One of the
world’s greatest drummers, Louie Bellson (b. 1924) has been an
exciting crowd pleaser for over 60 years. Born Luigi Paolino
Balassoni, Bellson won a nationwide Gene Krupa
drum contest in 1940 and was heard
by Tommy
Dorsey, who was quite
impressed. The drummer started at the top in 1941, playing with
Benny Goodman; after serving in the military, he worked with the
big bands of Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Harry James. His trademark
was using two bass drums in his set. From the start, Bellson was
able to construct fascinating solos that could hold one’s interest
for as long as 15 minutes, yet he also enjoyed playing quietly with
combos.
Performing regularly with Duke Ellington during 1951-1953 made Bellson world-famous and he also gained good reviews for his writing, which included “Skin Deep” and “The Hawk Talks.” After marrying Pearl Bailey, he left Ellington to work as his wife’s musical director but he also performed in many different settings, including with Jazz At The Philharmonic, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Count Basie, and special projects with Ellington. In addition Bellson led his own big band and small groups, recording regularly as a leader.
In the 1970s, Louie Bellson recorded as a leader for both Concord (150 MPH, Louie Bellson’s 7, Prime Time, Raincheck, Side Track, Dynamite, London Scene, and 1987’s Live at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase) and Pablo (The Louie Bellson Explosion, Ecué Ritmos Cubanos, Sunshine Rock, Louie Bellson Jam, Matterhorn, The London Gig, and Cool, Cool Blue), displaying his versatile playing and writing for both orchestras and heated combos.
A well-respected educator and one of the nicest people in the music business, the still-active Louie Bellson is a class act.
Performing regularly with Duke Ellington during 1951-1953 made Bellson world-famous and he also gained good reviews for his writing, which included “Skin Deep” and “The Hawk Talks.” After marrying Pearl Bailey, he left Ellington to work as his wife’s musical director but he also performed in many different settings, including with Jazz At The Philharmonic, Art Tatum, Oscar Peterson, the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, Count Basie, and special projects with Ellington. In addition Bellson led his own big band and small groups, recording regularly as a leader.
In the 1970s, Louie Bellson recorded as a leader for both Concord (150 MPH, Louie Bellson’s 7, Prime Time, Raincheck, Side Track, Dynamite, London Scene, and 1987’s Live at Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase) and Pablo (The Louie Bellson Explosion, Ecué Ritmos Cubanos, Sunshine Rock, Louie Bellson Jam, Matterhorn, The London Gig, and Cool, Cool Blue), displaying his versatile playing and writing for both orchestras and heated combos.
A well-respected educator and one of the nicest people in the music business, the still-active Louie Bellson is a class act.
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