Harold Ashby

A fantastic Ben Webster-inspired tenor saxophonist, Harold Ashby in shape correct in during his period with Duke Ellington. He previously performed in Kansas Town (beginning in 1946) and, in the first ’50s, in Chicago. Some of his earlier work is at R&B and blues rings, he was constantly an excellent swing-based improviser. In 1957, Ashby shifted to NY, fulfilled Ben Webster, and with the elder tenor was released to Duke Ellington. Through the following 10 years he was for the periphery of Duke’s globe, using Mercer Ellington’s short-lived music group, documenting with Ellington celebrities, and showing up in Duke’s My People display. Ashby was a lot more than prepared when he became a member of Ellington in 1968, and he was a significant asset towards the band until the leader’s loss of life. Ashby continuing with Mercer Ellington into 1975, gigged with Benny Goodman and Sy Oliver, and performed frequently in European countries and led periodic record schedules, including 1991’s What Am I Right here For? and 1999’s SIMPLY FOR You, hence keeping the Ellington golf swing tenor legacy alive. After struggling a coronary attack in-may of 2003, Harold Ashby was hospitalized in his followed home of NY. He passed on June 13, 2003 at age 78.