Biography
Juan Tizol spent fifteen years as a vital member of Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, where his broad musical skills proved consistently valuable despite limited recognition. His uncle, Manuel Tizol, provided his early training, after which he performed with the Municipal Band of San Juan. Upon relocating to the United States in 1920, he appeared in Washington, D.C., alongside the Marie Lucas Orchestra and later performed with Bobby Lee’s Cottonpickers as well as the White Brothers’ Band. He entered Ellington’s ranks in August 1929 and, though he seldom took solos, supplied essential support within the ensemble. His command of the valve trombone—on which he became the first notable jazz exponent—enabled him both to strengthen the trombone choir and to substitute for missing saxophonists when needed. Among his most enduring contributions were the compositions “Caravan” and “Perdido,” pieces forever linked to Ellington’s repertoire.
Departing Ellington in April 1944, Tizol remained with Harry James until March 1951. During that period he participated in the so-called “Great James Robbery,” the episode in which three of James’s musicians moved to Ellington’s band after it had lost Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, and Sonny Greer. Tizol rejoined Ellington and stayed until late 1953, at which point he returned to James for the remainder of the decade. A short third engagement with Ellington occurred in spring 1960. Afterward he largely withdrew from active playing, settling first in Los Angeles and subsequently in Las Vegas. Beyond his extensive sessions with both Ellington and James, as well as several of Ellington’s sidemen, Tizol directed a single recording session of his own in 1946, producing four titles issued by Keynote.
Departing Ellington in April 1944, Tizol remained with Harry James until March 1951. During that period he participated in the so-called “Great James Robbery,” the episode in which three of James’s musicians moved to Ellington’s band after it had lost Johnny Hodges, Lawrence Brown, and Sonny Greer. Tizol rejoined Ellington and stayed until late 1953, at which point he returned to James for the remainder of the decade. A short third engagement with Ellington occurred in spring 1960. Afterward he largely withdrew from active playing, settling first in Los Angeles and subsequently in Las Vegas. Beyond his extensive sessions with both Ellington and James, as well as several of Ellington’s sidemen, Tizol directed a single recording session of his own in 1946, producing four titles issued by Keynote.
Singles
