Red Norvo
Red Norvo was an unusual star during the swing era, playing jazz xylophone. After he switched to vibes in 1943, Norvo had a quieter yet no-less fluent style than Lionel Hampton. Although no match for Hampton popularity-wise, Norvo and his wife, singer Mildred Bailey, did become known as "Mr. and Mrs. Swing."
Red Norvo had a long and interesting career. He started on marimba when he was 14 and soon switched to xylophone. Active in vaudeville in the late '20s as a tap dancer, Norvo joined Paul Whiteman's orchestra in the early '30s (meeting and marrying Mildred Bailey). He recorded some extraordinary sides in the early to mid-'30s that showed off his virtuosity and imagination; two numbers (the atmospheric "Dance of the Octopus" and "In a Mist") had Benny Goodman playing bass clarinet, remarkably. Norvo led his own band during 1936-1944 which, with its Eddie Sauter arrangements (particularly in the early days), had a unique ensemble sound that made it possible for one to hear the leader's xylophone. In 1944, Norvo (who by then had switched permanently to vibes) broke up his band and joined Benny Goodman's Sextet. Through recordings and appearances, he showed that his style was quite adaptable and open to bop. Norvo welcomed Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to a 1945 record date, was part of Woody Herman's riotous first Herd in 1946, and recorded with Stan Hasselgard in 1948. At the beginning of the 1950s, Norvo put together an unusual trio with guitarist Tal Farlow (later Jimmy Raney) and bassist Charles Mingus (later Red Mitchell). The light yet often speedy unisons and telepathic interplay by the musicians was quite memorable. Norvo led larger groups later in the decade, had reunions with Benny Goodman, and made many fine recordings. The 1960s found Red Norvo adopting a lower profile after he had a serious ear operation in 1961. He worked with the Newport All-Stars later in the decade, and from the mid-'70s to the mid-'80s was once again quite active, making several excellent recordings. However, his hearing eventually worsened and a serious stroke put Red Norvo out of action altogether after 55 years of music. He died on April 6, 1999, at the age of 91.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Nuances By Norvo Vol. 5
Jazz - Pubblicato da Hep Records il 13 giu 2000
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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St. Nicholas - For Young Folks
Jazz - Pubblicato da St. Nicholas Day il 27 nov 2021
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The Early Years Vol. 10
Jazz - Pubblicato da Documents il 1 set 2008
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Windjammer City Style
World music - Pubblicato da TP4 Music il 6 gen 2021
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Cheaper Tricks
Jazz - Pubblicato da tricki masters mind il 2 ott 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Disciples of Jazz, Vol. 21
Red Norvo, Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Jazz - Pubblicato da 21-Music il 10 ott 2013
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Nightingale
Jazz - Pubblicato da oldies and hits for future il 26 mag 2019
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The Disciples of Jazz, Vol. 19
Red Norvo, Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Jazz - Pubblicato da 21-Music il 10 ott 2013
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Red Norvo and His Selected Sextet (Bonus Track Version)
Jazz - Pubblicato da Circadian Jazz il 20 feb 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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The Disciples of Jazz, Vol. 23
Red Norvo, Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Jazz - Pubblicato da 21-Music il 10 ott 2013
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The Disciples of Jazz, Vol. 15
Terry Gibbs, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Red Norvo
Jazz - Pubblicato da 21-Music il 10 ott 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Dancing on the Ceiling
Jazz - Pubblicato da 21-Music il 10 ott 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo