The trumpet and the saxophone might get all the frontline glory, but the one musical instrument that was consistent in all the old time radio recordings in USA is the trombone. This brass-made sliding pipe instrument became an essential element for every jazz ensemble during the peak of the big band and swing era in the 1930s. Below here, we take a look at some of the most famous jazz trombone players of all time.
Miff Mole
Miff Mole is counted as one of the greatest of early jazz trombonists. A skillful player of the instrument, he developed a distinctive style of jazz trombone soloing. He was also a well-known bandleader and a prominent figure in New York’s jazz scene during the 1920s. He recorded and performed alongside some of the greatest names of his era including Eddie Lang, Jimmy Dorsey, Red Nichols, and Bix Beiderbecke. Some of his iconic recordings include ‘Red Hot Mama’ with Sophie Tucker, ‘Slippin’ Around’, ‘Miff’s Blues’, and ‘There’ll Come a Time (Wait and See)’.
Jack Teagarden
A talented jazz singer and trombone player, Jack Teagarden developed an effortless, lyrical style. His creativity and technique earned him a reputation as the most important pre-bebop trombonist in jazz history. Teagarden spent his early career as an in-demand sideman to some of the biggest names of the era, including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Louis Armstrong, and many more. He recorded over 1,000 tracks with legendary labels such as Columbia, Capitol, and Decca. His most popular recordings include ‘Basin Street Blues', Jeepers Creepers’, and ‘Stars Fell on Alabama’, and ‘Pennies From Heaven’ to name just a few. Teagarden also contributed to developing the technical side of trombone playing by designing trombone mouthpieces and mutes.
J.J. Johnson
Often referred to as the greatest jazz trombonist of all time, J.J. Johnson had masterful technique and exemplary improvisational skills. He was one of the first trombone players to embrace the bebop style of music. In the initial years of his career, he played with the big bands and swing orchestras of the 1940s, including recordings with Benny Carter and Count Basie. He was encouraged by trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie to take up the bebop style. He started playing in small groups with fellow bebop innovators like Charlie Parker, Sonny Stitt, Max Roach, and Bud Powell. Johnson soon turned bandleader and recorded his first album for Blue Note Records with Miles Davis. This was followed by a highly successful association with fellow trombonist Kai Winding, for Savoy Records. Over the course of his long career, Johnson performed with some of the greatest musicians of that time, such as Tommy Flanagan, Nat Adderley, Clifford Jordan, Freddie Hubbard, Elvin Jones, Cedar Walton, and many more. He was also a successful composer and arranger.
Urbie Green
Known for his warm, mellow tone and flawless technique, Urbie Green is believed to be one of the best jazz trombone players of all time. With a musical career spanning several decades, he released more than two dozen albums as a soloist and played on over 250 recordings. Green performed with some of the greatest bandleaders of that time, including Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Gene Krupa, Frank Sinatra, and Woody Herman. In 1995, he was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.
Slide Hampton
A master composer, arranger, and uniquely gifted trombone player, Slide Hampton is one of the most respected names in jazz history. Hampton is one of the very few distinguished left-handed trombonists. He started playing at a very early age, and by the time he was 20 years old, he was performing at the renowned Carnegie Hall. As he gained the reputation as one of the most gifted trombone players, Hampton performed and recorded with greats such as Art Blakey, Thad Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Max Roach, Tadd Dameron, and Mel Lewis.
Conclusion
The trombone had a great influence on the development of jazz music through the years. The next time you listen to old time radio recordings in USA at any music station, pay special attention to this brass instrument.