Elmer Alexander

Changing the dynamic Gene Krupa in the strap from the oppressively challenging Benny Goodman cannot have already been easy, specifically for a fellow dimunitive enough to possess wound up using the nickname “Mousie.” A 1957 concert review, nevertheless, appears to indicate that Elmer “Mousie” Alexander do just good sitting in the traps: “Mousie Alexander might not possess the open fire of Krupa, but he includes a good, sharp technique and will even more with brushes than many perform with sticks.” Mastery with brushes–a drummer’s drummer sort of thing–is only 1 of the reason why many jazz supporters love the playing of Alexander, whose amazing discography is packed with great periods backing up market leaders such as for example guitarist Johnny Smith and pianist Ralph Sutton. Alexander hailed in the midwest; his dad played violin, as well as the youthful drummer examined music on the Ray Knapp College in Chicago and privately in NEW YORK with Sam Ulano. In the past due ’40s he started gigging skillfully with Jimmy McPartland, shifting to the music group of this leader’s wife, pianist Marian McPartland, in 1952. The amazing recordings of Sauter-Finegan in the mid ’50s frequently feature Alexander, but he actually strike his stride collaborating with guitarist Smith on some small combo schedules around once. In 1956 he became a member of the Goodman music group for a season, getting in on the ASIA tour. In the past due ’50s he caused artists such as for example Bud Freeman and Eddie Condon, pledging allegiance towards the golf swing school for the total amount of his profession. Jazz discographers monitor Alexander on several jazz schedules up through 1988. One of the better docs of his playing is certainly a 25-minute film that was among five such jazz shows commissioned with the Goodyear car tire company in a string entitled Good Many years of Jazz. This 1962 present features a music group led by guitarist Mike Bryan that’s packed with golf swing experts, including tenor saxophonist Georgie Auld, trumpeter Doc Severinsen and vibraphonist Harry Shephard.