Chuck Andrus

Bassist Chuck Andrus turns up on the pile of edges by big-band leader Woody Herman, but also offers an interesting job in straight-ahead jazz organizations where high-profile players such as for example alto saxophonist Phil Woods and vibraphonist Terry Gibbs also took portion. Hailing from New Britain, Andrus produced his method toward the same beacon that draws in many a jazz musician: NEW YORK. There he researched in the Manhattan College of Music as a man, then shaped a combo centered out of Springfield, Massachusetts that included Woods aswell as the good guitarist Sal Salvador. By 1953, the bassist got begun dealing with Charlie Barnet’s music group, moving towards the medium-sized ensembles of Claude Thornhill for another many years. The second option ensemble was where he 1st installed with Gibbs, with whom he taken care of a normal playing relationship. Following middle-’50s, Andrus was referred to as a freelance participant around Manhatten, documenting a few of his better use leaders such as for example trumpeter Don Stratton, pianist Bernard Peiffer, and drummer Jim Chapin. While not that popular, they are all players worth more interest. Peiffer, for instance, cut an record for Emarcy entitled Bernie’s Music which features guitarist Joe Puma and drummer Ed Thigpen, with Andrus swapping off bass responsibilities with the fantastic Oscar Pettiford. Andrus’ power being a bassist does not have any better description compared to the nickname he obtained while with Herman, “Charlie the Arm.” That element of his body certainly got a good work out in a edition from the Herman music group that is frequently considered one of the better from the 100 % pure jazz viewpoint.