Biography
Born Rodney Charles Levitt on 16 September 1929 in Portland, Oregon, the trombonist maintained steady employment in studio orchestras. His profile in jazz circles rose sharply after joining Dizzy Gillespie’s big band for a 1956 engagement. Additional credits soon followed with large ensembles directed by Ernie Wilkins, Sy Oliver and Gil Evans. During the first half of the 1960s he assembled an octet featuring Bill Berry and Rolf Ericson for several sessions, yet his most frequent appearances came as a sideman in orchestras led by Quincy Jones, Oliver Nelson and the Chuck Israels National Jazz Ensemble. Beyond reliable instrumental work, Levitt also demonstrated skill as an arranger. (NB: Not to be confused with the jazz guitarist of the same name.)
Albums