Nat Pierce

Nat Pierce had an extended, distinguished, somewhat low-profile profession as a champ of latter-day big-band golf swing, serving because the co-leader of Los Angeles’ split Frank Capp-Nat Pierce Juggernaut and an arranger for many well-known big rings and solo performers. His scores developed an irresistible power when allied using a swinging, pressing drummer like Capp, frequently hewing tightly towards the loping get and restricted ensemble from the post-’50s Count number Basie orchestra. Also, Pierce’s spare, delicious piano style not merely has been in comparison to that of Basie, he also subbed extremely capably — certainly, nearly indistinguishably — for the fantastic man on / off from the past due ’50s until Basie’s loss of life in 1984. Pierce researched music at the brand new Britain Conservatory of Music back in Massachusetts, caused local Boston rings, and went his personal part-time big music group offering Charlie Mariano from 1949 to 1951. Having currently started shopping plans to Basie and Woody Herman, he became a member of Herman’s Third Herd in 1951 as pianist/arranger, staying until 1955. Afterward, Pierce resolved in NEW YORK, where he became a occupied freelance arranger, documenting pianist, and periodic leader of rings, dealing with Ruby Braff, Lester Youthful, Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Coleman Hawkins, Pee Wee Russell, and Lester Youthful. Two of his most well-known projects occurred in 1957 — composing the preparations for The Sound of Jazz tv program, and playing piano using the Basie tempo section in the initial ear-opening Lambert, Hendricks & Ross record Sing a Tune of Basie. In 1961, Pierce rejoined Herman and performed a major function in raising the music group into among its peak intervals, serving as key arranger, road supervisor, and skill scout until 1966. Afterward, he resumed his freelancing methods, organizing for Anita O’Day, Carmen McRae, Earl Hines, among others, dealing with the rings of Louie Bellson and Costs Berry, reuniting with Herman, and substituting for Basie and Stan Kenton sometimes. In 1975, four years following a move to LA, Pierce joined makes with Capp to create the Capp-Pierce Juggernaut, which drew its employees from the very best Los Angeles program players out to decompress off their studio room gigs. The music group recorded several swinging albums for the Concord Jazz label, occasionally with visitor vocalists like Joe Williams and Ernestine Anderson. Pierce continuing to co-lead the Juggernaut on / off until his loss of life, while also producing a short appearance within the 1977 film NY, NY, touring European countries in 1980 and 1984 as an associate from the Countsmen, and documenting often for Concord like a sideman for Scott Hamilton, Jake Hanna, among others.