Benny Bailey

Although Benny Bailey later confessed his dislike for funky music, his contributions to the Eddie Harris/Les McCann Swiss Movement album brought him his greatest recognition. Primarily performing in boppish contexts as an outgoing and vividly expressive trumpeter, Bailey’s extended stay in Europe yielded more opportunities yet reduced visibility compared to remaining stateside. Having received initial instruction on piano and flute before committing exclusively to trumpet, he pursued studies at the Cleveland Conservatory of Music. During the early 1940s, engagements with ensembles directed by Bull Moose Jackson and Scatman Crothers marked his path, followed by time alongside Jay McShann. From 1947 to 1948 he performed in Dizzy Gillespie’s big band, after which he became a central figure in the Lionel Hampton Orchestra until 1953. Departing from Hampton amid a European tour prompted his decision to remain abroad. Extended residence in Sweden included work with Harry Arnold’s big band from 1957 to 1959, alongside recordings with Stan Getz and a tour with Quincy Jones in 1959. A short return to the United States in 1960 allowed for the recording of Big Brass on Candid, nearly a classic, before he moved to Germany. Consistent activity encompassed a 1961 recording with Eric Dolphy, prominence in the Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, tours with George Gruntz’s Concert Jazz band, and joining the Paris Reunion Band in 1986. Besides the Candid release, Bailey directed dates for European imprints such as Sonet, Metronome, Saba, Freedom, Enja, Ego, Hot House, and Gemini, in addition to a 1978 Jazzcraft album from America. His most prominent recognition stemmed from dynamic solos on “Cold Duck Time” and “Compared to What” during the Harris/McCann performance, footage of which is also preserved on video. In 2000 he issued a favorably regarded homage to Louis Armstrong called The Satchmo Legacy while sustaining a busy performance itinerary. The seasoned trumpeter died on April 15, 2005, at his Amsterdam residence.