Biography
Derived from his surname, the trombonist's moniker conjures an image of someone rampaging with scissors in hand. Yet Cutty Cutshall wielded a trombone instead, channeling his competitive edge into outplaying fellow brass players during jam sessions or committing performances to disc. He matured into a respected elder statesman of the swing revival during the 1960s and ranks among the itinerant players who died solitary deaths in hotel rooms while traveling on the road. Emerging from the Pittsburgh music community, Cutshall left that city in 1934 for a tour alongside Charley Dornberger. He spent two years in Jan Savitt's employ starting in 1938, after which he moved in and out of Benny Goodman's orchestra through the initial half of the 1940s, including a period of conscription by the American military.
During the later 1940s Cutshall maintained steady work with Billy Butterfield while also harvesting choice freelance opportunities across New York City, thereby accumulating extensive recording credits. From 1949 onward he forged an enduring alliance with Eddie Condon, whose advocacy for swing encompassed both leading ensembles and operating a venue where he commanded the stage. Cutshall accompanied Condon on an English tour in 1957 and remained with him during an extended engagement at Toronto's Colonial Tavern when his life ended. The trombonist also appeared and recorded alongside clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, vocalists Bob Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, and the legendary Louis Armstrong under a Decca contract.
During the later 1940s Cutshall maintained steady work with Billy Butterfield while also harvesting choice freelance opportunities across New York City, thereby accumulating extensive recording credits. From 1949 onward he forged an enduring alliance with Eddie Condon, whose advocacy for swing encompassed both leading ensembles and operating a venue where he commanded the stage. Cutshall accompanied Condon on an English tour in 1957 and remained with him during an extended engagement at Toronto's Colonial Tavern when his life ended. The trombonist also appeared and recorded alongside clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, vocalists Bob Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, and the legendary Louis Armstrong under a Decca contract.