Al Hall

Although under no circumstances a prominent soloist, the versatile and incredibly supportive bassist Al Hall was considered a secured asset to a many dates and saving sessions. He was raised in Philadelphia and in early stages performed cello and tuba before switching completely to bass in 1932. After functioning locally for a couple of years, Hall shifted to NY in 1936 where he used Billy Hicks (1936-1937), Skeets Tolbert (1937-1938), and, most considerably, Teddy Wilson’s big music group and combo (1939-1941). After dealing with the Ellis Larkins Trio (1942-1943) and Mary Lou Williams, Hall became an employee musician at CBS (frequently playing in the Mildred Bailey Present within the Paul Baron Orchestra) and proved helpful in the pit rings of Broadway displays on an intermittent basis for many years. Hall shaped the Polish label in 1946, which lasted 3 years before getting bought by Atlantic. The bassist proved helpful and toured with Erroll Garner on / off during 1945-1963. Among his afterwards associations had been Benny Goodman (a 1966 tour of European countries), Hazel Scott, Tiny Grimes, Alberta Hunter (1977-1978), and Doc Cheatham. Hall produced his saving debut with Billy Hicks in 1937, and led five game titles during 1946-1947 for the Polish label and four options for Western european Columbia in 1959. Additionally, he had not been above playing periods specialized in newer types of music and, as a fresh York-based musician, alternated with Abie Baker on periods for George Goldner’s Gee and Rama brands operate by saxman Jimmy Wright, carrying out R&B and early rock and roll & roll.