Biography
Nate Kazebier earned recognition as a capable swing trumpeter without ever rising to prominence as a featured soloist, chiefly through his initial connection to Benny Goodman. He took up the trumpet at age nine and launched his career in Midwest territory ensembles, among them Austin Wylie’s Cleveland unit, Jan Garber, and Slats Randall. During 1935-36 he performed in Goodman’s large ensemble and appeared on a smaller session directed by Gene Krupa. By the middle of 1936 Kazebier had departed, relocated to California, and joined Ray Noble, Seger Ellis’ Brass Choir, Spud Murphy, and additional regional groups. He later played in Gene Krupa’s inaugural big band from 1939 to 1940, followed by a stretch with Jimmy Dorsey lasting until 1943, at which point he entered military service. Upon discharge he rejoined Goodman for a second engagement between 1946 and 1947, after which he settled into studio work in California. Though he cut sides with Ray Bauduc and remained active through the 1960s, Kazebier—who never fronted any recordings under his own name—remained largely unknown.