Darryl Homer (g); Paul Moresy (b); Maynard Sloate (d), a. o.

June Richmond

Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis Quartet

Apollo Theater, New York, NY.

July 16–22.

 

Ad in New York Age, July 17, 1948, 6.

Maynard Sloate interviewed by Tate Swindell, June 2013: Slack hired Rodney and Gray especially for the Apollo engagement. Gray also participated in a Slack riverboat engagement in the Washington, DC. Area in this period.

July 24

Freddie Slack and His Orchestra

SS Potomac, Washington, DC.

Riverboat cruise. 9:45 pm–12:00 am.

 

“Tchaikovsky’s Surely spinning,”, Washington Post, July 24, 1948, 12.

Maynard Sloate interviewed by Tate Swindell, June 2013: Wardell Gray also participated in a Slack riverboat engagement in the Washington, DC.

 

August early/

mid

Tadd Dameron And His Orchestra

Allen Eager (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Curly Russell (b); Kenny Clarke

WMCA broadcast, Saturday, August 7, 14 or 21, 3—4 a.m. (Saturday after midnight).

Recordings exist.

 

Looking and Listening,” Daily News, August 5, 1948, 19C: Regular WMCA transmissions with Eckstine, Ventura, and Dameron start on Saturday, August 7, 3—4 a.m

These recordings are sometimes dated September 1948, and believed to be from the period where Wardell Gray appeared with Basie at the Roost, but the Dameron band was not on the bill during the Basie tenancy at the Roost.

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

August 20

Benny Goodman Sextet

Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Wardell Gray (ts); Mary Lou Williams (p); Billy Bauer (el-g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Mel Zelnick (d); Jackie Searle (voc).

WOR Guild Theatre Playhouse, New York, NY.

Recording session for V-disc.

 

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

August 28

Benny Goodman Sextet

Ling Ridge Firemen’s Bazaar, Stamford, CT.

WSTC broadcast 9:30–10 pm.

 

“WSTC to air Program with Benny Goodman at Ling Ridge Bazaar,” Stamford Advocate, August 27, 1948., 18:  Mentions the sextet including Wardell Gray.

WSTC ad in Stamford Advocate, August 28, 1948., 9. Vocal by Jackie Soule [sic]; featuring Mayr Lou Williams.

 

September?

Dexter Gordon/Wardell Gray

Release of Dial 1017.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded June 12, 1947.

Dexter Gordon/Wardell Gray

Dial 1017-A

The Chase part one

Dial 1017-B

The Chase part two

 

Ad for McClister Electronics, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 5, 1948, sec. 2, 3.

Record Reviews,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 104: very positive review. States Wardell Gray as winner of the duel.

September?

Various artists

Probably release of BOP 101-102, !04–105.

10” 78 rpm. records.

Wardell Gray is heard in ensemble riffs, and he chases with Dexter Gordon in The Hunt part 5– 8.

 

Recorded July 6, 1947.

BOP 101 A

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray blowing                   

The Hunt part 5

BOP 101 B

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray blowing

The Hunt part 6

BOP 102 A

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray blowing

The Hunt part 7

BOP 102 B

Dexter Gordon & Wardell Gray blowing

The Hunt part 8

BOP 104 A

Howard McGhee Blowing

The Hunt part 1

BOP 104 B

Sonny Kriss [sic] blowing

The Hunt part 2

BOP 105 A

Trummy Young blowing

The Hunt part 3

BOP 105 B

Barney Kessel blowing

The Hunt part 4

 

Ad for McClister Electronics, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, September 5, 1948, sec. 2, 3.

Ad for Hawaii Music Stores, Honolulu Advertiser, October 22, 1948, 3: The Hunt in 10 parts.

September 9

Benny Goodman Septet

Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Fats Navarro (tp); Wardell Gray (ts); Mundell Lowe (el-g); Gene DiNovi (p); Clyde Lombardi (b); Mel Zelnick (d).

Capitol Studios, New York, NY.

Benefit recording for Capitol.

 

R. Firestone, Swing, Swing, Swing (1993), 346.

L. Dahl, Morning Glory (1999), 200–201: dates September 8.

For further details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 208, 219–20.

For details see also: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

September 9

Count Basie Orchestra

Clark Terry, Jimmy Nottingham, Harry Edison, Emmett Berry (tp); Bill Johnson, George Matthews, Ted Donnelly, Dickie Wells (tb);

Bernie Peacock (as); Earl Warren (as, voc); Wardell Gray, Paul Gonsalves (ts); Jack Washington (bar); Count Basie (p, dir); Green (g); Singleton “Cookie” Palmer (b); Shadow Wilson (d); Jimmy Rushing (voc).

(September 7—29).

Dinah Washington

(voc) acc. by Beryl Booker and the Count Basie orchestra.

(September 9—16.)

Anita O’Day

(voc) acc. by Lou Stein and the Count Basie orchestra.

(September 23—29).

Miles Davis Quintet and Nonet

Miles Davis (tp); Michael Zwerin (tb); Junior Collins (frh); Bill Barber (tu); Lee Konitz (as); Gerry Mulligan (bars); John Lewis (p & arr); Al McKibbon (b); Max Roach (d); Kenny Hagood (voc); Gil Evans (arr).

(September 7—24).

Tadd Dameron and His Orchestra

Fats Navarro (tp); Rudy Williams (as); Allen Eager (ts); Tadd Dameron (p); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d).

(September 25—29).

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

 

September 11, 18, and 25:

WMCA broadcasts; 3:00—4:00 am.  Part of the Friday night-Saturday morning Symphony Sid Show

Symphony Sid (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

September 14, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, and 28:

Mutual Network (MBS).

(some of these may be identical).

Recordings exist.

The material used in the AFRS Just Jazz ##21—22 and the AFRS Jubilee ## 310 and 329 probably comes from these broadcasts.

 

Ad in Daily News, September 9, 1948, 74.

“From Ted Lewis to Diz, Gotham Stirs Itself, Shows Life.” Down Beat, 6 October 1948:1: Has a review and the personnel of Basie at the Roost.

 Goings on About Town: Royal Roost,” New Yorker, October 30, 1948, 4.

“Dinah Washington Is Hailed on Broadway,” Chicago Defender (Nat. ed.), September 11, 1948, 8: Washington opened Tuesday for 10 days.

“Where They Are Playing,” Chicago Defender (Nat. ed.), September 18, 1948, 9: Washington at Royal, Baltimore September 17-23.

 “Night Life,” Brooklyn Eagle, September 21, 1948, 5: Anita O’Day into the Roost on Thursday, Basie remains. According to Anita O’Day’s memoirs she opened at the Roost opposite Basie and Dameron (A. O’Day and G. Eells, High Times Hard Times (1982), 150–52). On September 18 Symphony Sid also announces O’Day, and Dameron for the next week.  However, the surviving broadcasts from September 25 do not have Tadd Dameron, but instead Miles Davis Quintet and Kenny Hagood.

 

 “Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 14, 1948, 48: WOR: 11:30: Count Basie. 12:00: News. Barron.

“Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 17, 1948, 56: WOR: 1:00: News. Count Basie. 1:30: Lawrence.

“Radio programs,” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, September 18, 1949, 13: WOR: 12:00: News. Count Basie. 12:30. Lawrence.

“Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 21, 1948, 56: WOR: 11:30 Count Basie. 12:00:  News. Moreno.

“Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 24, 1948, 56: WOR: 1:00: News. Count Basie. 1:30: Lawrence.

“Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 25, 1948, 27: WOR: 12:00: News. Count Basie 12:30: Lawrence.

“Radio Programs,” Daily News, September 28, 1948, 27: WOR: 11:30 Count Basie: 12:00:  News. Moreno.

R. Firestone, Swing, Swing, Swing (1993), 346.

L. Dahl, Morning Glory (1999), 200–201: dates September 8.

For further details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 208, 219–20.

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

September 13

Tadd Dameron And His Orchestra

Fats Navarro (tp); Allen Eager, Wardell Gray (ts); Tadd Dameron (p, arr); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d); Chino Pozo (bgo); Kenny Hagood (voc).

WOR Studios, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Blue Note.

 

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

September 17

Salute to WMGM

Benny Goodman Sextet

Benny Goodman (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Gene DiNovi (p); Billy Bauer (el-g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Mel Zelnick (d).

Also appearing in this program: Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, and others.

WMGM broadcast: 8 p.m.: Salute to WMGM – Salute by Recording Artists.” Ted Husing (mc).

Recordings exist.

 

“Radio programs,” Brooklyn Eagle, September 17, 1948, 27.

For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

 

September 23

Count Basie Orchestra

(Basie may have stopped before September 29[i]).

Miles Davis Quintet

Miles Davis (tp); Lee Konitz (as); John Lewis (p); Curley Russell (b); Max Roach (d).

(This group may just have been subbing for the Dameron group on the Friday).

Tadd Dameron Orchestra

Fats Navarro (tp); Rudy Williams (as)?; Allen Eager; Tadd Dameron (p); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d).

Anita O’Day

(voc), acc. by Lou Stein (p), and by Count Basie’s orchestra.

All Star Band

J. J. Johnson (tb); Wardell Gray, Dexter Gordon (ts); Milt Jackson (vib); Lou Stein (p); Al Lucas (b); Max Roach (d).

(probably only the last Wednesday).

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

September 23–29.

 

September 25 (Friday after midnight): Roost transmission in WMCA broadcast: Symphony Sid.

Surviving recordings with Basie, the Davis group, and Anita O’Day exist.

 

 "Night Life," Brooklyn Eagle, September 21, 1948, 5: Anita O’Day into the Roost on Thursday, Basie remains. According to Anita O’Day’s memoirs she opened at the Roost opposite Basie and Dameron (A. O’Day and G. Eells, High Times Hard Times (1982), 150—52). On September 18 Symphony Sid also announces O’Day, and Dameron for the next week.  However, the surviving broadcasts from September 25 do not have Tadd Dameron, but instead Miles Davis Quintet and Kenny Hagood.

http://www.plosin.com/milesahead/Sessions.aspx?s=480925

For further details see L. B. Petersen and T. Rehak, Infatuation - The Music and Life of Theodore "Fats" Navarro (2009), 209—10.

Gunther

 visited the Roost on Wednesday, September 29. In his diary he reports the Dameron group without Rudy Williams, the all-star group, and Anita O’Day. No mention of Basie (information from his son George Schuller).

For details see also: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

September 26

Symphony Sid's Bop Concert

Fats Navarro (tp); Benny Green (tb); Stan Hasselgard (cl); Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Allen Eager (ts); Milt Jackson (vib); Lou Stein, Tadd Dameron (p), Curley Russell, Al McKibbon (b), Kenny Clarke, Max Roach (d).

Lou Stein replaced the announced Roy Kral.

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

4—8 p.m.

 

Symphony Sid announcement in broadcast on September 18, 1948.

Handbill: Handwritten notes on handbill: Lou Stein instead of Roy Kral; Stan Hasselgard is added (Lars Westin collection).

October 24

Symphony Sid's Bop Concert

Including: Fats Navarro?, Howard McGhee (tp); Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray? (ts):

Lennie Tristano’s All Stars

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

 4—8 p.m.

 

Symphony Sid announcement in broadcast on October 23, 1948.

Gunther Schuller visited the Roost this afternoon. In his diary he reports the Tristano group and the Dameron sextet featuring Howard McGhee and Dexter Gordon. No mention of Navarro and Wardell Gray (information from his son George Schuller).

October 24

Benny Goodman Quintet

Including Wardell Gray?

Ink Spots

Franklin and Moore

CBS TV-studio, New York, NY.

CBS TV show: Toast of the Town. 9.00–10:00 p.m.

Ed Sullivan (mc).

 

“Sunday’s Radio Features: Television Features,” Daily News, October 24, 1948, 39C: WCBS: 9:00–10:00 p.m.: Ed Sullivan’s Toast of the Town.

“Benny Goodman Crew on Television Show,” California Eagle, October 28, 17: Benny Goodman and his instrumental quintet and the ever-favorite Ink Spots, singing quartet, head the talent roster on Ed Sullivan's star-spangled "Toast of the Town" over the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Oct. 24.

 

October late

Jam session

Elate Ballroom, Philadelphia, PA.

Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray were engaged, but they did not show up. Babs Gonzales was late.

 

“Promoters Out of Luck - and Green Stuff,” Billboard, December 4, 1948, 18.

October late

Benny Goodman Orchestra

Wardell Gray joins Benny Goodman for rehearsals.

“Goodman Plans Tour for New Band,” Down Beat, October 20, 1948, 1: states 2 weeks of rehearsals and start of touring early November.

 

November?

Various artists

Release of BOP 107–10.

10” 78 rpm. records.

Wardell Gray is heard in the themes and background riffs. He solos on Bopera part 2.

BOP 11O B is from another performance.

 

Recorded July 6, 1947.

BOP 107 A

Trummy Young blowing

Bopera part 1

BOP 107 B

Wardell Gray blowing

Bopera part 2

 

BOP 108 A

Howard McGhee Blowing

Bopera part 3                         

BOP 108 B

Sonny Criss blowing

Bopera part 4

BOP 109 A

Dexter Gordon blowing

Bopera part 5

BOP 109 B

Barney Kessel blowing

Bopera part 6

BOP 110 A

Hampton Hawes blowing

Bopera part 7 

BOP 110 B

Bill Moore

Unfinished Bopera

 

 

November?

Various artists

Release of BOP 111–114.

10” 78 rpm. records.

Wardell Gray is heard in ensembles and solos on Jeronimo part 8.

 

Recorded July 6, 1947.

Howard McGhee Orchestra   

BOP 111-A

Featuring Trummy Young

Jeronimo part 1

BOP 111-B

Featuring Barney Kessel

Jeronimo part 2

BOP 112-A

Featuring Barney Kessel and Sonny Kriss [sic]

Jeronimo part 3

BOP 112-B

Featuring Sonny Criss

Jeronimo part 4

BOP 113-A

Featuring Dexter Gordon

Jeronimo part 5

BOP 113-B

Featuring Dexter Gordon

Jeronimo part 6

BOP 114-A

Featuring Dexter Gordon

Jeronimo part 7

BOP 114-B

Featuring Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray

Jeronimo part 8

 

 

November

J. C. Heard and His Orchestra

Release of Apollo 783.

10” 78 rpm. record.

 

Recorded May 1948.

J. C. Heard and His Orchestra

Apollo 783 A

Ollopa

Apollo 783 B

This is it

 

“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, November 13 ,1948, 112: positive review.

“Advance Race Records Releases,” Billboard, December 4 ,1948, 34.

November 4

Babs Gonzales and 3 Bips and Bop

Wardell Gray

Earl Coleman

Polish Hall, Jamaica, Long Island, NY.

Concert and Dance

 

“Babs Gonzales Appears in Jamaica Friday,” New York Age, November 6, 1948, 5.

November 12

Buddy Stewart Quintet

Eddie Bert (tb); Wardell Gray (ts); Buddy Greco (p); Gene Ramey (b); Charlie Perry (d); Buddy Stewart (voc).

Unidentified studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Sittin’ in with.

 

See discography for details.

 

November mid

Various artists

Release of Capitol CC 106.

Giants of Jazz.

10” 78 rpm. 3 records album.

Wardell Gray appear only on Capitol 10173-Z (Stealin’ Apples)

 

Golden Gate Quartet – Jeri Sullivan – The Brazilians – Benny Goodman – Tommy Dorsey – Charlie Barnet – Louis Armstrong – Mel Powell and Orchestra.

From the soundtrack of the movie A Song Is Born.

Capitol 10172-Y

A Song Was Born Part One

Capitol 10172-Z

A Song Was Born Part Two

 

Mel Powell Septet

From the soundtrack of the movie A Song Is Born

Capitol 10173-Y

Muskrat Ramble

Benny Goodman Septet

Recorded September 9, 1948.

Capitol 10173-Z

Stealin’ Apples

 

Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra

Recorded August 8, 1948.

From the soundtrack of the movie A Song Is Born

Capitol 10174-Y

The Redskin Rhumba

Page Cavanaugh Trio with Jerri Sullivan

Recorded 1948.

From the soundtrack of the movie A Song Is Born

Capitol 10174-Z

Daddy-O

 

 “Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, November 20,1 948, 110.

New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 23, 4D: favorable review.

“Album reviews,” Billboard, December 18,1 948, 39.

November 19

Woody Herman and His Orchestra

Stan Fishelson, Bernie Glow, Irving” Marky” Markowitz, Shorty Rogers, Ernie Royal (tp); Bill Harris, Earl Swope, Ollie Wilson (tb); Bob Swift (b-tb); Woody Herman (cl, as, voc, dir); Al Cohn, Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Sam Marowitz (ts); Serge Chaloff (bars); Terry Gibbs (vib); Lou Levy (p);  Chubby Jackson (b); Don Lamond (d); Mary Ann McCall (voc). Red Rodney replaced Marky Markowitz the first week of November.

Tadd Dameron Orchestra

Red Rodney (tp); Wardell Gray (ts); Tadd Dameron (p, arr); Curley Russell (b); Kenny Clarke (d).

Royal Roost, New York, NY.

 

Gunther Schuller visited the Roost on November 19. In his diary he reports the Herman Orchestra and the Dameron group including Red Rodney and Wardell Gray. No mention of Allen Eager and Kai Winding (information from his son George Schuller).

 

November late

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart (Al Goldberg), Nick Travis (tp); Milt Bernhart, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli (bar); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Terry Swope (voc).

Benny Goodman Sextet

Benny Goodman, Wardell Gray, and rhythm.

The Clarinaders: 5 pieces including Buddy Greco and Terry Swope (voc), and rhythm.

 Tad Dameron, Chico O’Farrill (arr).

 

“MCA Inks B. G.; Ends Guessing,” Billboard, October 2, 1948, 22.

D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 193.

 

November 22

Peggy Lee

Andy Russell

Jo Stafford

Nat King Cole Trio

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Paul Weston and His Orchestra

Frank De Val and His Orchestra

Bob Hope (mc).

Albany, NY.

Broadcasts by WABY at 8:30 pm.

Opening of the Annual Christmas Seal campaign.

Albany County Tuberculosis Association (prod).

 

“WABY Show to open City Seal Campaign,” Knickerbocker News, November 22, 1948, 6-B

November 24

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Armory, Scranton, PA.

Cancelled.

 

Ad in Times-Tribune, November 24, 1948, 13: Concert cancelled due to re-routing of the band.

November 25

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Roseland, Johnstown, PA.

 

Ad in Daily American (Somerset, PA), November 24, 1948, 6.

November 26

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Arena, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.

 

Ad in Niagara Falls Gazette, November 26, 1948, 32.

November 27

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Erie, PA.

 

“Here Tonight,” Fitchburg Sentinel, December 6, 1948.

“Erie 1-Nighters Total loss to All,” Billboard, January 15, 1949, 22.

 

November 28

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

The Elms, Youngstown, OH.

 

Ad in Youngstown Vindicator, November 28, 1948, C 21.

November 30

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Persian Terrace, Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse, NY.

November 30–December 4

December 1, 2, and 5: NBC broadcasts: probably the day before after midnight.

Recordings exist.

 

Ad in Post-Standard, December 1, 1948, 9.

“B. G. Unveils Exciting New Band, Wows Hotel Syracuse,” Billboard, December 11, 1948, 17.

M. Levin. “Notes between Notes,” Down Beat, January 14, 1949, 23: Review.

I have not been able to verify the broadcasts in the press, probably because they were sent after midnight.

See discography for details.

 

December/January mid

Al Haig Quintet

Wardell Gray (ts); Al Haig (p); Jimmy Raney (el-g); Tommy Potter (b); Charlie Perry (d); Terry Swope (voc).

Unidentified studio, New York, NY.

Commercial recordings for Seeco.

 

Al Haig and Tommy Potter toured with JATP in this period, returning to the New York area around the beginning  of  December.

For details see also: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html

 

December 5

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Victory Theater, Holyoke, MA.

 

“Here Tonight,” Fitchburg Sentinel, December 6, 1948.

December 6

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Fitchburg Sports Arena, Fitchburg, MA.

 

“Here Tonight,” Fitchburg Sentinel, December 6, 1948.

Ad in Fitchburg Sentinel, December 6, 1948, 2.

December 7

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet Ballroom. Providence, RI.

 

“Here Tonight,” Fitchburg Sentinel, December 6, 1948.

D. Salemann, Wardell Gray 1921-1955 Discography (1986), 22.

 

December 8

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Totem Pole, Norumbega Park, Newton, MA.

 

Ad in Boston Globe, December 8 1948, 17.

December 10

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Buster West

Lucille Page

Peiro Bros

State Theater, Hartford, CT.

December 10–12.

Rehearsing a new show concept centered on the story of the Goodman band.

 

Ad in Hartford Courant, December 10, 1948, 22.

“Benny Goodman Heads Strong Bill on State Stage,” Hartford Courant, December 11, 1948, 16.

“BG Preparing New Type Band Theater Show,” Billboard, December 18, 1948, 20.

December 15

Benny Goodman and His Orchestra

Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Nick Travis (tp); Milt Bernhart, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli (bar); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Terry Swope.

Benny Goodman Sextet

Benny Goodman, Wardell Gray, and the Rhythm.

The Clarinaders

5 vocals including Buddy Greco and Terry Swope

Buddy Lester

Comedian.

Peiro Bros

Jugglers.

Paramount Theater, New YORK, NY.

December 15, 1948–January 11, 1949.

The press reported that Goodman suffered from severe illness at the end of the Paramount gig. Gene Krupa was called in to lead the band the last days.

 

Ad in Daily News, December 14, 1948, 80.

“Vaudeville Reviews: Paramount, New York,” Billboard, December 25, 1948, 42: Review on December 15.

“BG Takes Stage Shows in Hand; Pulls a Switch,” Down Beat, January 14, 1949, 3: Review.

Ad in New York Times, January 11, 1949, 35: Has new show opening January 12.

Orkesters Say Theaters Stifle Innovations; Goodman’s Gripe,” Billboard, February 12, 1949, 18.

“Fever Hits Goodman; Doctor Orders Rest,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 36.

D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 194.

 

December mid

1949 March of Dimes

Benny Goodman Orchestra

Columbia Studios, Liederkranz Hall, New York, NY

Recording of electrical transcription (ET), for benefit broadcasting for the March of Dimes.

Recordings exist.

 

See discography for details.