Klarinet Archive - Posting 000229.txt from 2004/05

From: "Lacy, Edwin" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] RE: Mystery jazz clarinetist
Date: Tue, 11 May 2004 18:16:47 -0400

I wrote:

<<<If this is in fact the earlier small group and if the time period is
about right, I would suggest that the man pictured between Basie and [I
think you mean Freddie Green] might be trombonist Dickie Wells.

And Bob Davenport replied:

<<<Could be, though if I had to put money on a trombonist who was a
regular associate of Basie's at this time I think I'd go for Benny
Morton - judging by the photos (from different periods) that I've
seen.>>>

Morton played with the Basie big band from 1937 - 1940. Dicky Wells was
with Count Basie from 1938 until 1950, with "minor interruptions,"
according to the New Grove Dictionary of Jazz. Wells, Morton, and Dan
Minor were the trombone section in Basie's band in 1938-39, but when
Basie folded the big band, Wells was definitely the trombonist in his
"Kansas City Seven." Among the reasons that I interpret photo #3 as
being of the small group is because of their configuration on the stage,
and the personnel who are identifiable. There is no sign of music
stands or other players of the wind instruments. BTW, there is a good
photo of Wells in the Grove Dictionary.

Incidentally, is in rarefied company, because there is an entire chapter
called "The Romantic Imagination of Dicky Wells" in Andre Hodier's book,
"Jazz: Its Evolution and Essence." (That's the title of the English
translation - the literal translation of the original French title is
"Men and Problems of Jazz. The translator seems to have taken quite a
bit of freedom.)

Also, Wells wrote a very interesting book of memoirs. I can't find my
copy right now, but I recommend it. As you can see, I am quite a fan of
Wells' playing.

Sorry - I just realized that this thread has wandered away from the
original question about the clarinetist.

Ed Lacy
University of Evansville

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