Sorry to hear of Eddie Bert’s passing last week. He was a trombonist who loved to play so much that if there were no paying gigs, he would find a band to sit in with. Bert was 90 years old and worked until shortly before he died. He was an asset in combos as well as big bands. His resume included work with Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Charles Mingus, The Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and several repertory bands, including the American Jazz Orchestra.
In New York, I frequently encountered Eddie in clubs, after concerts, on the street, commuting on the train to or from Grand Central. He was always well dressed, interesting to chat with, looked at least twenty years younger than his age, and was unfailingly cheerful, as he is in this recording with a dream rhythm section of Duke Jordan, Ray Drummond and Mel Lewis. It’s from his album The Human Factor.
For more about Eddie Bert, see this piece from the Stamford Advocate near the town where he lived in Connecticut and this 2004 essay on Bill Crow’s web site.
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
Eddie Bert was also part of the beautiful Hall Overton textures of Thelonious Monk at Town Hall, Feb. 1959.
The grooves of “Little Rootie Tootie:,” Friday the 13th”,” Crepescule with Nellie”, etc. will live forever.
I hope Eddie Bert and all the participants were and are interviewed about their memories of the making of that joyous performance.
Rest in Peace, Eddie Bert, and thank you.