Red Norvo

Crimson Norvo was a unique star through the swing era, using jazz xylophone. After he turned to vibes in 1943, Norvo acquired a quieter however no-less fluent design than Lionel Hampton. Although no match for Hampton popularity-wise, Norvo and his wife, vocalist Mildred Bailey, do become referred to as “Mr. and Mrs. Golf swing.” Crimson Norvo got an extended and interesting profession. He began on marimba when he was 14 and quickly turned to xylophone. Dynamic in vaudeville in the past due ’20s like a faucet dancer, Norvo became a member of Paul Whiteman’s orchestra in the first ’30s (conference and marrying Mildred Bailey). He documented some extraordinary edges in the first to middle-’30s that demonstrated off his virtuosity and creativity; two amounts (the atmospheric “Dance from the Octopus” and “Inside a Mist”) got Benny Goodman playing bass clarinet, incredibly. Norvo led his personal music group during 1936-1944 which, using its Eddie Sauter preparations (especially in the first days), got a distinctive ensemble audio that managed to get possible for someone to hear the leader’s xylophone. In 1944, Norvo (who at that time got switched completely to vibes) split up his music group and became a member of Benny Goodman’s Sextet. Through recordings and looks, he demonstrated that his design was quite versatile and available to bop. Norvo welcomed Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie to some 1945 record day, was section of Woody Herman’s riotous 1st Herd in 1946, and documented with Stan Hasselgard in 1948. At the start from the 1950s, Norvo come up with a unique trio with guitarist Tal Farlow (later on Jimmy Raney) and bassist Charles Mingus (later on Crimson Mitchell). The light however often quick unisons and telepathic interplay from the music artists was quite unforgettable. Norvo led bigger groups later within the 10 years, got reunions with Benny Goodman, and produced many good recordings. The 1960s discovered Red Norvo implementing a lesser profile after he previously a significant ear procedure in 1961. He caused the Newport All-Stars later on in the 10 years, and through the middle-’70s towards the middle-’80s was once more quite active, producing several exceptional recordings. Nevertheless, his hearing ultimately worsened and a significant stroke put Crimson Norvo away from action entirely after 55 years of music. He passed away on Apr 6, 1999, at age 91.