John Lamb (born November 29, 1933) is an American jazz double bassist who was a member of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. [1] Born in Vero Beach, Florida, Lamb as a child loved playing music, specializing in the tuba. He left high school to join the United States Air Force as a musician for their military band. He was stationed in Texas and then Montana, where the long winters left him ample time to practice. When the band's usual string bass player was unavailable for a gig in 1951, the bandmaster asked Lamb if he could play the bass; Lamb immediately said yes, and before long became the band's new string bassist. He credited his tuba experience for giving him the "feel" to pick up string bass quickly without any prior experience. [2]
Lamb joined Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1964, and toured with them for three years. [3] Lamb was more of a fan of Miles Davis and Red Garland when he was with Ellington, later saying, “I was very young and very cocky. I thought I knew more than Duke at that time...I have more time today to reflect on the things that were accomplished back then, and the places we traveled to and all the wonderful people that we met. So one has to be careful what one does in his young years, because if they’re fortunate to live long, it all comes back.” [4] In 1966 Lamb performed with Ellington and Sam Woodyard for artist Joan Miró at the Fondation Maeght in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. [4]
Lamb later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida and taught music in public schools as well as St. Petersburg College. [3] Alphonso Johnson was one of Lamb's students. Lamb was awarded the Jazz Club of Sarasota’s “Satchmo Award” for service to jazz. [3]
Cornelius "Johnny" Hodges was an American alto saxophonist, best known for solo work with Duke Ellington's big band. He played lead alto in the saxophone section for many years. Hodges was also featured on soprano saxophone, but refused to play soprano after 1946. Along with Benny Carter, Hodges is considered to be one of the definitive alto saxophone players of the big band era.
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The Stockholm Concert, 1966 is a 1966 live album by the American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, accompanied in part by the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The recording remained unreleased until 1984.
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William Alonzo "Cat" Anderson was an American jazz trumpeter known for his long period as a member of Duke Ellington's orchestra and for his wide range, especially his ability to play in the altissimo register.
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Discography for jazz double-bassist and cellist Ray Brown.
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George "Buster" Cooper was an American jazz trombonist.
Sam Woodyard was an American jazz drummer.
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