Biography
A trumpeter distinguished by his extensive capabilities, pleasing timbre, and solid command of technique, Nick Travis devoted the greater part of his shortened career to studio work while remaining a capable jazz soloist. Professional experience began for him at fifteen. Early associations included Johnny McGhee, Vido Musso in 1942, Mitch Ayres, and periodic work with Woody Herman spanning 1942–1944, all prior to military service. After his discharge he moved among many groups, among them Ray McKinley on and off from 1946 to 1950, Benny Goodman from 1948 to 1949, Gene Krupa, Ina Ray Hutton, Tommy Dorsey, Tex Beneke, Woody Herman once more in 1950–1951, Jerry Gray, Bob Chester, Elliot Lawrence, and Jimmy Dorsey during 1952–1953. Notice arrived through his role as a principal soloist with the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra from 1953 to 1956, after which he entered the less visible environment of the studios as an NBC staff musician. Occasional appearances followed, among them section duties with Gerry Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Orchestra in 1960–1962 and a Lincoln Center performance with Thelonious Monk’s medium-size group in late 1963. He died suddenly in 1964 at the age of thirty-eight from ulcers. His sole date as leader was recorded for Victor in 1954, and he was prominently featured on small-group sessions led by Al Cohn in 1953 and Zoot Sims in 1956.